The Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Recipe is a delightful celebration of flavors and textures that instantly become a favorite. Imagine tender zucchini boats, gently baked and filled with a creamy, tangy blend of crumbled feta, Gruyere cheese, and Greek yogurt, laced with fresh herbs and subtle hints of lemon and garlic. It’s a healthy, gluten-free appetizer that offers both comfort and elegance on your plate. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch or an impressive starter for guests, this recipe is the perfect way to enjoy fresh summer vegetables with a Mediterranean twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this ingredient list—each component plays an important role in bringing this dish to life. From the creamy feta to the fragrant oregano, every ingredient adds a burst of flavor, a touch of creaminess, or a splash of color that makes these stuffed zucchinis irresistible.
- Zucchinis (675 grams / 3 medium): The tender base that holds all the delicious filling perfectly.
- Crumbled feta cheese (150 grams / 1 cup + 1 tbsp): Adds a salty, tangy punch and creamy texture.
- Greek yogurt, strained (90 grams / ½ cup): Brings smoothness and a slight tang that balances the cheese.
- Spring onion (20 grams / 1 medium): Offers fresh, mild onion flavor that freshens the filling.
- Grated Gruyere cheese (40 grams / ½ cup): Melts beautifully, adding richness and nuttiness.
- Lemon zest (½ lemon): Infuses the dish with bright citrus notes for a lively contrast.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth without overpowering.
- Finely chopped parsley (1 tablespoon): Brings a fresh herbal hint and vibrant green color.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon plus extra for drizzling): Enhances richness and helps gently cook the zucchini.
- Dried oregano (⅓ teaspoon plus extra for sprinkling): Imparts an aromatic Mediterranean flair.
- Salt and pepper: Used sparingly to season the zucchini and filling, balancing all flavors.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Boats
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C / 390°F. Trim the tops and bottoms of the zucchinis, then slice a thin, long piece to expose the inner flesh. Using a vegetable corer or teaspoon, carefully hollow out the zucchini to create boats about ½ cm thick around the edges. This hollow should be just enough to hold the delicious filling without making the zucchini fragile. Brush the inside of each boat with a mixture of olive oil and oregano, adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper for seasoning. Place them in a baking dish and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the zucchini softens slightly but still retains structure.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
While the zucchini is baking, mix together the crumbled feta, grated Gruyere, strained Greek yogurt, finely chopped spring onion, garlic powder, lemon zest, parsley, and the remaining olive oil with oregano in a bowl. Season with a little ground black pepper to enhance all flavors. This creamy mixture is the heart of the recipe and combines tanginess, earthiness, and herbs into every bite.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake the Zucchini
Once the zucchini boats have slightly cooled, lower the oven temperature to 180°C / 356°F. Gently fill each zucchini with the cheese mixture, pressing the filling to fit but ensuring it doesn’t spill over the top. Drizzle a touch of olive oil and sprinkle some extra oregano over the filling. Bake for about 30 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt, set, and develop a beautiful golden color on top. This final bake transforms the simple zucchini boat into a rich, satisfying dish full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
How to Serve Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing your feta cheese stuffed zucchini, fresh parsley or basil leaves add an inviting pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving brings lovely shine and subtle richness. For an extra burst of brightness, sprinkle a few drops of fresh lemon juice to highlight the zesty notes within the filling.
Side Dishes
This zucchini dish shines best alongside crisp green salads, like a simple arugula or mixed herb salad. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a chilled Greek salad also complement the creamy feta filling beautifully. If you want something heartier, serve alongside warm quinoa or crusty whole grain bread to soak up every bit of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stuffed zucchinis plated individually or sliced crosswise for elegant finger-food style appetizers. You could also arrange the boats on a rustic wooden board topped with fresh edible flowers or a scattering of toasted pine nuts for texture. Presentation is all about making this vibrant dish look as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover feta cheese stuffed zucchini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated leftovers just as enjoyable. To keep the zucchini from getting soggy, try to store the zucchini and the filling covered separately if possible.
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen, though the texture of the zucchini may soften a bit upon thawing. For best results, freeze the stuffed zucchinis before baking, tightly wrapped in plastic or foil, and place in a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 2 months frozen and be baked directly from frozen with a slight extension in cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat the stuffed zucchini gently in a preheated oven at 180°C / 356°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture and prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery. A gentle warm-up helps maintain their deliciously creamy filling and crisp edges.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Gruyere?
Absolutely! While Gruyere adds a wonderful nuttiness, you can swap it for mozzarella for a milder melt or Parmesan for an extra savory punch. Just keep the balance so the feta and yogurt still shine through.
Is this Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace feta and Gruyere with plant-based cheeses and use a dairy-free yogurt alternative. However, the flavor will be different but still delicious in its own right.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red chili flakes into the filling or sprinkle some on top before the final bake. It pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and fresh herbs.
Can I substitute the zucchinis with another vegetable?
Yes! You can try this stuffing mixture in hollowed-out eggplants, bell peppers, or even large tomatoes for a tasty variation of the recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying way to savor fresh vegetables with bold, creamy flavors, the Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Recipe is a must-try. It feels special without any fuss, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend entertaining. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this vibrant, wholesome dish as much as I do!
PrintFeta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini Recipe
Feta Cheese Stuffed Zucchini is a light and appetizing Greek-inspired appetizer that features zucchinis hollowed out and filled with a creamy, tangy mixture of feta, Gruyere, and Greek yogurt, enhanced with fresh herbs and lemon zest. Baked to perfection, it offers a delightful blend of herby and lemony flavors with a golden cheesy top, perfect served warm or cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 3 medium stuffed zucchinis
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Zucchini
- 675 grams (3 medium) zucchinis
Cheese & Dairy
- 150 grams (1 cup + 1 tbsp) crumbled feta cheese
- 40 grams (½ cup) grated Gruyere cheese
- 90 grams (½ cup) Greek yogurt, strained
Vegetables & Herbs
- 20 grams (1 medium) Spring onion
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ lemon, zest only
- ⅓ teaspoon dried oregano, plus extra for sprinkling
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 200°C (390°F) to prepare for baking the zucchini boats.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Cut off the tops and bottoms of the zucchinis. Next, slice a thin longitudinal piece to reveal the flesh, then use a vegetable corer or teaspoon to scoop out the flesh, creating a hollow zucchini boat about ½ cm (¼ inch) thick all around. This hollow will hold the filling.
- Season Zucchini: In a small bowl, combine olive oil with oregano. Brush this mixture inside the zucchini boats thoroughly. Season lightly with salt and a touch of pepper. Place the zucchini in a small baking dish or non-stick pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until slightly softened.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled feta, grated Gruyere, Greek yogurt, chopped spring onion, garlic powder, lemon zest, parsley, and remaining olive oil with oregano. Season lightly with ground pepper and stir everything well to form a uniform filling.
- Cool Zucchini: Remove the partially baked zucchini from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 180°C (356°F).
- Stuff Zucchini: Fill each zucchini boat with the cheese mixture, pressing the filling gently to fit without overflowing. Drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle some oregano on top of each stuffed zucchini.
- Bake Stuffed Zucchini: Return the filled zucchinis to the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the cheese topping is slightly golden and set.
- Serve: Serve the stuffed zucchinis warm or cold. For extra flavor, drizzle with additional olive oil if desired and enjoy this herby, lemony appetizer.
Notes
- You can save the scooped zucchini flesh and top slices to use later in soups, stews, or as fillings for dishes like Yemista or stuffed squid.