Description
Zucchini Pizza Boats are a delightful low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. Hollowed-out zucchini halves are filled with marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and your favorite pizza toppings, then baked to bubbly perfection. This easy and flavorful dish is perfect for a healthy dinner or snack option.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Boats
- 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and seeds scooped out
Filling & Toppings
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup pepperoni slices or other preferred toppings (e.g., mushrooms, bell peppers, olives)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Zucchini Boats: Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the center seeds, creating boat shapes. Season the zucchini halves with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Add Sauce: Spread about a spoonful of marinara sauce evenly inside each zucchini boat, ensuring the bottom is well coated for a saucy base.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the sauce, then add your preferred toppings such as pepperoni slices, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
- Season: Sprinkle dried oregano and garlic powder evenly over the topped boats to infuse more flavor and aroma.
- Bake: Arrange the zucchini boats on the prepared baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the boats from the oven and optionally garnish with freshly chopped basil for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your healthy zucchini pizza boats.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings with your favorite pizza ingredients like olives, mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked sausage.
- To save time, prepare the zucchini boats in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese.
- If zucchinis are very watery, pat dry the scooped centers to prevent sogginess.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
