Baked Ham and Cheese Zucchini Bites

Prep: 10 minCook: 35 min4 servingsmediumSpanish
Baked Ham and Cheese Zucchini Bites

Hollowed zucchini rounds filled with Serrano ham and Parmesan cheese, baked until tender then broiled until the cheese melts and bubbles. A savory appetizer or side dish with crispy edges and creamy cheese filling.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 zucchini, cleaned and sliced
  • 9 teaspoon Serrano ham
    prosciutto1:1meat

    similar saltiness and texture

  • 9 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
    Pecorino Romano1:1dairydairy-free

    sharper taste

    Full guide →
  • salt(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Clean and slice the zucchini into 2 centimeter rounds.

  2. 2

    Peel most of the skin from each round and place on a baking tray.

  3. 3

    Sprinkle each round with salt.

  4. 4

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (350°F).

  5. 5

    Bake the zucchini rounds for 25 minutes.

  6. 6

    Remove the tray and carefully scoop out the center of each round with a small spoon.

  7. 7

    Fill each hollow with Serrano ham and grated Parmesan cheese.

  8. 8

    Turn on the broiler and place the tray on a higher rack.

  9. 9

    Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  10. 10

    Remove and serve.

Tips

Tip 1

Use a small spoon with a thin edge to hollow out the zucchini centers without breaking the rounds.

Tip 2

Watch closely during broiling as cheese can brown quickly.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350 F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Make Ahead

Zucchini can be hollowed and filled up to 4 hours before broiling. Keep refrigerated until ready to cook.

Serve With

Serve warm as an appetizer or light side dish.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not skip peeling most of the skin to avoid soggy bites.

Watch

Do not scoop the centers too aggressively to avoid breaking through the bottom.

Watch

Do not leave under the broiler unattended to avoid burnt cheese.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

Parmesan cheese
Pecorino Romano1:1dairydairy-free

sharper taste

Full guide →
Parmesan cheese
Gruyere1:1dairydairy-free

nuttier, creamier

Full guide →

General Alternatives

Serrano ham
prosciutto1:1meat

similar saltiness and texture

Full guide →
Serrano ham
bacon1:1meat

smokier flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →