Courgette & feta appetizers

Appetizer, Appetizers & Snacks

These layers of sautéed courgettes, creamy mascarpone, and tangy feta come together in perfect harmony, all topped off with a satisfying crunch. They’re light, elegant, and bursting with flavour, ideal for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something a little special.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings 6

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Ingredients  

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• 2 courgette
• 250 gr mascarpone
• 200 ml double cream chilled
• 150 gr feta
• salted crackers
• mint
• chives
• parsley
• olive oil
• salt and black pepper

Equipment

• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 electric mixer
• 1 frying pan
• 1 piping bag for neat layering, but you can also use a spoon
• small clear glasses or verrines for serving

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the courgettes

   Wash and slice or dice the courgettes into small pieces. Sauté gently in olive oil over medium heat for about 10 minutes until tender but still firm. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool completely.
2. 2. Whip the cream

   In a clean mixing bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream to stiff peaks using an electric mixer or whisk. This will give your cream a light, airy texture.
3. 3. Mix mascarpone and feta

   In another bowl, combine the mascarpone and crumbled feta cheese until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped fresh herbs (mint, chives, and parsley) for fresh flavor.
4. 4. Fold whipped cream into mascarpone mixture

   Carefully fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone and feta mixture, preserving the lightness and airiness of the cream.
5. 5. Layer the small clear glasses (verrines)

   Begin by sprinkling a thin layer of crushed salted crackers at the bottom of each glass. Add a layer of the cooled courgettes on top. Then spoon or pipe a generous amount of the mascarpone and feta cream over the courgettes. Repeat the layers if the glasses allow.
6. 6. Chill before serving

   Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a vibrant finish. Chill the verrines in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set slightly.
7. 7. Chill before serving

   Serve chilled for the best taste and texture!

Notes

• Add a hint of lemon zest to the mascarpone mixture for extra zing.
• Swap feta for mild goat’s cheese if preferred.
• For a pop of colour and taste, toss in some diced roasted peppers or sun-dried tomatoes with the courgettes.
• These verrines make a stylish starter or canapé for any occasion.

About this recipe

This layered courgette and feta verrine is a modern, elegant appetizer inspired by Mediterranean flavors and contemporary plating styles. It draws from a rich heritage of French and Mediterranean vegetable and cheese combinations, where courgettes (zucchini) and feta are often enjoyed fresh or cooked with herbs and olive oil.

The recipe’s concept, layering sautéed vegetables with creamy cheese and crisp crackers, takes inspiration from techniques common in French and Mediterranean cuisine, such as savory terrines or layered salads served in individual portions (verrines). The use of mascarpone adds an Italian touch with its creamy richness, popular in many elegant dishes beyond desserts.

This style of dish is part of a broader trend in contemporary cuisine that reimagines dessert techniques, such as layering, whipping, and folding, for savory applications, making it both visually appealing and delightfully fresh on the palate!