Oven-Roasted Baby Zucchini
Easy Stuffed Zucchini Recipe with Cheese & Herbs
When baby zucchinis appear in the markets—or start overflowing in your garden—this recipe becomes a must. It's quick, incredibly flavorful, and a perfect way to turn a simple vegetable into something special.
Crispy on the outside, soft inside, and filled with melted cheese… this dish is as easy as it gets.
Ingredients
- 6 baby zucchinis
- 6 sticks of mozzarella or feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (crushed)
- Paprika, nigella seeds, oregano
- 1/6 cup olive oil
- Salt & black pepper to taste
How to Make Oven-Roasted Baby Zucchini
1. Prepare the Marinade
- Mix olive oil, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Set aside a small portion for later use.
2. Marinate the Cheese
- Coat the cheese sticks in most of the olive oil mixture.
- Let them rest for about 1 hour to absorb flavor.
3. Prepare the Zucchinis
- Slice each zucchini lengthwise, creating a pocket (do not cut all the way through).
- Rub them with the remaining olive oil mixture and add a pinch of extra salt.
- Let them rest for 1 hour as well.
4. Stuff & Bake
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Insert the marinated cheese into each zucchini.
- Bake for 15 minutes for a slightly crunchy texture, or 30 minutes for a softer, more tender result.
Serving Suggestion
Serve warm as:
- A light main dish
- A side for grilled meats
- Part of a Turkish mezze spread
Tips for Best Results
- Nigella seeds add a unique, slightly nutty flavor — highly recommended
- Try mixing feta + mozzarella for both creaminess and saltiness
- Add chili flakes for a spicy kick
Simple ingredients, bold flavors — this is zucchini at its best. Afiyet olsun!