The summer entertaining train pulled out of the station on Memorial Day weekend. Consequently, the search for summer appetizer recipes is on. Especially those that feature local summer produce. Especially those that are both creative and delicious. In summer the markets overflow with zucchini. This Zucchini Feta Packets Appetizer is a great way to use them.
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This appetizer looks fancy. However, in reality, it is extremely easy to throw together. What’s in the package of olive oil tinged zucchini strips? A bit of fried red onion. Also, tangy sun-dried tomatoes tossed with fresh spicy oregano and fragrant thyme leaves. All wrapped around a small hunk of feta cheese.
For this Zucchini Feta Packets Appetizer, olive oil brushed zucchini strips are baked in the oven. However, take advantage of barbecue season and cook them on the grill. Bonus points for a charcoal grill to add extra flavor. By the way, I found this recipe on the website of Edeka, a German supermarket chain. Consequently, here is a video showcasing a grilled version.
Three steps make this Zucchini Feta Packets Appetizer more flavorful. Firstly, make sure you use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. Secondly, fry the red onions up in some olive oil before wrapping them up. Thirdly, add some additional fresh herbs. The original recipe calls for oregano. I grow a spicy version in my garden as well as thyme. So, I added thyme leaves to the recipe. In retrospect, lemon thyme adds a bigger pop of flavor. Also, it would complement the squeeze of lemon used to finish the dish.
Zucchini Feta Packets Appetizer
Ingredients
- 2 Zucchini
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- Salt and freshly ground pepper.
- 4 oz Feta cheese block form, not crumbled
- 1 tablespoon chopped oregano leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 small red onion
- 6 sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Wash the zucchini and slice into strips with a wide peeler or cheese slicer.
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Brush the zucchini strips with olive oil n both sides.
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Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.
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Place in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes.
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Cut the onions into rings.
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Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet. Add the onions rings and sauté until transparent. Remove from heat and set aside.
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Dice the sun-dried tomatoes. Place in a bowl and toss them with the oregano, and thyme.
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Cut the feta cheese into roughly 1 in X 1-inch squares and 1/4 inch thick.
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Lay out two zucchini strips. Place a few onion rings in the center of one strip. Lay a few onion pieces on top. Place the feta on top. Top with the herbed sun dried tomatoes.
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Flip one side of the zucchini strip over, then the other side on top.
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Lay the entire package on top of another zucchini strip, crosswise. Flip one side of the zucchini strip over, then the other side on top. Secure with a toothpick through the top. Replace the package on the baking sheet.
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Sprinkle the packages with the lemon juice.
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Season the freshly ground pepper.
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Return the baking sheet to the oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees F until the cheese has softened.
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Remove from the oven. Transfer to a platter and serve immediately.
Like this Zucchini Feta Packets Appetizer? Also, check out some of these other summer appetizer recipes:
