Ever tried transforming zucchinis into pizza boats? Dive into this guilt-free, cheesy delight that’ll make you reconsider your pizza night essentials. 🍕✨
I enjoy creating dishes that are both wonderful to eat and good for you, and these Zucchini Pizza Boats are a prime example. Using zucchini as the base, we’re replacing the high-carb crust with a low-carb option that allows the flavors to shine through while giving us a nice dose of filling fiber.
And speaking of flavor, these boats are packed with it! Slathered with marinara and topped with cheese, we’re still somehow within reasonable limits of a guilt-free indulgence, even with pepperoni on board!
Zucchini Pizza Boats Recipe Ingredients
- Zucchinis: Low in calories; high in vitamin C and fiber.
- Marinara Sauce: Rich in vitamins A and C; adds tangy flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provides calcium and protein; adds creamy texture.
- Pepperoni Slices: Adds savory spiciness and a bit of protein.
- Italian Seasoning: Enhances flavor with a blend of herbs.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats; increases flavor and moisture.
Zucchini Pizza Boats Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 3 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How to Make this Zucchini Pizza Boats Recipe
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up.
2. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds from the zucchini halves to form shallow boats.
3. Lightly coat the zucchini boats with olive oil and give them a good sprinkling of salt and pepper.
4. Put the zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Pour marinara sauce evenly into each zucchini boat.
6. Strew the sauce in each boat with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Put two slices of pepperoni on the cheese in each zucchini half.
8. Evenly distribute the Italian seasoning over the zucchini boats.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchinis in an oven-safe dish and sprinkle them with salt. Next, layer the cheese over the salted zucchinis (you may not have enough room to add all the cheese, so some might need to be added later). After that, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. By that time, the zucchini should be tender, and the cheese should be melted and bubbling.
10. Before serving, add fresh basil leaves for garnish. Now enjoy what you crafted: the delicious zucchini pizza boats!
Zucchini Pizza Boats Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Spoon
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Oven-safe dish
9. Aluminum foil
FAQ
- Can I use a different kind of cheese?Of course! You can easily swap out the mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or a blend of cheeses if you’d like a different flavor profile.
- What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?A straightforward substitute can be made by blending dried oregano, basil, thyme, and garlic powder.
- How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy?Lightly salting the zucchini and letting it sit for about 10 minutes before adding toppings can help draw out excess moisture.
- Can I add other toppings?Indeed, you can personalize your pizza boats by using toppings such as bell peppers, olives, mushrooms, and cooked sausage.
- How long should I bake the zucchini?Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffed zucchini for 15-20 minutes in the oven, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Are these zucchini boats suitable for vegetarians?This dish can easily be made vegetarian. Just leave out the pepperoni, and feel free to add any extra veggies or plant-based protein alternatives you like. But don’t take my word for it; let this be a blank canvas for you to work your magic with. Here’s how I made it, vegetarian-friendly.
- Can I prepare these ahead of time?The zucchini and toppings can be prepared ahead of time, but they should be baked just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Zucchini Pizza Boats Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Marinara sauce: You may use pesto or any tomato-based sauce of your choice as a substitute.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Replace with shredded cheddar or a non-dairy cheese alternative.
Turkey pepperoni or plant-based pepperoni are healthier and vegetarian options for this iconic pizza topping.
Italian seasoning: Substitute with a blend of dried oregano and basil.
Olive oil: Use avocado oil or melted coconut oil instead.
Pro Tips
1. Pre-Bake the Zucchini: Before adding the toppings, consider pre-baking the zucchini boats for about 10 minutes. This will ensure they are tender and get rid of any excess moisture, making them less watery once the toppings are added.
2. Customize the Seasoning: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the Italian seasoning. This will give the zucchini boats a more robust flavor profile.
3. Cheese Variations: Try mixing mozzarella with a bit of Parmesan or provolone for added depth and flavor. A small sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top before baking can create a nice crispy crust.
4. Add Vegetables: Include additional toppings like diced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms for more texture and flavor. Just be sure to dice them finely so they cook evenly.
5. Crispy Pepperoni: For an extra crispy pepperoni experience, briefly cook the slices in a skillet until they start to curl before placing them on the zucchini boats. This will enhance their texture and flavor.
Zucchini Pizza Boats Recipe
My favorite Zucchini Pizza Boats Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Spoon
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring cups and spoons
8. Oven-safe dish
9. Aluminum foil
Ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 12 slices pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up.
2. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds from the zucchini halves to form shallow boats.
3. Lightly coat the zucchini boats with olive oil and give them a good sprinkling of salt and pepper.
4. Put the zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Pour marinara sauce evenly into each zucchini boat.
6. Strew the sauce in each boat with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Put two slices of pepperoni on the cheese in each zucchini half.
8. Evenly distribute the Italian seasoning over the zucchini boats.
9. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchinis in an oven-safe dish and sprinkle them with salt. Next, layer the cheese over the salted zucchinis (you may not have enough room to add all the cheese, so some might need to be added later). After that, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. By that time, the zucchini should be tender, and the cheese should be melted and bubbling.
10. Before serving, add fresh basil leaves for garnish. Now enjoy what you crafted: the delicious zucchini pizza boats!
