Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

Feta cheese stuffed zucchini is a delightful dish that combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer vegetables with creamy feta and Gruyere cheeses. This appetizer is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply as a healthy snack. The herby-lemony flavor elevates the zucchini, making it an appealing choice for anyone looking to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of feta, Gruyere, and Greek yogurt creates a rich and flavorful stuffing that complements the tender zucchini perfectly.
• Easy to Prepare: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Versatile Dish: Serve these stuffed zucchinis as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course; they fit various occasions.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables and low in carbs, this dish supports a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.
• Gluten-Free Option: Suitable for gluten-free diets, ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy this tasty treat.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the essential tools that will make preparing your feta cheese stuffed zucchini easier. Having everything on hand ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Grater

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: Ensures even cooking and provides a space to hold all your delicious stuffed zucchinis.
• Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine the stuffing ingredients easily without mess.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes it simple to chop vegetables and slice zucchinis evenly.
• Grater: Useful for finely grating cheese, giving you the perfect texture for melting.

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Ingredients

Feta cheese stuffed zucchini is light and appetizing with a herby-lemony flavor. Stuffed with feta, Gruyere, and Greek yogurt.

For the Zucchini

• 675 grams (3 medium) zucchinis

For the Stuffing

• 150 grams (1 cup + 1 tbsp) crumbled feta cheese
• 90 grams (½ cup) Greek yogurt strained
• 20 grams (1 medium) spring onion
• 40 grams (½ cup) grated Gruyere cheese
• ½ lemon zest
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (+ a little bit extra to drizzle on top)
• ⅓ teaspoon dried oregano (+ a little bit extra to sprinkle on top)

How to Make Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C / 390°F. This ensures that your zucchini cooks evenly once it’s ready to go in.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Wash the zucchinis thoroughly under running water.
2. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise.
3. Using a spoon, scoop out some flesh from each half to create space for the stuffing. Set aside the scooped-out flesh for later use in other dishes if desired.

Step 3: Make the Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, strained Greek yogurt, spring onion (finely chopped), grated Gruyere cheese, lemon zest, garlic powder, chopped parsley, olive oil, and dried oregano.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined into a creamy filling.

Step 4: Stuff the Zucchini

1. Spoon the filling into each zucchini half generously.
2. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the stuffed zucchinis and sprinkle with additional oregano if desired.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish.
2. Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until zucchinis are tender and tops are golden.

Enjoy your delicious feta cheese stuffed zucchini hot as an appetizer or side dish!

How to Serve Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

Feta cheese stuffed zucchini is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful dish that will impress your guests and family alike.

As a Main Dish

• Serve alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal. A light arugula or mixed greens salad complements the flavors nicely.

With Grains

• Pair with quinoa or couscous for a hearty side. These grains soak up the flavors and add texture.

Drizzled with Sauce

• Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or extra virgin olive oil. This adds an extra layer of flavor and richness.

With Dips

• Offer tzatziki or hummus on the side. These dips enhance the Mediterranean experience and provide creaminess.

Garnished with Herbs

• Sprinkle with additional parsley or oregano just before serving. Fresh herbs elevate the presentation and flavor profile.

How to Perfect Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

To achieve perfect feta cheese stuffed zucchini, follow these helpful tips for the best results.

• Choose fresh zucchinis: Look for firm, unblemished zucchinis to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
• Don’t overstuff: Fill your zucchinis generously but avoid overfilling to prevent spillage during cooking.
• Opt for high-quality feta: Using good quality feta will enhance the taste of your stuffing significantly.
• Bake until golden: Keep an eye on your zucchinis while baking; they should be tender and have a golden top for maximum flavor.
• Let them rest: Allow stuffed zucchinis to cool slightly before serving. This helps set the filling and makes slicing easier.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices for an extra twist on flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

Feta cheese stuffed zucchini pairs well with various sides that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent suggestions:

1. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta dressed in olive oil.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables in olive oil and roast until tender; they provide color and nutrition.
3. Couscous Salad: Fluffy couscous mixed with herbs, lemon juice, and diced vegetables adds a light touch.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa cooked with broth and mixed with nuts and dried fruits creates a delightful contrast.
5. Chickpea Salad: Protein-packed chickpeas tossed with lemon, parsley, cucumber, and tomatoes make a fulfilling side.
6. Garlic Bread: Crisp garlic bread adds crunch; perfect for scooping up any leftover filling from your plate.
7. Lemon Rice: Flavored rice with lemon zest and fresh herbs provides a zesty base that pairs beautifully.
8. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice offers freshness and vibrant color on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making feta cheese stuffed zucchini, it’s easy to make simple mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the salting step: Not salting the zucchini before stuffing can lead to watery filling. To avoid this, sprinkle salt on the hollowed zucchini and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing and drying.

• Overstuffing the zucchini: Adding too much filling can cause it to overflow during cooking. To prevent this, fill each zucchini moderately, leaving a little space at the top.

• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unheated oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 200°C / 390°F before placing your dish inside.

• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality feta or yogurt affects flavor. Choose fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best taste.

• Forgetting about herbs and spices: Neglecting to add herbs can make your dish bland. Be sure to include parsley, oregano, and garlic powder for a flavorful kick.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

• Wrap each stuffed zucchini tightly in plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C / 350°F and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals, checking every minute.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about feta cheese stuffed zucchini that you might find helpful.

What is Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini?

Feta cheese stuffed zucchini is a delicious appetizer made by hollowing out zucchinis and filling them with a mixture of feta cheese, Greek yogurt, and herbs.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes! While feta is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like ricotta or cream cheese for varied flavors.

How do I choose the right zucchini?

Look for firm zucchinis with smooth skin. Smaller zucchinis are often more flavorful and tender than larger ones.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the stuffed zucchinis ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

Feta cheese stuffed zucchini is a versatile dish that’s light yet satisfying. With its herby-lemony flavor profile, it makes an ideal appetizer or side dish. Feel free to customize your stuffing with different cheeses or herbs according to your preference!