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A fun, low-carb twist on classic pizza! Tender zucchini boats are filled with rich marinara, melted mozzarella, and savory pepperoni. A perfect weeknight meal that's both healthy and delicious.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the zucchini. Wash and dry the zucchini thoroughly. Trim off both ends and slice each zucchini in half lengthwise.
Create the boats. Use a spoon or a melon baller to gently scoop out the flesh from the center of each zucchini half, leaving a sturdy 1/4-inch border all around. Discard or save the scooped-out flesh for another use (like soups or stir-fries).
Season and pre-bake. Place the hollowed-out zucchini boats on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the inside and outside with olive oil. Sprinkle the insides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Bake the empty boats for 15 minutes. This crucial step helps to cook the zucchini partially and draws out excess moisture, preventing a watery final dish.
Fill the boats. Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon about 1/4 cup of marinara sauce into each boat, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, then top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese and arrange the pepperoni slices on top.
Final bake. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender-crisp and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
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A fun, low-carb twist on classic pizza! Tender zucchini boats are filled with rich marinara, melted mozzarella, and savory pepperoni. A perfect weeknight meal that's both healthy and delicious.
This american recipe takes 40 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 354.94 calories per serving with 16.87g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Garnish and serve. Remove from the oven and let the boats cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving warm.
Omit the pepperoni and use your favorite vegetable toppings like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, black olives, or red onion.
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning for a spicy kick.
In addition to pepperoni, add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or bacon bits.
Use a blend of cheeses like provolone and mozzarella, or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese after baking for extra flavor.
By replacing a traditional pizza crust with zucchini, this recipe significantly reduces calories and carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for weight management. The high fiber content in zucchini also promotes a feeling of fullness.
Zucchini is a good source of essential nutrients, including Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, and manganese, which support immune function, vision, and bone health.
Both zucchini and the marinara sauce (made from tomatoes) are rich in antioxidants like lycopene and carotenoids. These compounds help protect your body from damage by free radicals.
Each Pizza Zucchini Boat contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used, such as the type of marinara sauce and the fat content of the cheese and pepperoni.
Yes, they are a healthier, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber and vitamins. This dish provides vegetables and protein, making it a balanced meal option.
The key is the pre-baking step. Baking the hollowed-out zucchini boats for 15 minutes before filling helps cook them and draws out excess moisture. Also, patting the zucchini dry before seasoning helps.
You can do the prep work ahead. Scoop and season the zucchini boats and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Assemble and bake just before you plan to serve for the best texture.
Absolutely! Simply omit the pepperoni and load up on your favorite vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and olives. You can also use a plant-based cheese to make it vegan.