Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

Feta cheese stuffed zucchini is a delightful dish that combines fresh vegetables with creamy and tangy flavors. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether as an appetizer or a light main course. The vibrant herby-lemony taste will leave your guests asking for more. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy healthy ingredients while indulging in rich flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and protein, this dish is both satisfying and good for you.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm as an appetizer or cool as a refreshing snack.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of feta, Gruyere, and Greek yogurt creates a creamy filling that elevates the zucchini.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time for quick weeknight dinners or healthy lunches.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your kitchen essentials to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: Holds the stuffed zucchini securely while they cook evenly in the oven.
• Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine the filling ingredients effortlessly without making a mess.
• Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables and slicing zucchinis for stuffing.
• Grater: Perfect for shredding cheese to achieve the right texture in your filling.

Ingredients

To prepare your feta cheese stuffed zucchini, gather the following ingredients:

For the Zucchini

• 675 grams (3 medium) zucchinis

For the Filling

• 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 stuffed zucchini cooks evenly and achieves that beautiful golden color.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Wash and dry the zucchinis.
2. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out some of the flesh, creating space for the filling. Set aside the scooped-out flesh for later use if desired.

Step 3: Make the Filling

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

Step 4: Stuff the Zucchini

1. Spoon the filling into each hollowed zucchini half.
2. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the tops and sprinkle with additional oregano for extra flavor.

Step 5: Bake

Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until tender and lightly browned on top.

Enjoy your delicious feta cheese stuffed zucchini as an appetizing starter or a nutritious side dish!

How to Serve Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

Feta cheese stuffed zucchini is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a light appetizer or part of a main meal, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

As an Appetizer

• Serve warm: Enjoy the zucchini straight from the oven for a comforting starter.
• Pair with dips: Complement your dish with tzatziki or hummus for added flavor.

With a Salad

• Mixed greens: A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the stuffed zucchini.
• Greek salad: Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives for a Mediterranean twist.

As a Main Course

• Grain bowl: Serve alongside quinoa or couscous for a hearty meal.
• Roasted vegetables: Add seasonal veggies to enhance the dish’s nutrition and taste.

With Bread

• Crusty bread: Offer slices of crusty bread to scoop up any filling that might spill out.
• Flatbread: Serve on warmed flatbreads for an easy, handheld option.

How to Perfect Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

To achieve the best feta cheese stuffed zucchini, consider these handy tips:

• Choose fresh zucchinis: Select firm and medium-sized zucchinis for optimal stuffing and flavor.
• Drain excess moisture: Strain the Greek yogurt well to avoid soggy filling.
• Mix flavors well: Ensure even distribution of feta, Gruyere, and herbs for consistent taste.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the filling before stuffing; add salt or pepper as necessary.
• Bake evenly: Place zucchinis cut-side up on a baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
• Garnish before serving: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle extra oregano right before serving for enhanced presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

Feta cheese stuffed zucchini pairs wonderfully with different side dishes. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Roasted Potatoes – Crispy seasoned potatoes offer a warm contrast to the soft zucchini.
2. Quinoa Pilaf – A nutty pilaf enriched with herbs complements the Mediterranean flavors nicely.
3. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad – This protein-packed salad adds texture and freshness alongside your dish.
4. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly charred asparagus enhances the overall meal with its earthy notes.
5. Couscous with Vegetables – Fluffy couscous tossed with roasted veggies makes for a flavorful pairing.
6. Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli provides crunch and balances out the meal’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Stuffing zucchini can be simple, but avoiding common mistakes will enhance your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Boldly overstuffing: Filling zucchinis too much can lead to a messy dish. Aim for a balance where the stuffing is generous but doesn’t spill out.
• Ignoring moisture: Zucchini releases water as it cooks, which can dilute flavors. Pre-salting the zucchini and letting it sit can help draw out excess moisture before stuffing.
• Neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoned filling will result in bland bites. Taste your mixture and adjust with salt, pepper, or herbs before stuffing.
• Skipping the preheat: Baking without preheating can cause uneven cooking. Always make sure your oven is at the right temperature before placing your stuffed zucchinis inside.
• Using old ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in flavor. Ensure your feta cheese and vegetables are fresh for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure to cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal quality.

Reheating Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet on low heat, cover, and heat gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use other types of cheese for Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini?

Yes! You can experiment with cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese, but keep the flavor profile in mind.

How do I prevent zucchini from becoming soggy?

Salting the zucchini before cooking helps remove excess moisture, preventing sogginess.

What can I use instead of Greek yogurt?

You could substitute with sour cream or a plant-based yogurt for a similar texture.

How should I serve Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini?

These stuffed zucchinis make great appetizers or side dishes alongside grilled meats or salads.

Final Thoughts

Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini is a delightful dish that combines creamy cheese flavors with the freshness of zucchini. It’s versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or a side dish and can easily be customized with different herbs and spices to suit your palate. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy zucchini!