Laura Smith
Roasted zucchini and mushrooms is a healthy and tasty veggie side dish that is super simple to make. The process is easy: first, preheat your oven to 425°F. Then, rinse and slice your mushrooms and zucchini. Next, toss the vegetables with oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, before laying them out on a baking pan. Finally, pop the pan in the oven and cook for 15-20 minutes.
Baking Mushrooms and Zucchini in the Oven
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven Temperature | 350°F-450°F (176.6°C-232.2°C) |
| Baking Time | 15-30 minutes |
| Baking Dish | Roasting pan, baking sheet, or casserole dish |
| Baking Dish Preparation | Coated with non-stick spray, oil, or butter |
| Mushroom Preparation | Washed, drained, and cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Zucchini Preparation | Washed, cut into evenly-sized pieces (chunks, half-moons, strips, or slices) |
| Seasonings | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, herbs, lemon juice, cheese, or vegan cheese |
| Additional Ingredients | Onions, olive oil, broth, or vinegar |
| Serving Suggestions | Baked mayo-Parmesan fish, Sriracha-glazed grilled chicken, or steak |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the oven to 425°F
To bake mushrooms and zucchini in the oven, you'll want to preheat your oven to 425°F. This temperature is ideal for roasting vegetables, as it allows them to cook evenly and achieve that desired golden brown colour.
Preheating the oven is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures that your oven reaches the desired temperature before you place your food inside. This is especially important when baking or roasting, as it helps to ensure even cooking. By preheating, you create a consistent temperature environment for your food, which helps to achieve the desired cooking results.
When preheating your oven to 425°F, you can expect the process to take around 10-15 minutes, depending on your oven's specifications and age. Modern ovens tend to preheat faster, so keep an eye on the temperature gauge or rely on your oven's preheat notification if it has one.
While the oven is preheating, you can prepare your mushrooms and zucchini. Wash and slice the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. For zucchini, cut them into evenly sized pieces, such as 1-inch thick half-moons, to ensure even cooking. You can also season your vegetables with oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, tossing them in a mixing bowl or directly on the baking pan.
Once your oven reaches 425°F, you'll be ready to place your seasoned vegetables on a baking sheet and pop them into the oven.
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Prepare the vegetables
To prepare the vegetables, start by rinsing the zucchini and mushrooms under cold water. Wipe the mushrooms with a paper towel—some people recommend not washing mushrooms as they absorb water and become slimy, but if you rinse them quickly and dry them, this shouldn't be an issue.
Slice the zucchini into evenly-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick. You can cut them into half-moon slices, or if you prefer a chunkier texture, cut them into strips about 1/2 inch wide. If you're using large zucchini, cut them into fourths lengthwise and use a sharp spoon to scrape out the seeds and white pith, leaving about 1/2 inch of flesh on the skin. Smaller zucchini don't need to be halved, but you can slice them in half or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
For the mushrooms, use small button mushrooms or your favourite variety. Wash and drain them, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. If your mushrooms are large, slice them; if they're small, you can halve them or leave them whole.
Place the vegetables in a large mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or spices. You can add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You could also add some grated Parmesan cheese or feta cheese to the mix, or sprinkle it on top after baking.
Now your vegetables are ready to be placed on a baking pan and cooked in the oven!
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Season the vegetables
Seasoning your vegetables is a key step in baking mushrooms and zucchini in the oven. The right combination of spices and herbs can elevate the dish, making it more flavourful and enjoyable. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your vegetables:
Washing and Preparing the Vegetables:
Before you begin seasoning, it's essential to wash your mushrooms and zucchini thoroughly. Some sources recommend rinsing the mushrooms quickly and lightly under water, followed by a gentle wipe with a paper towel. This ensures the mushrooms don't become slimy or mushy from absorbing too much water. As for the zucchini, a straightforward rinse in water will suffice. Once cleaned, cut your mushrooms into bite-sized pieces or halves, depending on their size. For zucchini, aim for evenly sized pieces, such as thick half-moons or slices, to ensure even cooking.
Choosing Your Seasonings:
The beauty of seasoning vegetables is that you can tailor the flavours to your taste preferences. A simple and classic option is to use salt and pepper, adjusting the amount to your liking. You can also incorporate garlic, which pairs well with zucchini and mushrooms. Consider using fresh garlic cloves, minced or powdered, to add a punch of flavour. Additionally, you can experiment with herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme to enhance the dish. These herbs can be fresh or dried, depending on your availability.
Combining Seasonings:
When it comes to combining your seasonings, you have a few options. You can toss the zucchini and mushrooms in a mixing bowl with olive oil and your chosen seasonings until they are well coated. This method ensures an even distribution of flavours. Alternatively, you can drizzle the vegetables with oil directly on the baking pan and then sprinkle your chosen seasonings on top. Using your hands or a spatula, toss the vegetables on the pan to ensure they are evenly coated.
Additional Tips:
Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasoning combinations. You can also add other ingredients to enhance the dish, such as lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavour or cheese for a savoury touch. Some popular cheese options include Parmesan, feta, or pecorino. Additionally, consider seasoning your vegetables both before and after baking. A final sprinkle of herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice after roasting can take your dish to the next level.
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Place on a baking tray
To bake mushrooms and zucchini in the oven, you'll want to preheat your oven to around 425°F. While you're waiting for the oven to heat up, prepare your mushrooms and zucchini. If your mushrooms are pretty big, slice them up. If they're on the smaller side, you can get away with halving them. As for the zucchini, cut them into evenly-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick. You can cut them into half-moon shapes or strips—just make sure they're not too crowded on the baking tray so they can get nice and golden brown.
Now, place your chopped veggies on a baking tray. Drizzle them with oil and sprinkle with your choice of seasonings. You can go with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, or try Italian seasoning, lemon juice, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can also add some grated or crumbled feta, Parmesan, or pecorino cheese.
Once you've seasoned your veggies to your liking, it's time to pop the baking tray into the oven. Cook your mushrooms and zucchini for around 15 to 20 minutes. Don't forget to flip them about halfway through, so they cook evenly on both sides.
Your mushrooms and zucchini are ready when they're tender and nicely browned. Now you can enjoy your delicious and healthy veggie side dish!
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Bake for 15-20 minutes
Once you've prepared your mushrooms and zucchini, it's time to bake them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place your vegetables on the baking sheet, ensuring they are spread out evenly with space around each piece. This will help them to achieve that desired golden brown colour and avoid steaming.
Now, it's time to put your vegetables in the oven. Set a timer for 15 to 20 minutes, checking on them after about 8 minutes to flip them over. This will ensure even cooking on both sides. If you're using a smaller zucchini, you may want to halve them before placing them in the oven.
While they're baking, you can prepare any additional seasonings or toppings you'd like to add. Some options include a squeeze of lemon juice, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, or even some crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese.
After 15 to 20 minutes, your mushrooms and zucchini should be tender and nicely browned. Remove them from the oven and serve them as a delicious and healthy side dish. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your oven to 425°F or 450°F.
Bake for 15 minutes, then stir the vegetables and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Wash the mushrooms with cold water and let them drain. If the mushrooms are large, slice them. If they are small, halve them. Cut the zucchini into evenly-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick.
Coat the pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
You can use garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor. You can also sprinkle cheese or vegan Parmesan cheese on top.
