Melt-in-your-mouth baked zucchini: A must-try veggie snack

Perfect for gatherings or movie nights, this zucchini snack blends the vegetable's natural crispiness with a flavor-packed blend of spices and the creamy delight of melting mozzarella. Adding bold garlic and fresh basil creates a compelling mix that's simply irresistible.

Veggie snacks can be anything but mundane—add a dash of herbs and spices. Zucchini, with its delicate flavor, pairs wonderfully with garlic and cheese. It's best to opt for milder cheeses like mozzarella, which melts beautifully, allowing the other flavors to shine.

This snack might be simple with just a handful of ingredients, but it's sure to impress. Remember, keep the skin on the zucchini; it helps maintain the vegetable's structure under heat. For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, consider adding chili flakes to the garlic and basil mix.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized zucchinis,
• 2 balls of mozzarella,
• 5 cloves of garlic,
• Your choice of oil, such as olive or canola,
• Salt, coarsely ground pepper,
• Fresh basil,
• Lemon juice,
• Toasted sunflower seeds for garnish.

Preparation:

1. Rinse the zucchinis and slice them into approximately 0.8-inch thick rounds. Arrange these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Blend the garlic with basil leaves and oil to create a thick paste. Enhance this mixture with a few drops of lemon juice to taste.
3. Evenly spread the paste over the zucchini slices and season with salt and pepper.
4. Bake in a preheated oven at 356°F for about 15 minutes.
5. Afterward, scatter the mozzarella pieces over the zucchini and return it to the oven, baking until the cheese is perfectly melted (around 10 minutes more).
6. Garnish the baked zucchini with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds before serving.