Zucchini Pizza Boats are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. These boats are made by hollowing out zucchini halves and filling them with your favorite pizza toppings, making them a low-carb option that’s packed with flavor. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, they are easy to customize and fun to make!

Ingredients List

For the Zucchini Boats:

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup marinara sauce (or pizza sauce)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or other toppings like bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Optional Toppings:

• Sliced black olives
• Diced bell peppers
• Cooked sausage or ground beef
• Fresh spinach
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Timing

Preparing Zucchini Pizza Boats takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of cooking time. Total time is approximately 25-35 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice Zucchini: Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise.
3. Hollow Out: Use a spoon to scoop out the center of each zucchini half, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh to create a boat shape. (Save the scooped-out zucchini for another use, like smoothies or stir-fries.)

Step 2: Season the Zucchini

1. Season: Lightly sprinkle the inside of each zucchini boat with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.

Step 3: Fill the Zucchini Boats

1. Add Sauce: Spoon marinara sauce into each zucchini boat, filling them generously.
2. Add Toppings: Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella cheese and your choice of toppings (like pepperoni, olives, or bell peppers).

Step 4: Bake the Zucchini Boats

1. Bake: Place the filled zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
2. Serve Warm: Enjoy your zucchini pizza boats warm!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Zucchini Pizza Boats (per serving, makes about 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	180
Protein	10g
Fat	12g
Carbohydrates	8g
Fiber	2g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Add more vegetables to the toppings for extra nutrients.
• Substitute marinara sauce with homemade sauce to control the sugar content.

Serving Suggestions

• A side salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Garlic bread or breadsticks for a complete meal.
• A light soup for a comforting combination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Boats: Avoid overfilling the zucchini boats to prevent them from becoming soggy.
2. Not Pre-cooking the Zucchini: If you prefer a softer zucchini, you can pre-bake the hollowed-out zucchini for 5-10 minutes before adding the toppings.
3. Using Too Much Sauce: Be careful not to use too much sauce, as it can make the boats watery.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Zucchini Pizza Boats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

In just about 25-35 minutes, you can create delicious Zucchini Pizza Boats that are not only fun to make but also packed with flavor and nutrition. This versatile dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to be a hit with family and friends!

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables?

Yes! You can use other vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers as boats for this recipe.

Can I make them ahead of time?

You can prepare the zucchini boats ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.

How can I make them spicier?

Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the toppings for extra heat.

Can I grill these instead of baking?

Absolutely! Zucchini pizza boats can be grilled on a barbecue for a smoky flavor. Just place them on a grill-safe tray or wrap in foil.