Zucchini Skillet Recipe: Cheesy Spanish Tapas Classic 2026

This zucchini skillet is one of those dishes that proves how little it takes to make something memorable. Sliced zucchini gets golden in a hot pan, then a blanket of grated cheese, slivers of serrano ham and a few thyme leaves go on top. Cover the pan, let everything melt together, and you have a bubbling, savory tapa ready in about twenty minutes.

The salty ham does the seasoning here, so no extra salt is needed, and the thyme brings a warm aroma that plays nicely with the nutty cheese. We like gruyère because it melts smoothly and adds depth without overpowering the zucchini, though any good melting cheese will work. Serve it straight from the pan as an entrante or a light main, ideally with a hunk of crusty bread to mop up the cheese.

Ingredients for Zucchini Skillet

Serves 2 as a starter or light main.

• 1 zucchini
• 100 g grated cheese
• 3 slices serrano ham
• A few thyme leaves
• Ground black pepper

How to Make Zucchini Skillet Step by Step

1. Brown the Zucchini Slices

Wash and cut the zucchini into slices about half a centimeter thick, then brown them in the skillet in batches over medium-high heat for a few minutes per side. Repeat until all the zucchini is done.

2. Cover the Base of the Pan

Arrange all the browned zucchini slices over the bottom of the skillet, covering it completely as shown.

3. Top with Cheese, Ham and Thyme

Cover the zucchini with 100 g of grated cheese, 3 slices of serrano ham torn into small pieces, and a few thyme leaves. Add ground black pepper to taste.

4. Melt the Cheese and Serve

Cover the skillet and cook everything for about 6-8 minutes over low heat, or until the cheese has melted. Serve the zucchini skillet immediately so it is enjoyed freshly made.

Tips for the Best Zucchini Skillet

Choose the Right Cheese

Gruyère works beautifully here because it melts smoothly and brings an intense but not dominant flavor. Any good melting cheese, such as mozzarella or a young manchego, will also do the job.

Skip the Salt, Keep the Pepper

The serrano ham is chopped small so it spreads through every bite and provides all the salt this dish needs. Season with black pepper instead, and taste before adding anything else.

Swap the Herb if You Like

Thyme gives the skillet its aromatic note, but rosemary or oregano are excellent substitutes if that is what you have on hand. Add them at the same point, just before covering the pan.

30 Home-Cooked Recipes I Keep Coming Back To

If you're anything like me, your kitchen rotation probably includes a little bit of everything — cozy comfort plates, tried-and-true dishes from around the globe, and sweets that make a crowd happy.

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Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of cooking, testing, and tweaking in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the greatest dishes are built on three things: simplicity, techniques you can trust, and flavor that really pops.

Every recipe gathered here is one I genuinely cook over and over — whether it's a fast solo meal or a spread I'm putting together for the people I love.

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Sharing dishes from across the globe is another joy of mine — among them the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, golden Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the traditional Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

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And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely gratifying without any gluten.

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