High Protein Garlic Zucchini "Bread" (Vegan & GF)

The smell of garlic roasting in the oven is irresistible. It fills the kitchen well before the food is ready and makes the simplest ingredients comforting somehow.

In this recipe, zucchini is the star, and bread is out. The edges are lightly caramelized, and the center is tender. A creamy garlic topping made with tofu and nutritional yeast adds richness and lots of protein without weighing the dish down.

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Garlic Zucchini "Bread"

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⏱️ Time & Prep

Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Ingredients

For the zucchini

• 2 medium zucchini
• 1 teaspoon garlic-infused olive oil (optional)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt, to taste

High Protein Garlic Topping

• 200 g extra firm tofu
• 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 3 roasted garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened plant milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon onion-infused oil (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optionally: shredded vegan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 230°C (450°F).
2. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a sharp knife, score the flesh in a crisscross pattern without cutting through the skin.
3. Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels.
4. Lightly brush with garlic-infused oil if using, then season with pepper, oregano, parsley, and a little salt.
5. Place the zucchini cut side down on a parchment-lined baking tray.
6. Bake for 10 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, blend tofu, roasted garlic, nutritional yeast, plant milk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until completely smooth.
8. Turn the oven to Broil (Grill).
9. Flip the zucchini over and spread the garlic tofu mixture generously over each half.
10. Sprinkle with a little extra nutritional yeast and optionally, shredded vegan cheese. 
11. Broil for around 10 minutes, until the topping is lightly golden and the zucchini is tender. 
12. Serve immediately, warm.

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Notes / Variations

• Eggplant also works well using the same method.
• Fresh chives or basil make a lovely finishing touch.
• For a crispier topping, add 1 tablespoon oat bran to the tofu mixture before blending.
• Leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

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Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	110 kcal
Protein	10 g
Carbs	8 g
Fiber	3 g
Fat	4.5 g

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