Description
Zucchini Pizza Boats are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional pizza, featuring hollowed-out zucchini halves filled with pizza sauce, cheeses, and pepperoni, then baked to bubbling perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for a low-carb dinner or a fun appetizer that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Base
- 6 medium zucchini (about 2 1/2 lbs)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Toppings
- 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: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside to prepare for baking the zucchini boats.
- Prepare Zucchini: Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. If any zucchini halves do not lie flat, trim a thin slice from the bottom so they rest evenly. Using a spoon, scoop out about a 1/4-inch thick layer of flesh from the center of each zucchini half, creating a boat shape with a small rim around the edges. Place the prepared zucchini halves on the lined baking sheet.
- Season Zucchini: Lightly brush both the top and bottom sides of each zucchini half with olive oil. With the cut side facing up, sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. Evenly season with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for added flavor.
- Add Sauce: Spoon roughly one heaping tablespoon of pizza sauce onto each zucchini boat, spreading it evenly but leaving a small border near the edges to prevent overflow during baking.
- Top with Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle each zucchini boat evenly with finely shredded parmesan cheese followed by shredded mozzarella cheese. Then top with mini pepperoni slices, distributing them evenly across the surface.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 18 minutes. Baking time may vary depending on zucchini thickness and desired tenderness and crispness. The cheese should be melted and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked zucchini pizza boats from the oven. Immediately sprinkle with chopped fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious low-carb pizza alternative.
Notes
- You can substitute pepperoni with sliced olives, mushrooms, or other favorite pizza toppings to customize the recipe.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the pepperoni.
- Use homemade or store-bought pizza sauce according to preference.
- To prevent sogginess, make sure to scoop out zucchini flesh carefully leaving a sturdy rim.
- Cooking time may slightly vary depending on the zucchini size and oven differences; watch for melted and bubbly cheese.
