Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

Oh wow—zucchini on a stick? These garlic butter zucchini skewers are so good.

They’re tender and buttery. The garlic makes them pop. You get a tiny crunch too.

Perfect for snacks, sides, or parties. They look fancy but are super easy. You’ll impress everyone.

Grab some zucchini and garlic. Let’s cook them up now!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Bomb: The garlic butter melts into the zucchini, creating a mouthwatering, rich flavor that’s irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy nights or weekend barbecues.
• Healthy and Fresh: Packed with nutrients from fresh zucchini and a touch of heart-healthy olive oil and herbs.
• Versatile: Serve it with anything — grilled meats, pasta, or as a light vegetarian main.
• Crowd Favorite: These skewers disappear fast at cookouts, and even picky eaters ask for seconds.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings:
Makes about 6 skewers — perfect as a side dish for 3–4 people. If you’re hosting a crowd, simply double the recipe!

Difficulty:
Super easy — great for beginners, but rewarding for seasoned home cooks too.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Basting brush
• Grill or grill pan (or oven broiler)
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

Here’s what you’ll need to create these fresh, flavorful skewers (exact measurements will be in the Recipe Card below):

• Zucchinis: Use firm, medium-sized zucchinis. They slice easily and hold their shape when grilled.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic flavor throughout.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter beautifully.
• Fresh Parsley: Gives a pop of color and a clean, herbaceous finish.
• Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the zucchini.
• Black Pepper: Adds a light, balancing kick.
• Olive Oil: Helps the zucchini grill evenly and prevents sticking.
• Wooden Skewers: Essential for easy flipping and serving. Remember to soak them to prevent burning!

Variations for Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

• Add Parmesan: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for a salty, cheesy finish.
• Use Different Herbs: Swap parsley for basil, thyme, or oregano for different flavor twists.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a subtle heat.
• Mix in Other Veggies: Thread on cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the zucchini for a colorful veggie medley.
• Lemon Zest Finish: Add a fresh squeeze of lemon or some zest right before serving to brighten everything up.

How to Make Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Skewers

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during grilling or broiling.

2. Slice the Zucchini

• Cut the zucchinis into thick, even slices — about ½ inch thick. Uniform slices cook more evenly and stay juicy.

3. Make the Garlic Butter

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
• Stir in a tablespoon of olive oil to thin out the mixture slightly and prevent burning.

4. Assemble the Skewers

• Thread the zucchini slices onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow even cooking.
• Brush the zucchini generously with the garlic butter on all sides. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.

5. Grill or Broil

Grilling Instructions:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
• Place the skewers directly on the grill grates.
• Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with more garlic butter as they cook, until tender with light char marks.

Broiling Instructions (Oven):

• Preheat your broiler and line a baking sheet with foil.
• Arrange the skewers in a single layer.
• Broil for about 3 minutes per side, watching carefully to avoid burning, until the zucchini is tender and slightly caramelized.

6. Garnish and Serve

• After grilling or broiling, brush the skewers one last time with any remaining garlic butter.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh pop of flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

These skewers are incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving ideas:

• As a Side Dish: Perfect alongside grilled steaks, chicken, or seafood.
• In a Bowl: Add them to grain bowls with quinoa, rice, or couscous.
• Tucked into Wraps: Slice them off the skewers and stuff into pita bread with hummus for a quick vegetarian wrap.
• Party Appetizer: Serve with a small bowl of garlic aioli or herbed yogurt sauce for dipping.

Storing Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm them gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Avoid overcooking, as they can turn mushy.
• Freezing: Not recommended — zucchini tends to become watery and lose its texture after freezing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Choose Firm Zucchinis: Pick zucchinis that are firm, not too large, and without soft spots. Medium size works best for skewering and even cooking.
• Soak the Skewers: Always soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before grilling to avoid burning.
• Don’t Overcook: Zucchini cooks quickly. Aim for a tender-crisp texture — not mushy. Keep a close eye while grilling or broiling.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a much better flavor than garlic powder. It makes the butter aromatic and rich.
• Brush During Cooking: Keep brushing garlic butter as the zucchini cooks for maximum flavor in every bite.
• Space Between Slices: Leave a little gap between zucchini pieces on the skewers so the heat can cook them evenly.
• Add Fresh Herbs Last: Sprinkle parsley (or any fresh herbs) just before serving to preserve their bright color and taste.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	110 kcal
Total Fat	9 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Cholesterol	20 mg
Sodium	150 mg
Total Carbs	5 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	2 g
Protein	2 g
Vitamin C	20% DV
Calcium	4% DV
Iron	4% DV

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers FAQs

Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes! Yellow squash works just as well and brings a slightly sweeter flavor. You can even mix both for a colorful presentation.

Do I have to grill the skewers?
Nope. If you don’t have a grill, broiling them in the oven works beautifully. You’ll still get a lovely caramelized edge.

How do I keep zucchini from getting soggy?
Avoid overcooking. Grill or broil the skewers just until the zucchini is tender but still slightly firm. Also, keep the slices thicker (½-inch) to help maintain their texture.

Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes. You can slice the zucchini and prepare the garlic butter up to a day ahead. Assemble and cook right before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

What other herbs go well with zucchini?
Basil, thyme, oregano, and dill all pair nicely with the mild flavor of zucchini. Feel free to customize based on what you have.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Zucchini Skewers are a simple, fresh way to add a little magic to your meals.
They’re quick to make, bursting with rich garlic flavor, and easy enough for any night of the week. Whether you’re firing up the grill or using your oven, these skewers bring a little sunshine to every table. Give them a try — your next cookout or family dinner just got a whole lot tastier.