Imagine transforming ordinary zucchini into a mouthwatering, flavor-packed meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This Sausage and Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini recipe combines the freshness of garden vegetables with rich, savory sausage and the irresistible depth of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weekend dinner or a impressive dinner party appetizer, this dish balances nutrition and indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
- Vegetables:
- 4 medium zucchini (straight preferred)
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Stuffing Ingredients:
- 300-350g sausage meat (US: 10-12 oz)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 50g breadcrumbs (US: 1/2 cup)
- 60g grated Parmesan (US: 2/3 cup)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Pinch of dried oregano (optional)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- Gratin Topping:
- Additional grated Parmesan
- Optional breadcrumbs
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Zucchini
- Wash zucchini and cut in half lengthwise
- Scoop out pulp, leaving a 1 cm thick shell
- Lightly salt inside of zucchini
- Place zucchini cut-side down on a cloth to release moisture
- Roughly chop removed zucchini pulp for stuffing
2. Make the Stuffing
- Sauté onion in olive oil until translucent
- Add garlic and chopped zucchini pulp
- Cook for 5 minutes to evaporate excess water
- Remove from heat
- Mix in sausage meat, egg, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper
- Add milk if mixture seems dry
3. Stuff and Prepare for Baking
- Arrange zucchini halves in lightly oiled baking dish
- Fill generously with prepared stuffing
- Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and breadcrumbs
4. Baking
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Bake until golden and cooked through
Cooking Details
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4
Nutritional Highlights
- Protein-Rich: Sausage and Parmesan provide excellent protein
- Low-Carb Option: Zucchini base makes this a lighter meal
- Vegetable-Packed: Incorporates multiple vegetables
- Gluten-Free Adaptable: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs
Why This Recipe Rocks
This Sausage and Parmesan Stuffed Zucchini is more than just a meal—it’s a nutritional powerhouse disguised as comfort food. By using zucchini as a vessel, you’re increasing vegetable intake while enjoying a satisfying, protein-rich dish. The combination of herbs, sausage, and Parmesan creates a complex flavor profile that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
The recipe is incredibly versatile: swap sausage for ground turkey for a leaner option, or make it vegetarian by replacing meat with quinoa or lentils. It’s perfect for meal prep, can be made ahead, and reheats beautifully.
Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, place under the broiler for 2-3 minutes after baking to achieve a golden, crunchy top.