This elegant appetizer features perfectly roasted zucchini rounds topped with creamy goat cheese and drizzled with a warm, nutty almond thyme honey sauce. The combination of fresh zucchini, tangy goat cheese, and sweet honey with toasted almonds creates a sophisticated bite, perfect for holiday gatherings, festive dinners, or any special occasion. It’s a unique dish that combines earthy, nutty, and creamy flavors into a balanced, delightful experience.
Ingredients
To make this appetizer, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Zucchini Rounds
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sliced almonds, lightly toasted
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). -
Roast the Zucchini
Place the zucchini rounds on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 10-12 minutes or until the zucchini is just tender, but still firm enough to hold its shape. Avoid overcooking the zucchini to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Drizzle
-
Warm the Honey
In a small saucepan, warm the honey over low heat. Add the fresh thyme leaves and toasted almonds, stirring gently to combine. Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes to infuse the honey with the herbal flavor of thyme and the nutty crunch from the almonds.
Step 3: Assemble the Rounds
-
Top with Goat Cheese
Once the zucchini rounds are roasted and slightly cooled, top each round with a dollop of goat cheese. The cheese will slightly melt from the warmth of the zucchini, creating a creamy base for the drizzle. -
Drizzle with Almond Thyme Honey
Generously drizzle the warm almond thyme honey over each zucchini round, allowing the honey to coat both the cheese and the zucchini. -
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a few extra thyme leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the zucchini rounds warm as a delicious appetizer or a side dish.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Zucchini & Goat Cheese Rounds
Slice Zucchini Evenly
To ensure even cooking, slice the zucchini rounds into 1/4-inch thick slices. If you have a mandoline slicer, it will help you achieve consistent thickness for even roasting.
Avoid Overcooking the Zucchini
Be mindful of the zucchini while roasting. You want it to be tender but not mushy, so it holds up well as a base for the goat cheese. Overcooked zucchini can become soggy, affecting the texture of the dish.
Use Cold Goat Cheese
For easier handling and a firmer texture, keep the goat cheese slightly chilled before spreading it on the warm zucchini rounds. This will also prevent the cheese from melting too quickly when assembled.
Toast the Almonds
To bring out their natural nutty flavor and add a bit of crunch, lightly toast the almond slices in a dry pan over medium heat for a couple of minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning them, as they can toast quickly.
Substitutions and Variations
Cheese Alternatives
- If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with feta for a tangier taste or cream cheese for a milder, smoother option.
- For a dairy-free version, try using a vegan cream cheese or almond-based cheese as a substitute.
Honey Alternatives
- Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave syrup for a slightly different sweetness that complements the zucchini and goat cheese.
- For a more savory twist, try drizzling with balsamic glaze instead of honey to balance the richness of the goat cheese.
Variations
Herb Variations
Try switching out the fresh thyme for fresh rosemary, basil, or mint. Each herb brings its own unique flavor to the dish, offering a variety of tastes that can complement different meals or occasions.
Add Fruit
For a pop of color and sweetness, you can add a small slice of fresh fig, grape, or strawberry on top of the goat cheese before drizzling with honey. This addition creates a lovely contrast with the savory zucchini and creamy cheese.
Add Spice
If you like a little heat, sprinkle a dash of crushed red pepper flakes on top for a hint of spice. This balances the sweetness of the honey and adds another layer of flavor to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Answer: Yes! You can prepare the zucchini rounds in advance by roasting them, then allowing them to cool. When you’re ready to serve, simply top the rounds with the goat cheese and drizzle with the honey just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
2. Can I serve this dish cold?
Answer: Absolutely! While these zucchini rounds are delicious warm, they can also be served at room temperature or chilled, making them a versatile appetizer for any season.
3. Can I use a different cheese if I don’t like goat cheese?
Answer: Yes! You can substitute goat cheese with feta, cream cheese, or even ricotta. For a dairy-free option, use a vegan cheese substitute such as cashew cheese or vegan cream cheese.
4. How do I prevent the zucchini rounds from getting soggy?
Answer: To prevent sogginess, avoid over-roasting the zucchini. You want it to be just tender but not mushy. You can also lightly salt the zucchini before roasting to draw out some moisture and then pat the rounds dry with paper towels before drizzling with cheese and honey.
Conclusion
These zucchini and goat cheese rounds with almond thyme honey drizzle are an exquisite appetizer that combines fresh, earthy, and nutty flavors. The sweet honey, creamy goat cheese, and lightly toasted almonds bring a sophistication to the dish, making it the perfect choice for holiday dinners or festive gatherings. With easy preparation and endless variations, this recipe will quickly become a favorite for any occasion, offering a versatile, flavorful, and impressive dish that’s sure to delight your guests.