Pizza Zucchini Boatsrn

Name: Pizza Zucchini Boats
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 large zucchini squash; 1½ tablespoons olive oil, (extra virgin); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper; ⅔ cup pizza sauce; 2 cups mozzarella cheese, (freshly shredded); ⅔ cup sliced mini pepperoni; Fresh basil, (chopped (optional garnish))

a close-up shot of Pizza Zucchini Boats in a baking dish

Pizza zucchini boats are a delicious and simple meal, loaded with melted cheese and pepperoni, that make a great alternative on pizza night.

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Table of Contents

Pizza Zucchini Boats Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Pizza Zucchini Boats Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
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If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy dinner option, look no further than pizza zucchini boats! This easy-to-make dish is packed with flavor and nutrition, combining the classic taste of pizza with the freshness of zucchini.

overhead shot of Pizza Zucchini Boats in a baking dish

Pizza Zucchini Boats Ingredients

Pizza Zucchini Boats raw ingredients that are labeled

Pizza zucchini boats have an incredible savory flavor that is a perfect combination of classic pizza toppings and the earthy taste of zucchini.

The zucchini in the dish are cooked until tender and provide a delicious contrast to the crispness of the melty mozzarella cheese. The pizza sauce is bold and flavorful, with just enough spice to bring the dish together.

You’ll need:

4 large fresh zucchini squash
1½ tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon of kosher salt
1 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper
⅔ cup of pizza sauce
2 cups of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
⅔ cup of sliced mini pepperoni
Fresh basil, chopped, optional garnish

Substitutions And Additions

CHEESE: You can substitute pre-shredded mozzarella cheese for freshly grated mozzarella in this zucchini pizza recipe, but pre-shredded cheese is coated with a preservative. This makes it taste a bit powdery. That is why freshly shredded cheese melts much better.

TOPPINGS: You can add or substitute any of your favorite pizza toppings for the mini pepperoni in this low-carb zucchini boat pizza. Try green pepper, Italian sausage, red onions, black olives, or any other of your favorite toppings.

PEPPERONI: If you cannot find the sliced mini pepperoni, you can slice the full-size pepperoni into quarters in this easy recipe.

ZUCCHINI: You could also make this zucchini recipe with yellow squash or even small hollowed-out eggplants. A bell pepper would also be an interesting spin on this zucchini boat recipe.

How To Make This Pizza Zucchini Boats Recipe

Easy zucchini pizza boats do not take long to prepare. Once you scoop out the inside of the zucchini halves, you will fill the space with all your favorite pizza toppings.

Bake the zucchini until the cheese is melty and the zucchini are warmed through before digging in!

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

To ensure an even cooking, cut each zucchini into halves of similar sizes and thickness.

STEP TWO: Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. Do not cut off the tops. Use either a small spoon or a melon baller to scoop out the insides of the zucchini. Be careful not to pierce through the zucchini. Place the sliced and scooped zucchini halves, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet. Blot the inside of the zucchini with a paper towel.

PRO TIP:

A teaspoon is about the right size to scoop out the zucchini flesh. Or you could use a melon baller instead.

zucchini sliced in half on a wooden board

STEP THREE: Use a pastry brush to brush each of the zucchini halves with the extra virgin olive oil.

zucchini halves brushed with extra virgin olive oil

STEP FOUR: Sprinkle each halved zucchini with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the zucchini from the oven. Pat dry with a paper towel.

salt and pepper sprinkled on each zucchini

STEP FIVE: Spread 1½ tablespoons of pizza sauce down the center of each hollowed-out zucchini.

pizza sauce spread down the center of each zucchini

STEP SIX: Sprinkle each zucchini half with ¼ cup of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese over the pizza sauce.

mozzarella sprinkled over the zucchini halfs

STEP SEVEN: Arrange 14 to 16 slices of mini pepperoni over the mozzarella cheese layer. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Allow the pizza boats to rest a couple of minutes before serving.

PRO TIP:

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your zucchini boats as the suggested baking time approaches.

How To Serve

Delicious zucchini pizza boats are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pizza. To further enhance the flavors of this dish, it’s best to serve it alongside a few accompaniments.

A crisp and light tomato and cucumber salad with a bright, tangy dressing would be a great choice, as well as a side of roasted vegetables.

For an extra kick, try garnishing the boats with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs such as basil or parsley for an easy weeknight dinner.

If you have plenty of spoils during the zucchini season, we have plenty of zucchini recipes to help you use them up. Try our fried zucchini and zucchini gratin for two solid choices.

MORE PIZZA RECIPES

Desserts

Campfire Dessert Pizza

Lunch

Pizza Pockets

Storage

Let’s have a look at how these cheesy zucchini boats can be stored to enjoy later.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

IN THE FREEZER: The zucchini does not freeze well; it will become mushy once you try to thaw it.

overhead shot of Pizza Zucchini Boat on a spatula

Pizza zucchini boats are a delicious way to satisfy a pizza craving and a nutritious meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. With just a few ingredients, you can create a fantastic dish in no time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze zucchini?

We don’t recommend freezing the zucchini boats as they will become mushy.

How do you store zucchini boats?

You can store the leftover zucchini boats in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3 days.

Can you eat the skin of the zucchini?

You can eat the skin of the zucchini. It holds the most nutritional value for the vegetable.

Do zucchini boats reheat well?

This zucchini pizza boat recipe will reheat well the next day in the microwave.

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