Description
These Pizza Zucchini Boats offer a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. Hollowed-out zucchini halves are filled with savory marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, pepperoni, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs, then baked until tender and bubbly, making for a healthy and flavorful main course perfect for a quick family meal or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Zucchini Base
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Pizza Toppings
- 1 cup marinara or pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Prepare Zucchini: Slice the zucchini lengthwise in half, then use a spoon to carefully scoop out the center flesh, leaving about a 1/4 inch thick shell to hold the toppings without collapsing.
- Season Zucchini: Brush the hollowed zucchini halves with olive oil and season evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor before baking.
- Initial Bake: Place the zucchini boats cut-side up on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes to soften slightly, creating a tender base for the toppings.
- Add Toppings: Remove the zucchini from the oven and spoon marinara sauce into each boat. Then evenly distribute shredded mozzarella cheese, mini pepperoni slices, grated Parmesan, and sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top.
- Bake Again: Return the stuffed zucchini boats to the oven and bake for an additional 10–12 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the boats with fresh chopped basil and serve warm for a delightful, low-carb pizza experience.
Notes
- Ensure not to scoop out too much zucchini flesh to avoid fragile boats that may break during cooking.
- Customize your pizza boats by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, or cooked sausage to vary the toppings.
- For a lighter version, substitute regular pepperoni with turkey pepperoni.
- For a crispier, golden cheese finish, broil the zucchini boats for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
