Have you ever craved pizza but wanted something a little lighter? Enter the Zucchini Pizza Boats—a brilliant twist on your favorite pizza, minus the carbs! Imagine crisp, tender zucchini boats filled with melty cheese, savory sauce, and all your favorite pizza toppings. They’re the perfect combination of satisfying and fresh, offering all the pizza flavors you love but with a healthy spin.
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These zucchini pizza boats are an absolute game-changer. Whether you’re looking for a fun weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these little boats have got you covered. Trust me, you’ll be surprised at how much flavor you can pack into zucchini!
Why You’ll Love Zucchini Pizza Boats
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about making healthy eating fun and flavorful. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
Versatile: You can easily customize these boats to suit your taste. Add pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or any of your favorite pizza toppings. It’s like building your own personal pizza!
Healthy: Zucchini replaces traditional pizza dough, making this a lighter, veggie-packed option without sacrificing flavor. You get all the pizza goodness without the carbs.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without all the fuss.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: If you’re on a low-carb or keto diet, these zucchini boats are the perfect pizza alternative. They satisfy those pizza cravings without derailing your diet.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, everyone will love these. They’re fun, customizable, and a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients in Zucchini Pizza Boats
The beauty of this recipe is that it’s made with simple ingredients, but the flavor is anything but basic. Here’s what you’ll need:
Zucchini: The perfect boat for your pizza toppings! When baked, the zucchini becomes tender yet still holds its shape, making it the ideal vessel for all those delicious ingredients.
Pizza Sauce: The foundation of any good pizza. Choose your favorite marinara or pizza sauce to add that tangy, savory flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey mozzarella is a must for any pizza. It adds that cheesy goodness that’s so satisfying.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan gives these boats a little extra flavor and a delightful finish when baked.
Toppings: Here’s where you can get creative! Pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, olives, or even some cooked sausage—choose what you love!
Olive Oil: A little drizzle of olive oil helps the zucchini cook perfectly and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning: These seasonings add a boost of flavor and complement the pizza vibe perfectly.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make these delicious boats? Let’s dive in:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your zucchini boats cook evenly and get that nice, golden finish.
Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon to create a “boat” shape. This gives you plenty of room for all the delicious toppings.
Season the Zucchini: Place the zucchini halves on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This helps bring out the natural flavor of the zucchini while adding that pizza seasoning flair.
Add the Sauce and Cheese: Spoon a little pizza sauce into each zucchini boat. Then, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, followed by a touch of Parmesan. This layer of cheese creates that melty, gooey goodness we all love in pizza.
Top with Your Favorite Toppings: Now, the fun part! Add your chosen toppings on top of the cheese. Whether it’s pepperoni, veggies, or both, load up those zucchini boats with all your pizza favorites.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you like a little extra crispiness on top, broil for the last minute or two.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute or two, and enjoy your healthier take on pizza!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [To be filled in]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Zucchini Pizza Boats
These zucchini pizza boats are so versatile, you can pair them with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
With a Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with these cheesy zucchini boats for a well-rounded meal.
With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to add that extra comfort-food touch.
As an Appetizer: These make a fantastic, bite-sized appetizer for your next gathering. Serve them alongside a dipping sauce like ranch or marinara.
With a Side of Veggies: Roasted vegetables or a simple sautéed spinach dish would complement these boats nicely.
Additional Tips
Use a Melty Cheese: Mozzarella is ideal because it melts beautifully, but you can also add provolone, cheddar, or any other cheese you love.
Make Them Spicy: For a little kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños on top of your zucchini boats.
Make-Ahead: You can prep these ahead of time! Slice and scoop out the zucchini, add the sauce and cheese, then cover and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven.
Use Larger Zucchini: If you’re feeding a crowd, use larger zucchinis to make bigger boats. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven for best results.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make these with eggplant instead of zucchini?
A1: Yes! Eggplant works just as well as zucchini for this recipe. Just make sure to cook it a little longer to get it tender.
Q2: Can I freeze these?
A2: Yes, you can freeze the zucchini boats before baking. Wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just thaw and cook as directed.
Q3: Can I use other types of cheese?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses for different textures and flavors.
Q4: How do I prevent the zucchini from getting too soggy?
A4: Make sure to scoop out the center of the zucchini to remove excess moisture. You can also sprinkle the insides with a bit of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out extra moisture, then pat them dry before adding the toppings.
Q5: Can I make these low-carb?
A5: Yes! Zucchini is already low-carb, so you’re good to go. Just be mindful of the toppings—keep them simple and low-carb, like pepperoni or veggies.
Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven for best results.
Q7: Can I add meat to these?
A7: Absolutely! Ground turkey, sausage, or even leftover chicken would be a great addition to these zucchini boats.
Q8: How can I make these gluten-free?
A8: These zucchini boats are naturally gluten-free, so you’re all set!
Q9: Can I use homemade pizza sauce?
A9: Definitely! Homemade pizza sauce would be a delicious addition to these zucchini boats. It’ll make the dish even more flavorful.
Q10: How do I know when they’re done cooking?
A10: The zucchini should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. If you like your cheese a little crispy, broil for the last 1-2 minutes.
Conclusion
These Zucchini Pizza Boats are the perfect mix of healthy and indulgent, giving you all the pizza flavor without the carbs. They’re quick, customizable, and a hit with everyone, from the pickiest eaters to those on special diets. So grab some zucchinis, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy a fresh take on pizza that you’ll crave again and again!
Print
Zucchini Pizza Boats
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (2 halves per serving) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Zucchini Pizza Boats are a low-carb, healthier alternative to traditional pizza! These boats are filled with savory pizza sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and mini pepperoni, all served in a zucchini base. It’s a perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of pizza with fewer carbs! #ZucchiniPizzaBoats #LowCarbPizza #HealthyPizzaAlternative
Ingredients
- 6 medium zucchini (2 1/2 lbs)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
- Cut each zucchini into halves lengthwise. If necessary, trim a thin portion from the bottom to make them lie flat. Scoop out about 1/4-inch of the flesh to form a boat shape. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush both sides of the zucchini with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Place cut side up on the baking sheet.
- Spread about 1 Tbsp of pizza sauce over each zucchini boat, leaving a small rim at the edges.
- Sprinkle with parmesan, then mozzarella cheese. Top with mini pepperoni slices.
- Bake for 14-18 minutes, depending on zucchini thickness and desired tenderness/crispiness.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust bake time based on the size and thickness of your zucchini.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the zucchini boats for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni and use extra vegetables or plant-based toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (2 halves)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 25mg