Description
These Zucchini Pizza Boats offer a delicious low-carb twist on classic pizza, featuring tender zucchini halves loaded with savory pizza sauce, melted mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and mini pepperoni slices. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy-to-make baked dish is perfect as a light meal or appetizer that satisfies pizza cravings with less guilt.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 medium zucchini (about 2 1/2 lbs)
Seasonings & Oil
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Cheeses & 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°F (200°C). Line an 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with aluminum foil and set it aside for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Zucchini Boats: Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. If any zucchini halves don’t sit flat, trim a thin slice from the bottom to stabilize them. Use a spoon to scoop out about 1/4 inch of flesh from the center of each half, leaving a small rim around the edges to form a boat shape. Arrange the zucchini boats cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season Zucchini: Brush both the top and bottom of each zucchini boat lightly with olive oil. Place them cut side up, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper to taste. Evenly season with Italian seasoning and garlic powder for added flavor.
- Add Sauce: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of pizza sauce onto each zucchini boat, spreading it evenly but leaving a small rim near the edges uncoated.
- Add Cheese and Pepperoni: Sprinkle each zucchini evenly with the shredded parmesan cheese first, followed by the mozzarella. Top with the mini pepperoni slices to complete the topping.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 18 minutes. Baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your zucchini and your preferred texture; bake until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the zucchini pizza boats with chopped fresh basil. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure pizza sauce and pepperoni are free of gluten-containing ingredients.
- Feel free to swap mini pepperoni for other toppings like mushrooms, olives, or cooked sausage to customize your pizza boats.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the zucchini boats for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
