Melty Zucchini Bake Recipe: A Delightful Italian Starter
Looking for a unique and flavorful appetizer to impress your guests? This melty zucchini bake, or Sformato di zucchine filante, is a delightful dish that brings together fresh, seasonal zucchini with creamy cheeses and savory seasonings. It’s an easy-to-make, irresistible dish that is perfect for any gathering or as a prelude to your main course. Soft, creamy, and topped with delicious melted cheese, this dish will surely steal the show at your next meal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zucchini | 900g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Cream Cheese (soft spreadable) | 350g |
| Eggs | 100g |
| Grana Padano DOP (cheese) | 180g |
| Bread Crumbs (Pangrattato) | 100g |
| Smoked Scamorza Cheese | 200g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
| Fresh Thyme | to taste |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 450mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Start by thoroughly washing the zucchinis. Once clean, trim off the ends. Using a mandoline slicer, cut the zucchinis into thin rounds, approximately 3mm in thickness. You’ll want uniform slices to ensure an even texture in your bake.
Step 2: Sauté the Zucchini
Heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic clove, lightly crushed with the back of a knife, to infuse the oil with flavor. Once the garlic starts to release its fragrance, add the sliced zucchinis to the pan. Season them with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper to taste. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, place the soft cream cheese. Use a whisk to break it down and make it smooth. Add the eggs and continue whisking until the mixture becomes creamy and fluid. This will form the base of your creamy filling. Stir in a pinch of salt and the fresh thyme leaves. The thyme will add a subtle herbal aroma and flavor, balancing the richness of the cheese and zucchini.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Once the zucchini has cooled slightly, add it to the creamy cheese mixture. Be sure to incorporate the zucchinis evenly into the mix. Next, add in 100g of grated Grana Padano cheese and mix thoroughly, ensuring that all ingredients are well combined.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 24×24 cm baking dish with olive oil, ensuring all sides are covered. Then, sprinkle the base of the dish with a small amount of grated Grana Padano cheese to prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
Step 6: Layer and Bake
Pour half of the zucchini and cheese mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly with a spoon. Next, take the smoked Scamorza cheese and slice it into thin rounds. Arrange these slices on top of the zucchini mixture, creating a lovely cheesy layer in the middle of your dish. Once all the Scamorza is placed, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top and add a fresh crack of black pepper.
Step 7: Final Baking and Serving
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly and melty. The edges should be slightly crispy, while the inside remains soft and creamy.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is best enjoyed warm when the cheese is perfectly melted and the flavors have had time to come together.
Step 8: Enjoy
Slice the melty zucchini bake into squares, serve it hot, and watch your guests enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of this Italian-inspired appetizer. The combination of tender zucchini, savory cheeses, and the fragrant thyme will leave everyone craving more.
This recipe for Sformato di zucchine filante is simple yet impressive, making it perfect for a dinner party or family meal. The zucchini adds a refreshing and light touch to the rich and creamy cheeses, while the smoked Scamorza cheese adds depth with its unique flavor. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a side dish, this bake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy it as a delicious starter to any meal, or pair it with a light salad for a satisfying lunch.
Additional Tips:
- You can substitute Scamorza cheese with mozzarella for a milder flavor or use a mix of cheeses for extra richness.
- For a gluten-free version, replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds.
- Add some roasted cherry tomatoes or a handful of fresh spinach to the mix for an extra boost of flavor and color.
This is a perfect dish to try when you’re looking for a comforting, cheesy recipe that is both savory and satisfying, yet light enough to be enjoyed before the main course.
