BakingGluten-FreeLow-CarbSide Dishes
Zucchini Pizza Boats Recipe
Zucchini Pizza Boats are a fun and healthy twist on traditional pizza, perfect for a low-carb meal or snack that’s packed with flavor. This easy recipe transforms fresh zucchini into little “boats” filled with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. Whether you’re looking to satisfy a pizza craving or get the family excited about veggies, these zucchini boats are the perfect choice.
Baked until tender and cheesy, zucchini pizza boats are a great way to enjoy all the classic flavors of pizza without the extra carbs. Customize them with your favorite toppings to make this a deliciously versatile dish for weeknights, gatherings, or even meal prep.
Key Ingredients & Flavor Profile
- Zucchini: The base of the dish, offering a mild flavor that pairs well with classic pizza ingredients.
- Marinara Sauce: Adds a tangy, savory layer that keeps the pizza filling flavorful.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and provides that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Pepperoni or Veggie Toppings: Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives.
How to Make Zucchini Pizza Boats
1. Prepare the Zucchini – The Base of the Boats
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash 4 medium zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise.
- Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh to create a hollow center for the fillings.
2. Season and Pre-Bake – Adding Flavor and Tenderness
- Place the zucchini halves on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes to soften slightly before adding the toppings.
3. Add the Sauce and Cheese – Creating the Pizza Layers
- Remove from the oven and spread about 1-2 tablespoons of marinara sauce inside each zucchini boat.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
4. Add Your Favorite Toppings – Customize Your Boats
- Top with mini pepperoni slices, chopped bell peppers, olives, or any toppings you love on pizza.
Tip: For a vegetarian option, load the zucchini boats with mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
5. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
- Return the zucchini boats to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Zucchini Pizza Boats are perfect as a low-carb main dish or as a fun side to pair with Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes or a fresh Caesar Salad. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, consider serving them alongside Homemade Garlic Bread.
Tips for the Best Zucchini Pizza Boats
- Choose Medium-Sized Zucchini: Smaller zucchinis can be difficult to fill, while very large zucchinis may be too watery.
- Pre-Bake for Texture: Pre-baking the zucchini prevents them from being too firm after the final bake.
- Customize the Toppings: Add your favorite pizza toppings to make this recipe your own.
Zucchini Pizza Boats Recipe
These Zucchini Pizza Boats are a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. Made with fresh zucchini, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and your favorite pizza toppings, they’re a fun and easy way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a healthier, veggie-based dish.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup mini pepperoni slices or other toppings of choice
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Zucchini: Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice zucchinis in half and scoop out the centers.
- Pre-Bake: Place on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spread marinara sauce inside each zucchini boat and sprinkle with cheese.
- Add Toppings: Top with pepperoni slices or other preferred toppings.
- Bake Again: Return to oven for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Let cool, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve.
Notes
For added flavor, sprinkle with red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning before baking.
