Grilled Goat Cheese Zucchini Boats
User Reviews
5
Grilled Goat Cheese Zucchini Boats
Description
This recipe starts by halving medium zucchinis lengthwise and scooping out their centers, preparing them for stuffing. The zucchinis are seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil, then grilled cut-side down until lightly charred and slightly golden to add smoky flavor while softening the flesh.
The filling combines softened goat cheese with minced garlic, chopped fresh basil, grated lemon zest, and crushed red pepper flakes, bringing brightness, creaminess, and a mild heat. After the initial grilling, the zucchini halves are removed from the grill, filled with the goat cheese mixture, and returned to the grill to melt the cheese and warm the filling. A final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds savory notes and a finishing touch.
Additionally, browned butter garlic panko breadcrumbs prepared separately add a nutty crunch that contrasts with the creamy stuffing and tender zucchini.
Ingredients
- 4 zucchini medium
- salt kosher salt
- black pepper kosher salt
- olive oil spray or for brushing
- 10 ounces goat cheese softened
- 1 garlic minced, clove
- ¼ cup basil plus extra for topping, chopped, fresh
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest freshly grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes crushed
- Parmesan Cheese for topping
brown butter breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1 garlic minced or pressed, clove
- 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs seasoned
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to the highest setting. You can make the breadcrumbs now or even make them ahead of time.
- Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Place them on a baking sheet. Scoop out the center using a spoon to create a well. You can discard this zucchini or save it and add it to another dish like pasta, etc.
- Sprinkle the zucchini all over with salt and pepper. Spray or brush the zucchini all over with olive oil.
- In a bowl, stir together the goat cheese, garlic, basil, lemon zest, pepper flakes and a big pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the zucchini on the grill, cut-side down, and grill for 3 to 5 minutes, until it’s slightly golden and charred. Transfer the zucchini back to the baking sheet. Scoop the goat cheese into the center boat of the zucchini. Once the zucchini are all stuffed, transfer them back to the grill, stuffed side up. Close the lid and grill for another 3 to 5 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and melty and the zucchini will have grill marks.
- Remove the zucchini from the grill and top with the bread crumbs. Top with parmesan if you’d like. Top with fresh basil. Serve!
brown butter breadcrumbs
- Add the butter to a small saucepan over medium heat and whisk constantly while it bubbles. The minute brown bits begin to form on the bottom of the pan, add in minced garlic and breadcrumbs. Stir constantly, cooking for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden and crunchy.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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