Grilled Zucchini and Blue Cheese Bruschetta is a delightful appetizer that brings together the fresh and vibrant flavors of summer. The tender, grilled zucchini offers a smoky and earthy taste, perfectly complemented by the tangy and salty crumbled blue cheese. Together, they create a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on the palate. The crispy, toasted bread adds a contrasting texture, making each bite a satisfying crunch. Garnished with fresh basil or parsley and a drizzle of olive oil, this dish is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors, offering a perfect balance of taste and texture that's sure to please the senses.
Ingredients for Grilled Zucchini and Blue Cheese Bruschetta
- Zucchinis: Light and fresh, these tender slices bring a subtle smokiness when grilled, perfect for summer dishes.
- Blue cheese: Rich and tangy, this cheese adds a bold flavor contrast to the grilled zucchini.
- Baguette or crusty bread: Provides a crispy, golden base for the bruschetta, offering the perfect crunch.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Smooth and flavorful, it enhances the dish and helps achieve that perfectly grilled texture.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the flavors of all the ingredients.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Adds a touch of color and a burst of freshness to each bite.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of blue cheese?
Yes, you can substitute blue cheese with other crumbly cheeses like feta, goat cheese or ricotta. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How to Make Grilled Zucchini and Blue Cheese Bruschetta
- Prepare the grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the zucchini: Lightly brush the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side or until tender and grill marks appear. Remove from the grill and set aside.
- Prepare the bread: Brush the bread slices with olive oil and grill for 1-2 minutes on each side or until toasted. Remove from the grill.
- Assemble the bruschetta: Top each slice with grilled zucchini and crumbled blue cheese.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the bruschetta with chopped fresh basil or parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately as a delightful appetizer or snack.
- Dobar tek!
Can I Prepare Zucchini on a Stove Top?
Yes, you can definitely prepare zucchini on a stovetop! Here's how:
Stovetop Method for Grilled Zucchini:
- Heat a grill pan or regular skillet over medium-high heat.
- Lightly brush the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the zucchini slices in the hot pan, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until tender and grill marks (or a golden-brown color) appear.
- Remove from the pan and use as directed in your recipe.
This method works just as well as grilling, and it's perfect if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill!
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Zucchini Prep: The zucchini can be grilled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or serve at room temperature.
- Bread Preparation: The bread can be toasted in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container for a day. To refresh, briefly warm it in the oven before assembling.
- Assembly: For the best texture and flavor, assemble the bruschetta just before serving. However, the individual components can be prepared ahead to save time.
Recipe Variations
- Goat Cheese & Honey Bruschetta: Replace blue cheese with creamy goat cheese and drizzle with a touch of honey for a sweet and savory twist.
- Tomato & Mozzarella Bruschetta: Add slices of fresh mozzarella and juicy cherry tomatoes on top of the grilled zucchini for a Caprese-inspired version.
- Zucchini & Pesto Bruschetta: Spread a layer of basil pesto on the bread before adding the grilled zucchini and top with Parmesan instead of blue cheese.
- Spicy Zucchini Bruschetta: Sprinkle red pepper flakes on the grilled zucchini and top with crumbled feta for a spicy kick.
- Avocado & Zucchini Bruschetta: Add smashed avocado to the toast, top with grilled zucchini, and finish with a sprinkle of chili flakes and a squeeze of lime.
- Mushroom & Zucchini Bruschetta: Add sautéed mushrooms alongside the grilled zucchini and top with shaved Parmesan for an earthy, hearty variation.
Grilled Zucchini and Blue Cheese Bruschetta
Grilled Zucchini and Blue Cheese Bruschetta is a delightful appetizer that brings together the fresh and vibrant flavors of summer. The tender, grilled zucchini offers a smoky and earthy taste, perfectly complemented by the tangy and salty crumbled blue cheese. Together, they create a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on the palate.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil for brushing
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 baguette or other crusty bread sliced
- 200 g blue cheese  crumbled
For garnish, optional:
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the grill:Â Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the zucchini:Â Lightly brush the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side or until tender and grill marks appear. Remove from the grill and set aside.
- Prepare the bread:Â Brush the bread slices with olive oil and grill for 1-2 minutes on each side or until toasted. Remove from the grill.
- Assemble the bruschetta:Â Top each slice with grilled zucchini and crumbled blue cheese.
- Garnish and serve:Â Sprinkle the bruschetta with chopped fresh basil or parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately as a delightful appetizer or snack.
- Dobar tek!
Notes
You can also add cherry tomatoes or olives for added flavor.
If you don't have a grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop.
Substitute blue cheese with other crumbly cheeses like feta, goat cheese or ricotta. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
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