Crispy Zucchini Cigars with Feta and Mozzarella 🥒🧀🥟

Golden, flaky filo pastry meets the fresh bite of zucchini and the creamy richness of feta and mozzarella in this irresistible appetizer. These crispy zucchini cigars are savory, cheesy, and full of flavor, perfect for entertaining or simply treating yourself to something delicious.

Ready in just 45 minutes, they’re ideal for brunch, snacks, light lunches, or a fun party platter with a lemony yogurt dipping sauce on the side.

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Why I Love This Recipe

• Light but satisfying
• Cheesy, crisp, and full of Mediterranean vibes
• Perfect for vegetarians
• Can be made ahead and baked fresh
• Super customizable with herbs and spices

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Ingredients (Makes about 8 cigars)

• 4 medium zucchinis (approx. 600g), grated
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 100g shredded mozzarella
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• Fresh black pepper, to taste
• 8 sheets of filo pastry
• Melted butter or olive oil, for brushing
• Sesame seeds or nigella seeds (optional topping)

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Swaps and Notes

• No feta? Try goat cheese or ricotta.
• Mozzarella can be swapped for shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère.
• Add chopped fresh mint, dill, or parsley for more herb flavor.
• Filo dries out fast—cover it with a damp towel while working.

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How to Make Them

1. Make the Filling

Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel.
In a bowl, combine zucchini, crumbled feta, mozzarella, egg, nutmeg, and black pepper.

2. Assemble the Cigars

Lay out one filo sheet on a clean surface. Brush lightly with butter or oil.
Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the zucchini mixture at the bottom edge.
Fold in the sides, then roll tightly into a cigar shape.
Repeat with remaining sheets and filling.

3. Bake

Preheat oven to 360°F (180°C).
Place cigars on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush tops with butter/oil and sprinkle with seeds if using.
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden and crisp.

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Tips for Success

• Drain your zucchini well to avoid soggy filling.
• Keep filo covered to prevent drying and cracking.
• Don’t overfill—less is more for clean, tight rolls.
• Serve hot or warm with dipping sauce.

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Serving Suggestions

These cigars pair beautifully with:

• Lemon-garlic yogurt sauce
• Fresh green salad
• Tomato chutney or roasted red pepper dip
• A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with citrus

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More Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re into light bites and crowd-pleasing flavors, check these out:

• These Easy Coconut Macaroons
• These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites
• This Edible Cookie Dough
• These Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies
• These Sheet Pan Quesadillas

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Final Thoughts

These crispy zucchini cigars are light, flaky, and packed with melty cheese and veggie flavor. They’re an elegant snack that also feels totally comforting.

Tried them? Let me know what you think in the comments—and don’t forget to follow @chefmaniac for more craveable recipes that impress every time.