Ingredients
– 4 medium zucchinis Serve as the base for the boats
– ¼ teaspoon of salt Used for seasoning the zucchini
– 1 cup of pizza or marinara sauce For filling each boat
– 1 ¼ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese (or a mozzarella-provolone blend) Topping for melty goodness
– 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning Adds aromatic herbs
– ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional) For a bit of heat if desired
– ¼ cup of mini pepperoni (or regular pepperoni sliced into quarters) Provides savory protein
– 2 tablespoons of freshly ground Parmesan cheese For extra flavor on top
– 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs such as basil or thyme Fresh garnish for brightness
– Sautéed baby bella mushrooms (optional) As an additional topping for more veggies
– Diced red onion (optional) Adds crunch and flavor
– Sliced olives (optional) For a salty touch
Instructions
1-First Step: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or dish. Wash and halve 4 medium zucchinis lengthwise, then scoop out the centers carefully, leaving a 1/3-inch border for structure.
2-Second Step: Season the zucchini halves with ¼ teaspoon of salt and let them sit briefly to draw out moisture. This helps keep them from getting soggy during baking.
3-Third Step: Fill each zucchini boat with 1 cup of pizza or marinara sauce, spreading it evenly. Top with 1 ¼ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and optional ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for spice.
4-Fourth Step: Add ¼ cup of mini pepperoni and 2 tablespoons each of freshly ground Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs. Include optional toppings like sautéed baby bella mushrooms, diced red onion, or sliced olives if you like.
5-Fifth Step: Bake the assembled boats for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is hot, bubbly, and golden. If you want extra browning, broil for 2 to 3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
6-Final Step: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil before serving. This adds a burst of flavor and makes the dish even more appealing.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧂 Use similarly sized zucchinis for even cooking.
🧀 Grate cheese from a block for better melting and flavor.
🍄 Pre-sauté watery or firmer vegetables before adding as toppings to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 19 mg
