Italian Stuffed Zucchini Recipe (zucchine ripiene)

Italian Stuffed Zucchini Recipe (zucchine ripiene)

12 servings
Vegetarian stuffed zucchini (zucchine ripiene) are one of the most classic Italian ways to eat zucchini. These little bites are mild, tender, flavorful, and packed with  delicious zucchini, onion, and olive oil flavor.

Ingredients

  • zucchini

    it helps if they are thick in diameter

    4 large
  • white onion

    diced

    1 large
  • egg
    1 large
  • olive oil

    more for topping

    3 tbsp
  • bread crumbs
    2 tbsp
  • parmigiano

    finely grated

    3 tbsp
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • Garlic cloves

    minced

    2

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

  2. 2

    Wash zucchini. Cut ends and discard. Cut zucchini into 2 inch (5 cm) pieces. With a melon cuter or knife carve out the white flesh of the zucchini, creating a hole still leaving enough at the bottom to hold the filling. Set aside.

  3. 3

    In a large skillet, heat 1 tbs olive oil on medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and interior flesh of the zucchini. Cook 8 minutes until soft and golden brown. Set aside to let cool.

  4. 4

    In a small pan, add remaining olive oil and heat on high. Fry the zucchini on all sides about 6-8 minutes total. Remove from oil onto a plate lined with a paper towel.

  5. 5

    Once the zucchini mixture in pan is cooled; add egg, parmigiano, breadcrumbs, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well until well combined. Drizzle an oven safe baking dish with olive oil. Place the fried zucchini shells in the dish. Spoon the mixture into the zucchini shells until the tops are filled.

  6. 6

    Sprinkle the tops generously with parmigiano and bread crumbs. drizzle with olive oil and bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes until tops are golden brown.

Italian Stuffed Zucchini Recipe (zucchine ripiene)

Italian Stuffed Zucchini Recipe (zucchine ripiene)

55 min12 servings72 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a classic taste of Italy without the fuss? Our Italian Stuffed Zucchini, known as zucchine ripiene, offers a delightful and authentic side dish that's surprisingly simple to master. These tender, flavor-packed bites bring the warmth of traditional Italian cooking right to your table.

Why This Stuffed Zucchini Recipe Works

This recipe shines by focusing on fresh, quality ingredients and a straightforward approach. The combination of sweet white onion, fragrant garlic, rich olive oil, and savory Parmigiano creates a harmonious filling that perfectly complements the mild zucchini. It's a testament to how simple elements, when brought together thoughtfully, can create truly delicious results that define classic Italian cuisine.

What to Expect

You'll discover a dish that is wonderfully mild and tender, offering a delicate flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates. Each serving provides a comforting blend of soft zucchini and a savory, aromatic filling. The natural sweetness of the onion and the subtle pungency of the garlic are beautifully balanced by the richness of the Parmigiano cheese and a hint of peppery seasoning. This naturally vegetarian dish is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any meal.

Customization & Variations

This versatile recipe is easily adaptable to your pantry or preferences. Feel free to adjust the amount of minced garlic or diced onion to suit your taste. For a different texture, you could experiment with different types of bread crumbs, such as panko for a slightly crispier topping. While Parmigiano is traditional, a good quality Pecorino Romano could be substituted for a sharper, saltier kick if you desire. Since it's already a vegetarian dish, it's ready to enjoy as-is!

Serving & Context

These Italian Stuffed Zucchini make a fantastic side dish for nearly any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. They are designed to be mild and complement a variety of main courses. Serve them warm and perhaps with an extra drizzle of good quality olive oil for an authentic presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions