Zucchini Pizza Boats

Learn how to make easy, low-carb zucchini boats for your next pizza night! This healthy, oven-baked recipe includes plenty of ideas for vegetarian and non-vegetarian topping variations.

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings 3-piece servings

Calories 300kcal

Author Lizzie Streit, MS, RDN

Ingredients

Zucchini pizza boats

6 small zucchini
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ to 1 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce of your choosing
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Topping ideas

Sautéed peppers and onions
Sautéed mushrooms
Sliced black olives
Toppings of choice!

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F/204 degrees C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set aside. If you are planning to put the boats under the broiler for a few minutes before serving, make sure your parchment paper can withstand broiler heat or just use foil instead.
Prepare the zucchini. Trim off the stems. Slice them in half lengthwise. Use a spoon (or melon baller) to remove the seeds and a small amount of flesh to make a boat-like cavity in each zucchini half.
In a small bowl, stir together the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Brush each side of the zucchini halves with the olive oil mixture. Place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until fork-tender. Remove from oven. In the meantime, gather and prep any toppings you intend to use.
Divide the marinara/pizza sauce evenly among the boats, followed by the mozzarella cheese. Add toppings (if using) and finish with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Put the boats back in the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling. If you want the tops to be a little more browned, turn on the broiler for 1 to 3 minutes until browned to your liking.
Remove the boats from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil, serve, and enjoy!
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Notes

Try to use zucchini that are all about the same size if you can find them so that they cook evenly. If you can't find 6 small zucchini, use 3 or 4 large ones instead and just divide the sauce, cheese, and toppings evenly among them.
Nutrition facts will vary depending on toppings used.
These are best enjoyed right away, since they will get soggy over time when stored. If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Reheat on a lined baking sheet in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes at 400 degrees F/204 degrees C. You can also try to reheat them in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

Nutrition