Foods That Start With Z: A list of fruits, vegetables, recipes, and more that start with Z for trivia, food challenges, or just for fun! From zucchini to zabaglione, the world of Z foods is full of interesting flavors and ingredients to discover! Take a look, you're sure to find a few exciting new foods to try!
40 Foods That Start With The Letter Z
The letter Z may not be the most commonly used letter in the English language, but it certainly holds some surprises when it comes to food. From sweet to savory, there are a variety of mouth-watering dishes and ingredients that start with Z from all over the world!
Whether you're looking for a healthy snack, a flavorful meal, or a sweet dessert, there are plenty of tasty foods that start with the letter Z to explore. So get ready to expand your culinary horizons and discover some new favorites!
Jump to:
- 40 Foods That Start With The Letter Z
- 🍹 Drinks That Start With Z
- 1. Zwijntje
- 🧂 Condiments, Herbs, & Spices That Start With Z
- 2. Za'Atar
- 3. Zenzero
- 4. Zesty Sauce
- 🍞 Bread That Starts With Z
- 5. Zucchini Bread
- 6. Zopf
- 7. Zwieback
- 8. Zweibelkuchen
- 🍉 Fruit That Starts With Z
- 9. Zambian Mango
- 10. Zante Currants
- 11. Zinfandel Grapes
- 🫑 Vegetables That Start With Z
- 12. Zha Cai
- 13. Zigeunersalat
- 14. Zucchini
- 15. Zucchini Flowers
- 🍲 Soups & Stews That Start with Z
- 16. Zarzuela
- 17. Zoni
- 18. Zuppa Toscana
- 19. Zurek
- 🍝 Pasta That Starts With Z
- 20. Ziti
- 🍚 Side Dishes & Appetizers That Start With Z
- 21. Zereshk Polo
- 22. Zucchini Fritters
- 🥩 Proteins & Meat Dishes That Start With Z
- 23. Za'atar Chicken
- 24. Zampone
- 25. Zander
- 26. Zelnik
- 27. Zha Jiang Mian
- 28. Zongzi
- 29. Zwiebelrostbraten
- 🥗 Vegetarian Dishes That Start With Z
- 30. Zaru Soba
- 31. Zaru Udon
- 32. Zwetschkenknodel
- 🍰 Desserts That Start With Z
- 33. Zaba
- 34. Zabaglione
- 35. Zabaione al Caffe
- 36. Zabaione Gelato
- 37. Zaleti
- 38. Zeppole
- 39. Zerde
- 40. Zimtsterne
- 41. Zuccotto
- 42. Zuppa Inglese
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments & Reviews
Don't miss my complete list of foods that start with the letter A-Z!
🍹 Drinks That Start With Z
1. Zwijntje
Zwijntje is a popular Dutch beer known for its refreshing taste and light, crisp finish. It's brewed using a combination of high-quality malts and hops, which gives it a distinctive flavor profile that is best-served cold.
🧂 Condiments, Herbs, & Spices That Start With Z
2. Za'Atar
Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that is widely used in the cuisine of the Levant. The blend typically consists of dried thyme, oregano, and marjoram, mixed with sesame seeds and sumac, a tangy spice made from ground red berries.
Za'atar has a distinctive fragrant aroma. Its flavor is both herbal and tangy, with a nutty undertone from the sesame seeds. The blend is used in various dishes, including roasted meats, vegetables, and bread!
3. Zenzero
Zenzero is the Italian word for ginger. Ginger is a pungent and spicy root that is used in a variety of dishes and drinks around the world. In Italian cuisine, ginger is often used as a flavoring agent in sweet and savory dishes. It adds a spicy and aromatic note to pasta, seafood, and desserts.
4. Zesty Sauce
Zesty sauce is a versatile condiment that can easily be customized to suit your own tastes. It's made from tangy and flavorful ingredients like vinegar, mustard, herbs, and spices, giving it a bright and zesty flavor.
Use zesty sauce as a dipping sauce for vegetables or chicken, a marinade for meat, or a dressing for salads and sandwiches. The possibilities are endless!
🍞 Bread That Starts With Z
5. Zucchini Bread
Zucchini bread is a quick bread made with grated zucchini, flour, eggs, sugar, and other ingredients such as cinnamon or nutmeg. It is typically baked in a loaf pan until it is firm and slightly golden on the outside.
Zucchini bread is a popular way to use extra zucchini during the summer when the vegetable is in season. Plus, it's my favorite way to use up the last of the summer's bumper crop!
Zucchini bread has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, with the grated zucchini adding moisture and texture. The bread is often enjoyed as-is, with a butter or cream cheese spread, or as part of a larger meal.
6. Zopf
Zopf is a traditional Swiss bread made from white flour, butter, milk, and yeast. The bread is typically braided into a long, twisted shape, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Zopf is often enjoyed as part of a traditional breakfast or brunch, frequently with fondue.
7. Zwieback
Zwieback is a type of bread that is baked twice, resulting in a crisp and crunchy texture. The bread is typically made with a sweet dough that is flavored with ingredients such as cinnamon, vanilla, or nutmeg and is often enjoyed as a sweet snack or breakfast food.
Zwieback is also a popular ingredient in many recipes and can be used as a base for desserts or as a crunchy topping for salads or other dishes.
8. Zweibelkuchen
Zweibelkuchen, also known as onion cake, is a savory dish that originated in Germany. It is typically made with a base of yeast dough topped with caramelized onions, bacon, and cheese, then is baked until it is golden brown and crispy.
🍉 Fruit That Starts With Z
9. Zambian Mango
Zambian mangos are a variety of mango grown primarily in the Republic of Zambia, in southern Africa. They are typically grown in small orchards and harvested by hand to ensure they are of the highest quality.
10. Zante Currants
Zante currants are a type of small, seedless grape that is commonly used in cooking and baking. They are grown primarily in Greece, where they are harvested and dried in the sun, resulting in a sweet and tangy flavor!
11. Zinfandel Grapes
Zinfandel grapes are red grapes primarily grown in California, although they are also grown in other parts of the world. The grapes are known for their high sugar content and thick skins, which give Zinfandel wines their bold and fruity flavor profile.
From lighter and fruitier rosés to rich, full-bodied reds, zinfandel grapes make some of the best wine available today!
🫑 Vegetables That Start With Z
12. Zha Cai
Zha cai, also known as Sichuan vegetable, is a pickled mustard plant popular in Sichuan cuisine. The vegetable is typically sliced into thin strips or cubes and added to various dishes, including hot pots, stir-fries, and noodle dishes.
Zha cai has a tangy and slightly spicy flavor, which adds a crisp and refreshing texture to dishes!
13. Zigeunersalat
Zigeunersalat is a popular salad in German cuisine made with various fresh vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. It typically includes ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and carrots, which are sliced or diced and tossed together with the dressing.
Zigeunersalat is often served as a side dish to accompany grilled or roasted meats, such as sausages or pork chops!
14. Zucchini
Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a type of summer squash popular in many parts of the world. The vegetable is long and cylindrical, with smooth green skin and a soft, fleshy interior.
Zucchini is a versatile ingredient used in various dishes, including soups, stews, and salads. Zucchini has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, which makes it a popular ingredient in many recipes.
It is often used as a substitute for pasta, with zucchini noodles (also known as "zoodles") being a popular gluten-free alternative to traditional wheat-based noodles. Zucchini is also a common ingredient in vegetarian and vegan dishes and is often used as a filling for stuffed vegetables or as a base for vegetable fritters.
Try my sauteed zucchini for an easy veggie side dish, or my tasty pumpkin zucchini muffins for a sweet treat!
15. Zucchini Flowers
Zucchini flowers, also known as courgette flowers, are the edible flowers of the zucchini plant. The flowers are typically yellow or orange and have a delicate and slightly sweet flavor.
Zucchini flowers are often used in Italian cuisine, where they are stuffed with cheese or other ingredients and then fried or baked. The flowers can also be used as a garnish or flavoring agent in soups, stews, and other dishes.
🍲 Soups & Stews That Start with Z
16. Zarzuela
Zarzuela is a traditional Spanish seafood stew that originated in Catalonia. The stew is typically made with a combination of seafood such as fish, shrimp, clams, mussels, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and peppers.
It is flavored with herbs and spices, including saffron, paprika, and parsley, which give it a distinct and flavorful taste! Zarzuela is usually served with a side of bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
17. Zoni
Zoni soup is a traditional Japanese New Year's dish with mochi (sticky rice cakes) and a clear soup broth. The broth is typically made from dashi (a type of Japanese soup stock) and soy sauce. It may include additional ingredients such as vegetables, chicken, or seafood, too.
The mochi is sliced into pieces and added to the soup just before serving, creating a unique and satisfying, chewy texture. Zoni has a rich and complex flavor. The dashi's umami flavor combines with the mochi's sweetness to create a well-balanced dish.
18. Zuppa Toscana
Zuppa Toscana is a traditional Italian soup that originated in the Tuscany region of Italy. It is typically made with Italian sausage, potatoes, kale, and other ingredients such as onion, garlic, and cream.
Zuppa Toscana has a rich and hearty flavor from combining the savory sausage with the creamy broth. This is also a popular soup (or copycat recipe) from The Olive Garden restaurant.
19. Zurek
Zurek is a traditional Polish soup made with fermented rye flour, sausage, and potatoes. The soup has a sour and tangy flavor that is characteristic of the fermentation process and is typically served with a hard-boiled egg and a garnish of fresh herbs.
The soup is often associated with Easter and is a traditional dish many families enjoy during this holiday.
🍝 Pasta That Starts With Z
20. Ziti
Ziti is a type of pasta that is popular in Italian cuisine. It is shaped like a long, narrow tube and is often cut into shorter lengths before cooking. Ziti is typically made from durum wheat flour, which gives it a firm and chewy texture that holds up well to being boiled, baked, or simmered on the stovetop.
🍚 Side Dishes & Appetizers That Start With Z
21. Zereshk Polo
Zereshk polo is a popular Persian dish that combines fluffy basmati rice with tart and tangy barberries. It is typically made by cooking the rice until it is tender and fluffy, then mixing it with sautéed barberries and caramelized onions.
The result is a colorful and flavorful dish that is both sweet and sour, with a subtle hint of spice and a fragrant aroma. Zereshk polo is often paired with meat dishes, such as lamb or chicken, accompanied by various sides, such as salad, yogurt, and fresh herbs.
22. Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters are a popular dish made from grated zucchini mixed with flour, eggs, and other ingredients such as cheese or herbs. The mixture is then fried until crisp and golden brown, creating a delicious and satisfying snack, side dish, or appetizer.
🥩 Proteins & Meat Dishes That Start With Z
23. Za'atar Chicken
Za'atar chicken is a beloved dish in Middle Eastern cuisine and is often served at festive gatherings and special occasions. It's made by marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of za'atar spice blend, olive oil, and lemon juice, which infuses the chicken with the tangy and herbal flavors of the spice blend.
The chicken is then grilled or baked until it is tender and juicy and served with various accompaniments, such as hummus, pita bread, or a side salad.
24. Zampone
Zampone is a traditional Italian dish consisting of a hollowed-out pig's trotter filled with ground pork, pork rind, and spices, then boiled and served with lentils or other legumes.
This dish originates from the region of Emilia-Romagna and is popular during the Christmas season, particularly in Modena. The filling is made by grinding pork shoulder, bacon, and pork rind, then mixing it with various spices, including garlic, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Some call zampone an 'acquired taste'. It has a unique texture and flavor, with the rich and savory filling contrasting the tender and slightly gelatinous pig's trotter.
25. Zander
Zander, also known as pike-perch, is a freshwater fish native to Europe and western Asia. It is a popular fish in European cuisine, particularly in Germany, where it is often served in upscale restaurants.
It has a firm, white flesh that is mild in flavor and low in fat, making it a versatile fish that can be cooked in various ways. Zander is often cooked whole, either roasted, grilled, or fried, and is typically served with a sauce or seasoning that complements its mild flavor.
While it may not be as well-known as other freshwater fish, such as trout or salmon, zander is delicious and worth trying if you get the chance!
26. Zelnik
Zelnik is a traditional savory pastry popular in Balkan cuisine, particularly in Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. It is typically made with layers of phyllo dough filled with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs, then baked until the pastry is crispy and golden brown. Occasionally, meat like sausage or bacon may be added.
Zelnik can be made as a large, round pie or individual triangles and is often served as a snack or appetizer. It is a versatile dish that can be served hot or cold and is delicious when enjoyed with coffee or tea!
27. Zha Jiang Mian
Zha jiang mian is a popular noodle dish in Chinese cuisine, particularly in the country's northern regions. It is made with thick, chewy wheat noodles topped with a savory and flavorful sauce from fermented soybeans, ground pork, and vegetables.
The sauce is typically cooked with aromatics such as garlic and ginger and seasoned with soy sauce and sugar to create a complex and delicious flavor profile. Zha jiang mian can be served hot or cold, often accompanied by sides such as pickled vegetables or steamed buns.
28. Zongzi
Zongzi is a traditional Chinese dish made by wrapping glutinous rice and other ingredients in bamboo leaves and steaming them until they are tender and fragrant. The filling of zongzi varies depending on the region and the occasion but can include ingredients such as pork, salted egg yolk, mushrooms, and chestnuts.
Zongzi is often enjoyed during the Dragon Boat Festival but can be found throughout the year in Chinese markets and restaurants.
29. Zwiebelrostbraten
Zwiebelrostbraten is a traditional Austrian dish consisting of pan-fried beef steak topped with caramelized onions. The steak is typically seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika before pan-searing, creating a rich and flavorful crust.
The onions are then sauteed until soft and caramelized and are served atop the steak as a savory garnish. The dish is often served with a side of boiled potatoes or spaetzle, which helps to balance the richness of the steak and onions.
🥗 Vegetarian Dishes That Start With Z
30. Zaru Soba
Zaru soba is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of chilled buckwheat noodles served on a bamboo tray with a dipping sauce. It is popular with vegetarians and vegans, as buckwheat noodles are typically made from buckwheat flour, which is gluten-free and high in protein!
The dipping sauce is made from soy sauce, mirin, and dashi (a dried fish and seaweed broth - substituted for vegan/vegetarian meals). Toppings such as grated daikon radish, green onion, and wasabi, are added to the sauce giving it an incredible umami flavor.
31. Zaru Udon
Zaru udon is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of cold udon noodles served on a bamboo tray with a dipping sauce. The dish is similar to zaru soba (above) but it is made with thicker and chewier udon noodles instead of soba noodles.
The noodles are served with a dipping sauce made from a combination of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, a broth made from dried fish and seaweed. The dish is often garnished with toppings such as grated ginger, green onions, and wasabi, which add a savory and spicy flavor.
32. Zwetschkenknodel
Zwetschkenknodel, or kwetscheknedl, is a traditional Austrian dish that consists of a potato dumpling stuffed with plums, cinnamon, and sugar. The dumpling is boiled until it is soft and tender and is typically served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar.
Zwetschkenknodel has a rich and flavorful taste, with the sweetness of the plums and sugar combined with the soft and starchy potato dumpling to create a uniquely satisfying dish. The dumpling is often served warm, with the dish's heat intensifying the flavor and aroma of the plums and cinnamon.
🍰 Desserts That Start With Z
33. Zaba
Zaba is a traditional Bosnian cake often served on special occasions, such as weddings or religious holidays. It is made with a rich buttery dough that is rolled out and layered with a filling made from ground walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon.
Once the layers are assembled, the cake is baked until golden brown, crispy on the outside, and soft and tender on the inside. The cake is known for its rich and nutty flavor and its delicate and flaky texture.
34. Zabaglione
Zabaglione, also known as Zabaione or Zabajone, is a classic Italian dessert made by whisking egg yolks, sugar, and sweet wine together over low heat until it becomes thick and creamy. This sweet and silky custard-like dessert is traditionally served warm or at room temperature and can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for fresh fruit, cake, or ice cream.
The dessert has a rich, delicate flavor that comes from the combination of the sweet wine and the richness of the egg yolks. It is often served as a special treat for holidays or special occasions, and its preparation has a certain degree of ceremony to it.
While zabaglione is often associated with Italian cuisine, variations of this dessert can be found in other European countries such as France, where it is known as sabayon.
35. Zabaione al Caffe
Zabaione al caffè is a traditional Italian dessert that combines the rich and creamy flavor of zabaione custard with the bold and robust flavor of the coffee. Typically, it's made by whisking together egg yolks and sugar until they are thick and creamy, then adding strong coffee and heating the mixture over low heat until it thickens.
The resulting custard is then chilled and served in small cups or glasses, often garnished with a sprinkling of cocoa powder or grated chocolate. Combining the sweet and creamy zabaione with the bold and bitter coffee is a winning combination, and it's no surprise that zabaione al caffè is a beloved part of Italian culinary tradition!
36. Zabaione Gelato
Zabaione gelato is a classic Italian dessert that combines the flavors of zabaione, with gelato's creamy and refreshing texture. The dessert is typically made by whisking egg yolks and sugar together until they are thick and creamy, then adding sweet wine (usually Marsala wine) and heating it over low heat until it thickens.
The mixture is then chilled and folded into a base of smooth and creamy gelato, resulting in a rich, sweet, and satisfying dessert. Gelato is often served in small cups or cones and is a popular choice for those who want a sweet and refreshing treat!
37. Zaleti
Zaleti is a traditional Italian cookie often served as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. The cookies are made with cornmeal, flour, sugar, and butter and are flavored with raisins, lemon zest, or vanilla extract.
Using cornmeal gives the cookies a slightly grainy texture, while the butter and sugar give them a rich and indulgent taste. The dough is typically formed into small, diamond-shaped cookies, then baked until golden brown and crispy.
38. Zeppole
Zeppole is a beloved part of Italian culinary tradition and is often served during special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, and St. Joseph's Day. It is a pastry with a light and airy texture, a crispy exterior, and a soft and tender interior.
Zeppole can be either sweet or savory, depending on the filling and toppings used. Sweet zeppoles are often filled with pastry cream or ricotta cheese and are dusted with powdered sugar, while savory zeppoles may be filled with cheese, sausage, or vegetables.
39. Zerde
Zerde is a traditional Turkish dessert, similar to rice pudding, that is typically served during special occasions and celebrations. It's made from rice, sugar, and saffron, giving it a yellow hue and fragrant aroma.
Zerde is often garnished with slivered almonds, pistachios, and dried fruits, which add a crunchy and sweet texture to the dessert.
40. Zimtsterne
Zimtsterne, also known as cinnamon stars, are a traditional German cookie often enjoyed during Christmas. They are made from ground almonds, sugar, egg whites, and cinnamon, then rolled out and cut into star shapes.
The cookies are then baked until crisp and slightly golden and are often dusted with powdered sugar before serving. These holiday cookies have a rich and fragrant flavor, with the sugar's sweetness and the cinnamon's warmth combined to create an extra delicious treat!
41. Zuccotto
Zuccotto is a traditional Italian dessert with sponge cake, liqueur, and a sweet filling such as ricotta cheese, chocolate, or fruit. It is typically dome-shaped, with layers of sponge cake and filling arranged in a circular pattern.
Zuccotto is often decorated with powdered sugar or chocolate shavings and is typically served chilled. Some versions incorporate additional ingredients such as nuts or candied fruit.
42. Zuppa Inglese
Zuppa inglese is a traditional Italian dessert similar to an English trifle. The dessert consists of layers of sponge cake, pastry cream, and liqueur-soaked ladyfingers, which are topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Zuppa inglese is typically served chilled, allowing the flavors and textures to meld together into a delicious and satisfying dessert. It is often enjoyed as a special treat or as part of a larger meal and is a popular choice for festive occasions such as weddings and holidays.
Do you love a recipe you tried? Please leave a 5-star 🌟rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media @ Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter! Subscribe to the newsletter today (no spam, I promise)! Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
📖 Recipe Card
Foods That Start With Z: Zucchini Boats With Ground Beef (+More Great Foods To Try!)
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- ½ tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- ¼ teaspoon each, salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 lb ground beef (Italian sausage or ground pork can also be used, or used in combination)
- ½ cup onion (chopped)
- ½ cup green bell pepper (optional, chopped, you can use green, red, or a combination)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup marinara sauce (or spaghetti sauce, or arrabbiata sauce)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
(Note: 2x or 3x only changes the ingredient list)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds and flesh with a spoon to create a hollow center.
- Brush the inside of each zucchini boat with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula, until it is browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (if using), minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the skillet, and cook until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet, stir to combine, then spoon the ground beef mixture into each zucchini boat, filling it to the top.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and breadcrumbs over each zucchini boat.
- Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and serve the zucchini boats immediately.
Notes
- You can use sweet Italian sausage instead if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Add other ingredients, such as chopped mushrooms or spinach, to the sausage mixture. Reserve the insides of the zucchini, chop, and add to the filling mixture if desired.
- If you want a low-carb version, skip the marinara sauce and simply top the zucchini boats with cheese.
- The extra marinara (if there is any) can be poured around the base of the zucchini boats to bake in and serve with your meal, spoon over the top if desired.
- If you want to save time, you can prep the zucchini boats ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake them. Just add the sausage mixture and cheese before baking.
- To store: If you have any leftover zucchini boats, you can store them in the fridge for a few days.
- To reheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the zucchini boats from the fridge and place them on a baking sheet. Bake the zucchini boats in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the zucchini boats in the microwave by placing them on a microwave-safe plate and microwaving them for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through. However, microwaving the zucchini boats may result in a softer texture.
Comments
No Comments