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Zucchini Pizza Boats Recipe

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Zucchini Pizza Boats Recipe

Zucchini pizza boats are a delicious, healthy, and versatile way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza while keeping things light. This recipe involves using zucchini as the “boat” or base for your pizza toppings, which is a great low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crusts. Whether you’re looking for a keto-friendly meal, a quick weeknight dinner, or a fun appetizer to serve at your next gathering, zucchini pizza boats will surely satisfy your cravings.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise. Depending on the size of the zucchini, you can also cut them into quarters if they are too large to handle.

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Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the center of each zucchini half, leaving about ¼-inch of the flesh intact along the edges. This creates a “boat” shape, which will hold the sauce and toppings. Set aside the scooped-out zucchini flesh for later use in another recipe or add it to your filling.

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Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Zucchini boats cook best in a hot oven to get the zucchini tender while melting the cheese and allowing the sauce to bubble.

Step 3: Season the Zucchini Boats

Brush the inside and outside of each zucchini boat with olive oil. This helps prevent the zucchini from becoming too soggy during baking while adding flavor. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning, as the zucchini itself can be quite mild.

Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet, cut side up, and bake them in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they start to soften but still hold their shape.

Step 4: Prepare the Pizza Sauce

While the zucchini boats are baking, you can prepare your pizza sauce. If you’re using store-bought marinara or pizza sauce, simply set it aside. If you want to make your own, here’s a quick recipe:

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add 1 clove of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add 1 cup of canned crushed tomatoes, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon sugar (optional), salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Set your pizza sauce aside until the zucchini boats are ready.

Step 5: Assemble the Zucchini Pizza Boats

Once the zucchini boats are slightly softened, remove them from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of sauce into the hollowed-out centers of each zucchini boat. You don’t want to overfill them, but ensure there’s enough sauce to cover the zucchini’s interior.

Next, sprinkle a portion of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce in each boat. Add the Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Top each zucchini boat with your desired pizza toppings. Popular options include mini pepperoni slices, sliced mushrooms, black olives, or bell peppers. For a more creative twist, you can add cooked sausage, ground beef, or even sliced fresh tomatoes. Keep in mind that the zucchini will bake further, so try to avoid adding toppings that might burn too easily.

Step 6: Bake the Zucchini Pizza Boats

Return the filled zucchini boats to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the zucchini begin to crisp up.

If you prefer your cheese to be golden and slightly crispy, you can broil the zucchini boats for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the zucchini pizza boats are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, and if you’d like, sprinkle some extra Parmesan or crushed red pepper flakes on top for added flavor.

Tips and Variations

1. Make It Keto-Friendly:

Zucchini pizza boats are already a great low-carb option, but to make them fully keto, be sure to avoid sugary marinara sauces and opt for a low-carb pizza sauce instead. Also, you can add more protein by topping the boats with grilled chicken, sausage, or bacon.

2. Vegan Options:

If you follow a vegan diet, you can easily substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives. Look for plant-based mozzarella that melts well. Additionally, make sure your pizza sauce is free of dairy and other animal products. Top your vegan zucchini pizza boats with vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, artichokes, or olives.

3. Gluten-Free Version:

Since zucchini is naturally gluten-free, this recipe is perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. Just ensure the pizza sauce and cheese you use are certified gluten-free.

4. Spice Things Up:

For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle them on top of the cheese before baking. You can also experiment with spicy sausage or jalapeño peppers for a more fiery pizza boat.

5. Meat Lover’s Zucchini Pizza Boats:

For meat lovers, zucchini boats are the perfect base for your favorite pizza toppings. Consider using pepperoni, cooked sausage, ground beef, or bacon. You can even layer multiple types of meat for a hearty, protein-packed meal.

6. Add Veggies:

If you’re looking to sneak in more vegetables, zucchini pizza boats are incredibly versatile. You can add spinach, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even kale. Roasted garlic and sun-dried tomatoes can also make excellent additions for a richer flavor.

7. Prepping Ahead:

You can prepare the zucchini boats ahead of time by hollowing out the zucchini and adding the sauce and toppings. Cover the boats with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. This makes for a great make-ahead dinner for busy nights!

Why Zucchini Pizza Boats?

There are so many great reasons to love zucchini pizza boats:

  1. Healthy and Low-Carb: Zucchini is an excellent vegetable for anyone looking to reduce their carb intake. Using it as a pizza base lets you enjoy a pizza-like experience without the high-carb crust.
  2. Customizable: You can top your zucchini boats with anything you like, from the classic pepperoni to veggies or even a combination of both. This makes it suitable for various dietary preferences.
  3. Quick and Easy: The prep time is relatively short, and baking takes just a few minutes. It’s a great meal to whip up for lunch, dinner, or as a party snack.
  4. Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly: With a simple swap of ingredients, zucchini pizza boats can easily be turned into a vegetarian or vegan dish.
  5. Kid-Friendly: If you have picky eaters, zucchini pizza boats are an excellent way to get kids involved in the kitchen. They can help add the toppings, and the fun shape and flavors will likely make them more inclined to eat their veggies!

Conclusion

Zucchini pizza boats are a fun, customizable, and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. By using zucchini as the base, you’re able to enjoy all the familiar pizza flavors without the heaviness of a pizza crust. Whether you’re making them for yourself, a family dinner, or a gathering with friends, these pizza boats are sure to be a hit.

Yield: 4

Zucchini Pizza Boats Recipe

Zucchini Pizza Boats Recipe

Zucchini pizza boats are a delicious, healthy, and versatile way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza while keeping things light. This recipe involves using zucchini as the “boat” or base for your pizza toppings, which is a great low-carb alternative to traditional pizza crusts. Whether you’re looking for a keto-friendly meal, a quick weeknight dinner, or a fun appetizer to serve at your next gathering, zucchini pizza boats will surely satisfy your cravings.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 medium zucchinis
  • 1 cup pizza sauce (or marinara sauce)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup sliced pepperoni (or other toppings like sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the zucchinis: Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon to create a boat shape. Lightly season with salt and pepper.
  3. Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the zucchini halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
  4. Add pizza sauce: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pizza sauce into each zucchini half.
  5. Add toppings: Sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese over the sauce, and add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni or other veggies.
  6. Season: Sprinkle oregano and garlic powder over the top for added flavor.
  7. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and optionally garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

  • Customization: Feel free to add or swap toppings based on your preferences! You can use veggies, chicken, or even cooked bacon.
  • Zucchini size: Depending on the size of your zucchinis, you may need to adjust the amount of sauce and cheese.
  • Make it ahead: You can prepare the zucchini boats and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
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