Zucchini Pizza Boats
Looking for an easy, healthy dinner that is low on carbs? These Zucchini Pizza Boats will be perfect for you! Zucchini Pizza Boats are halved zucchinis with the insides scooped out and replaced with all of your favorite pizza toppings.
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They have all the delicious taste of pizza without the carbs. They are so simple to make too, they really are a great, healthy weeknight dinner option.
Zucchini Pizza Boats definitely give you some creative freedom. With using zucchini, you are sparing yourself a lot of the carbs without the pizza crust, so feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add some bacon and sausage if you're a meat lover. If you want to keep it vegetarian, add some bell peppers or onions.
These Zucchini Pizza Boats are a great option for weeknight dinners or a healthy, fun Friday night. As with any pizza, it's a great time making a pizza bar with everyone's favorite toppings! Now you can do it while being cognizant of your health and dietary restrictions of your guests.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
Low-carb favorite: All the flavor of pizza without the crust.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like mushrooms, sausage, or peppers.
Kid-friendly: Fun to make and eat, perfect for family dinners.
Wholesome ingredients: Made with fresh zucchini, real cheese, and simple pantry staples.
Ingredients to Make Zucchini Pizza Boats:
- zucchini. Choose medium-sized zucchini that are firm and even in size so they cook consistently. Larger zucchini can be watery, pat the insides dry before baking.
- pizza sauce. Use a thick sauce to avoid sogginess. Marinara or homemade sauce both work well.
- shredded mozzarella. Melts beautifully and gives that classic pizza stretch. Use part-skim or whole milk depending on preference.
- mini pepperoni. Adds salty, savory flavor. You can substitute chopped regular pepperoni or cooked sausage.
- black olives. Give a briny, rich flavor that balances the melted cheese. Slice thin for even distribution.
- italian seasoning. Adds herby flavor, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
How to Make Zucchini Pizza Boats:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the center seeds, creating a shallow "boat."
- Place the zucchini halves on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce inside each zucchini boat.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and top with mini pepperoni and sliced olives.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly over the top.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Scoop carefully: Don't dig too deep, leave enough zucchini flesh to hold the filling without collapsing.
- Avoid sogginess: Pat the zucchini dry with a paper towel or lightly salt them and let sit for 5 minutes before assembling.
- Use thicker sauce: A thick pizza or marinara sauce helps prevent excess moisture.
- Cheese choice: Try a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Broil for crispiness: For golden, bubbly cheese, broil the boats for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Topping ideas: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked sausage for more variety.
- Serving tip: These make great appetizers, side dishes, or light main courses.
Serving Suggestions:
- Lobster Bisque
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Honey Garlic Carrots
- Almond Crusted Mushrooms
- Sourdough Flatbread
How to Store:
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended, as zucchini becomes watery when thawed.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, it can make the zucchini too soft.
FAQs:
Absolutely, skip the pepperoni or replace it with veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
No, the peel helps the zucchini hold its shape and adds nutrients.
Yes, air fry at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the zucchini is tender.
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Zucchini Pizza Boats
Ingredients
- 4 zucchini
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup mini pepperoni
- ¼ cup black olives
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the center seeds, creating a shallow "boat."
- Place the zucchini halves on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce inside each zucchini boat.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and top with mini pepperoni and sliced olives.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning evenly over the top.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Nutrition
Notes
- Scoop carefully: Don't dig too deep, leave enough zucchini flesh to hold the filling without collapsing.
- Avoid sogginess: Pat the zucchini dry with a paper towel or lightly salt them and let sit for 5 minutes before assembling.
- Use thicker sauce: A thick pizza or marinara sauce helps prevent excess moisture.
- Cheese choice: Try a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Broil for crispiness: For golden, bubbly cheese, broil the boats for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Topping ideas: Add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked sausage for more variety.
- Serving tip: These make great appetizers, side dishes, or light main courses.
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