Oh my goodness, let me tell you about cheese stuffed zucchini! This dish is simply bursting with flavor and is one of my absolute favorites for a cozy night in or when I’m trying to impress guests. There’s something magical about the way the tender zucchini cradles that cheesy filling—it’s like a warm hug for your taste buds! Not only is it delicious, but it’s also so versatile. You can serve it as a delightful side or make it the star of the show for a meatless main course. Trust me, once you get that golden, bubbly cheese on top, you’ll be diving in for seconds! And the best part? It’s quick to whip up, so you can enjoy a comforting meal any night of the week. Yum!
Ingredients for Cheese Stuffed Zucchini
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the most delicious cheese stuffed zucchini! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 medium zucchinis: Look for ones that are firm and free of blemishes.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: This creamy cheese adds a delightful richness to the filling.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Choose a good quality mozzarella for that perfect gooey texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This brings a lovely salty flavor to the mix.
- 1 egg: It helps bind all the cheesy goodness together.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A must for adding flavor; you can also use fresh garlic if you prefer!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This brings a touch of warmth and herbal notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust these to your liking for that perfect balance.
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce: This will add a beautiful layer of flavor on top and keep the zucchinis moist.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a dish that’s not just tasty but also incredibly satisfying!
How to Prepare Cheese Stuffed Zucchini
Alright, let’s dive into the magic of preparing cheese stuffed zucchini! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because it ensures that your zucchinis cook evenly and the cheese gets that lovely golden finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini
Now grab those zucchinis! Cut each one in half lengthwise, which will give you the perfect little boats for your filling. Next, scoop out the seeds gently with a spoon—be careful not to scoop too deep or you’ll break through the bottom! You want to create a nice cavity for all that cheesy goodness.
Step 3: Create the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine your ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until it’s well blended. You’re aiming for a smooth, creamy consistency that holds together nicely but isn’t too thick. If it feels a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or an extra dollop of ricotta!
Step 4: Stuff the Zucchini
Time to fill those zucchini halves! Using a spoon, generously scoop the cheese mixture into each half, making sure to pack it in without overflowing. I like to mound it a little higher in the center because it melts down beautifully as it bakes. Just make sure each half gets an equal share of that cheesy goodness!
Step 5: Bake the Zucchini
Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish, and don’t forget to pour your marinara sauce over the top. This will keep everything moist and add fabulous flavor. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce the zucchini with a fork. Yum!
Tips for Success
To make your cheese stuffed zucchini absolutely perfect, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t hesitate to get creative with your seasonings. If you love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving.
When it comes to serving, these stuffed zucchinis shine as a main dish, but they also pair beautifully with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. And if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top will elevate the dish to a whole new level! Just remember, the key to success is tasting as you go—adjust those seasonings to make it truly yours!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavorful: The combination of cheeses and seasonings creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: It’s a wonderful option for meatless meals without sacrificing taste.
- Meal Prep Star: Great for making ahead of time and reheating for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the filling with your favorite herbs or veggies!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of cheese stuffed zucchini, which is about one stuffed zucchini half. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fiber: 2g
This dish is not only delicious but also a great source of protein and fiber, making it a wholesome addition to your meal rotation!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of cheese for the filling?
Absolutely! While ricotta and mozzarella are my favorites, feel free to get creative. You can use cream cheese for a richer filling, or even feta for a tangy twist. Just make sure whatever cheese you choose melts well and complements the other flavors!
Can I prepare cheese stuffed zucchini ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the stuffed zucchinis up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator, covered. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake—this makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
What can I serve with cheese stuffed zucchini?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. You could also serve it alongside pasta or rice for a heartier meal. It’s versatile enough to fit into any meal plan!
How do I know when the zucchinis are done baking?
You’ll know your cheese stuffed zucchini is ready when the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top. A fork should easily pierce the zucchini without much resistance. Yum!
Can I freeze cheese stuffed zucchini?
Definitely! You can freeze the stuffed zucchinis before baking. Just assemble them, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Perfect for meal prep!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your leftover cheese stuffed zucchini, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze the stuffed zucchinis before baking. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and they’ll last for up to 2 months in the freezer!
When you’re ready to reheat, simply bake them from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until heated through. If they’re refrigerated, just pop them in the oven at the same temperature for about 20-25 minutes. Enjoy that melty, cheesy goodness again!
zucchine al forno con pangrattato e parmigiano
insalata di zucchine crude
healthy pasta primavera
Cheese Stuffed Zucchini: 5 Steps to a Delicious Treat
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheese stuffed zucchini is a flavorful dish that combines tender zucchini with a cheesy filling.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Fill each zucchini half with the cheese mixture.
- Place the stuffed zucchinis in a baking dish.
- Pour marinara sauce over the stuffed zucchinis.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until zucchinis are tender.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Top with extra cheese before baking if desired.
- Serve warm as a side dish or main course.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed zucchini half
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cheese stuffed zucchini, zucchini recipes, vegetarian dishes
