This delightful dish features tender zucchini boats filled with creamy panela cheese, all wrapped in crispy bacon. It's a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, perfect as an appetizer or a main course.
Ingredients
🥒 4 medium zucchinis
🧀 8 ounces panela cheese, cut into sticks
🥓 8 slices of bacon
🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
🫒 Olive oil, for drizzling
🌿 Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Equipment
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon or melon baller
• Toothpicks
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Calories & Macros (per serving)
• Calories: 250
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 20g
Instructions
1. Prepare the Zucchini
o Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
o Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
o Wash the zucchinis and cut off the ends.
o Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise.
o Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the center of each half, creating a boat shape.
o Season the inside of the zucchini boats with salt and pepper.
2. Stuff with Panela Cheese
o Place a stick of panela cheese into the hollowed center of each zucchini half.
3. Wrap with Bacon
o Wrap a slice of bacon around each stuffed zucchini half, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary.
4. Bake
o Arrange the bacon-wrapped zucchinis on the prepared baking sheet.
o Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
o Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the zucchini is tender.
5. Serve
o Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
o Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
o Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish.
Cooking and Serving Tips
• Cheese Alternatives: If panela cheese is unavailable, substitute with mozzarella or queso fresco.
• Bacon Crispiness: For extra crispy bacon, broil the zucchini for an additional 2–3 minutes after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy this savory Bacon-Wrapped Panela-Stuffed Zucchini as a flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire!