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Zucchini Caprese Cups Appetizers

These zucchini tomato cups with bubbly mozzarella gratin and balsamic vinegar are the most irresistible appetizers! A cross between mini pizza and bruschetta, they're like a baked bite of Italian caprese salad!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 72 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 2 zucchini medium (about 8 inches long)
  • 12 12 oz (350 g) cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
  • 3 3 oz (85 g) fresh mozzarella See notes for other cheese options
  • 1 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1 pinch sea salt
  • ground black pepper freshly ground, to taste
  • fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • 1 1 pinch fleur de sel optional

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. If using the air fryer, there's no need to preheat. Rinse and dry the veggies.
  2. Cut off a bit of the zucchini bottom away to make it flat, or the zucchini cup it won't stay up. Holding by the stem side, cut the zucchini in slices about 1 1/4 inch thick (3 centimeters).Using a melon baller or a small measuring (round) spoon, core the zucchini slices by scooping out the flesh from the center of each slice.
  3. Fill each zucchini cup with about 1 teaspoon of grated or crumbled mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste, and top each cup with one cherry tomato.
  4. Transfer the stuffed zucchini appetizers to a baking tray lined with parchment paper, or arrange them in the air fryer basket, leaving some space in between them.Roast at 400 °F (200 °C) for 20 to 25 minutes, until the mozzarella is bubbling out of the cups in a gratinated crust and the tomatoes start bursting.
  5. To serve, arrange the stuffed zucchini cups on a bed of fresh basil leaves and drizzle them with balsamic vinegar. Finish it with a light sprinkle of fleur de sel to bring out the flavor!

Notes

  • Other great options for cheese in this recipe are Greek feta, Gorgonzola or Gruyere. Feta and Gorgonzola won't have the same gratin crust effect as mozzarella, however.
  • You can assemble the zucchini cups up to 2 days in advance. Keep them refrigerated and roast them just before serving.
  • Serve the zucchini bites straight from the oven as a hot appetizer or just serve them cold, they are equally delicious.
  • Keep the leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1(4 appetizers) Calories 72kcal (4%) Carbohydrates 4.6g (2%) Protein 4.8g (10%) Fat 3.8g (6%) Fiber 1g (4%) Net Carbohydrates 3.6g

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 72

% Daily Value*

Serving 1(4 appetizers)
Calories 72kcal 4%
Carbohydrates 4.6g 2%
Protein 4.8g 10%
Fat 3.8g 6%
Fiber 1g 4%
Net Carbohydrates 3.6g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.