Aunt Ritchie'S Zucchini
A flavorful baked zucchini dish filled with a savory bread crumb and cheese mixture, perfect as a side or light main for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim off both ends of the zucchini.
- Parboil the zucchini until tender but not mushy.
- Drain and cool the zucchini.
- Cut the zucchini in halves lengthwise.
- Scoop out the seeds from each half.
- Mix bread crumbs, grated cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, garlic powder, and melted butter in a bowl.
- Stuff each zucchini half with the bread mixture, dividing it evenly.
- Bake the stuffed zucchini at 425°F for 15 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the stuffing mixture. You can substitute regular cheese with a lower-fat option or a vegan cheese for a healthier or dairy-free version. To enhance the flavor, add some diced onions or bell peppers to the bread crumb mixture. For a crunchier topping, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stuffed zucchini as a main dish alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Monkey Breakfast Bread for a delightful brunch spread. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with a side of quinoa or brown rice. These stuffed zucchinis are also great as a side dish for grilled meats or fish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed zucchini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This helps maintain the texture and prevents them from becoming soggy. Alternatively, you can microwave them, but be cautious not to overheat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Ritchie'S Zucchini contains roughly 252 calories, with 11g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (113% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), and calcium (64% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 920mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables instead of zucchini?
Yes, you can substitute zucchini with other vegetables like bell peppers, eggplants, or even hollowed-out tomatoes. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable you choose. For instance, peppers may require a slightly longer baking time to become tender.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free bread crumbs instead of regular ones. You can easily make your own by toasting gluten-free bread and processing it into crumbs. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, especially the cheese and spices, are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare these stuffed zucchinis in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed zucchinis a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining or meal prepping. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).