Crispy Zucchini & Melty Cheese Cigars 🥒🧀✨
A golden, crunchy treat with a gooey, savory center—perfect as a starter, snack, or party appetizer!
Looking for a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s light, crispy, and packed with flavor? These Crispy Zucchini & Melty Cheese Cigars check all the boxes! Wrapped in thin sheets of brick pastry and pan-fried to golden perfection, they’re bursting with tender zucchini, caramelized onions, garlic, and gooey cheese.
They’re perfect served hot with a creamy yogurt dip, a touch of harissa, or even on their own as a handheld treat. Bonus? They’re super easy to make and ideal for prepping ahead for your next apéro or mezze night!
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 120g (about 1 cup) grated cheese (mozzarella, Emmental, or your favorite melty variety)
- 1 pack of brick pastry sheets (or phyllo sheets, cut into rectangles)
- 1 egg
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 small onion, finely sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for sautéing and pan-frying
Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash and grate the zucchinis. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or sieve and press out as much excess water as possible. This helps prevent sogginess in the filling.
2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:
In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
3️⃣ Cook the Zucchini:
Add the grated zucchini to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and most of the moisture has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4️⃣ Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed zucchini mixture with the grated cheese and one beaten egg. This mixture should be creamy and hold together.
5️⃣ Roll the Cigars:
Take one sheet of brick pastry and fold it in half to form a long rectangle. Place a spoonful of the filling near one edge. Fold in the sides, then roll tightly into a cigar shape. Repeat with the remaining filling and sheets.
Tip: If using phyllo pastry, brush each layer lightly with olive oil before rolling for that same crispy finish.
6️⃣ Pan-Fry to Perfection:
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the cigars in batches, turning until golden and crisp on all sides—about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
Serve warm with a dollop of garlic yogurt sauce, spicy harissa mayo, or enjoy them just as they are. These are ideal for snacking, sharing, or pairing with a green salad for a light lunch.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per 100g):
Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
These crispy cheese cigars are:
- Kid-friendly and vegetarian
- Perfect for Ramadan, brunches, or potlucks
- Easily customizable—try adding cooked mushrooms, herbs, or chili flakes for a twist!
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