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Spinach Stuffed Zucchini
Spinach Stuffed Zucchini is a classic mid-century home-cooking dish that reflects the era’s love of vegetables turned into hearty, satisfying meals. Popular in American kitchens when garden zucchini was abundant, this recipe stretches simple ingredients into an elegant baked side or light main. The combination of sautéed onion, garlic, spinach, eggs, cheese, and breadcrumbs creates a savory, almost soufflé-like filling that bakes beautifully inside tender zucchini boats. Romano cheese adds a sharp, salty bite while herbs and olive oil bring everything together. It’s a practical, comforting recipe that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly modern, making it a timeless favorite for using up summer produce.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 zucchini (medium )
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 2 onions (medium, chopped)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 12 sprigs fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup spinach (cooked, drained and chopped)
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • tsp seasoned salt
  • ½ cup Romano cheese (grated )
  • 3 eggs (beaten)
  • cups dry breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Zucchini

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Add zucchini and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Drain and let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini Shells

  • Cut zucchini in half lengthwise.
  • Scoop out centers and reserve the pulp.

Step 3: Sauté the Filling Base

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet.
  • Sauté onions, garlic, and parsley until soft.

Step 4: Build the Filling

  • Add chopped zucchini pulp and spinach.
  • Cook a few minutes until combined.
  • Stir in oregano, salt, seasoned salt, and Romano cheese.

Step 5: Finish the Filling

  • Add beaten eggs and mix well.
  • Fold in breadcrumbs until evenly blended.

Step 6: Stuff the Zucchini

  • Lightly salt the zucchini shells.
  • Fill with spinach mixture.
  • Sprinkle tops with additional breadcrumbs.

Step 7: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden.

Tips

  • Use Parmesan instead of Romano for a milder flavor
  • Add mushrooms for extra depth
  • Swap breadcrumbs for panko for more crunch
  • Make it gluten-free with GF breadcrumbs
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
  • Serve with marinara sauce on the side
  • Add lemon zest for brightness
  • Prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking
  • Use yellow squash instead of zucchini

Nutrition

Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 9gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 4200IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 2.1mg
Keyword baked vegetables, classic side dish, comfort food, garden recipe, spinach, vegetarian, vintage, zucchini