Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the extra carbs. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or as a fun appetizer for a party. With tender zucchini boats filled with marinara sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, it’s a meal that’s sure to please everyone. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 4 zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed rosemary
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/3 cup mini pepperoni
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Zucchini:
- Wash the zucchini and cut them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh to create a boat-like shape. Place the zucchini halves on a baking sheet, cut side up.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- Cook Onion and Garlic:
- In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Marinara:
- Stir in the crushed rosemary, dried thyme leaves, and dried oregano. Add the marinara sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Assemble the Zucchini Boats
- Fill Zucchini Boats:
- Spoon the marinara sauce mixture into each zucchini boat, filling them evenly.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded provolone cheese evenly over the top of the marinara sauce in each zucchini boat.
- Add Toppings:
- Distribute the mini pepperoni and sliced black olives evenly over the top of the cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Zucchini Boats
- Bake:
- Place the baking sheet with the zucchini boats in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats hot!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Zucchini: Choose medium-sized zucchini that are firm and free of blemishes. Avoid overgrown zucchini, as they tend to be watery and have larger seeds.
- Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses.
- Toppings: Customize the toppings to your liking. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked sausage for variety.
Variations
Vegetarian Pizza Zucchini Boats
- Skip the Pepperoni:
- Omit the mini pepperoni and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Pizza Zucchini Boats
- Add Spice:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
BBQ Chicken Pizza Zucchini Boats
- Use BBQ Sauce:
- Substitute the marinara sauce with BBQ sauce and top with cooked, shredded chicken, red onion, and cheddar cheese for a BBQ twist.
Serving Suggestions
With Sides
- With Salad:
- Serve with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad for a complete meal.
- With Garlic Bread:
- Pair with garlic bread or breadsticks for a delicious side.
With Beverages
- With Soda:
- Enjoy with a cold soda or iced tea for a refreshing drink.
- With Wine:
- Serve with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Merlot for a perfect pairing.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the zucchini boats up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover zucchini boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: It’s not recommended to freeze zucchini boats, as the texture of the zucchini can become mushy upon thawing and reheating.
Q: What if I don’t have mini pepperoni? A: You can use regular pepperoni slices cut into smaller pieces, or substitute with cooked sausage or other pizza toppings of your choice.
Q: Can I use a different type of squash? A: Yes, you can use other types of squash like yellow squash or even bell peppers for a different twist on this recipe.
Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza without the extra carbs. With their tender zucchini boats filled with marinara sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, this dish is sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats are always a tasty and satisfying meal. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with your family and friends!