Zucchini Pizza Boats

Name: Zucchini Pizza Boats
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 medium Zucchini; 1 tbsp Olive oil; 1/4 tsp Sea salt; 1/4 tsp Black pepper; 16 tbsp Marinara sauce; 1/3 cup Mini pepperoni slices; 1 1/3 cup Mozzarella cheese

By:

Lauren

Published:

July 27, 2025

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Zucchini Pizza Boats are such a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite while keeping things healthy and fun! Have you ever found yourself craving pizza but wanted to skip the carbs? That’s where these little beauties come in. They’re a unique and delicious alternative to traditional pizza. Imagine sinking your teeth into tender zucchini loaded with rich marinara, gooey cheese, and your favorite toppings. You get the satisfaction of enjoying pizza without the heavy crust.

And the best part? Zucchini Pizza Boats are quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having friends over, this recipe delivers on flavor and presents beautifully. Plus, kids love getting involved in the kitchen, making it a fun way to sneak in some veggies. From the first slice to the last bite, these little boats will have you coming back for more. Ready to make them? Let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Works

Zucchini’s versatility shines in this recipe. It makes a healthy pizza base that’s full of nutrients while cutting down on carbs. You get to enjoy classic pizza flavors without the guilt! The simplicity of the ingredients is another plus. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this recipe approachable and easy to execute. The beauty lies in its accessibility, allowing everyone to enjoy a delicious meal in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Pizza Boats

These Zucchini Pizza Boats are quick to prepare and cook, making them ideal for busy weeknight dinners when time is short. Kids will love them too, thanks to their fun shape and customizable toppings that encourage them to eat their vegetables. Speaking of toppings, you can get as creative as you like! Whether you prefer pepperoni, veggies, or different cheeses, you can personalize each boat to suit your taste.

Ingredients

4 medium Zucchini
1 tbsp Olive oil
1/4 tsp Sea salt
1/4 tsp Black pepper
16 tbsp Marinara sauce
1/3 cup Mini pepperoni slices
1 1/3 cup Mozzarella cheese

Preparing Zucchini Pizza Boats

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). This step is essential for roasting the zucchini to a tender perfection, setting the stage for delicious toppings.

Slice and Scoop the Zucchini

Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise. This creates a solid foundation for your pizza. Carefully scoop out some of the insides using a spoon or melon baller. You want deep wells that will hold all the burst of flavors.

Season the Zucchini

Place the zucchini cut side up on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over them and sprinkle sea salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor. This simple seasoning brings your zucchini to life.

Roast the Zucchini

Once seasoned, pop the zucchini in the preheated oven. Roast them for about 15-20 minutes until they are tender. This step prepares the zucchini to hold the toppings without getting soggy.

Absorb Extra Moisture

After roasting, use paper towels to gently pat any excess moisture from the wells. This ensures that your boats stay intact and firm during the baking process.

Fill with Marinara Sauce

Spread about 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce into each zucchini well. It serves as the base layer for your delicious toppings.

Add Cheese and Pepperoni

Now, top that marinara with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of mini pepperoni slices. This layering technique ensures every bite is loaded with flavor.

Bake and Broil

Bake the stuffed zucchini boats for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully. For a lovely browned top, switch your oven to broil for an additional 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions

To complement your Zucchini Pizza Boats, consider serving them with a side salad for a balanced meal. A crisp, fresh salad balances the rich flavors of the pizza boats. Alternatively, pair them with garlic bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner that everyone will adore.

Tips for Success

Selecting firm zucchini is crucial. Firm zucchinis hold their shape better during the cooking process, ensuring you get a sturdy boat. If your zucchinis are larger, you may need to adjust your baking time so that they cook evenly.

Variations

Feel free to shake things up! Swap out the marinara for pesto. It adds a unique twist to the flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar or feta can add a delightful richness that plays well with the other toppings.

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain their texture, reheat them in the oven instead of the microwave for the best results.

Pairing Ideas

Enhance your dining experience by pairing your Zucchini Pizza Boats with a light red wine like Pinot Noir. It complements the flavors beautifully. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing sparkling water infused with lemon provides a lovely contrast to the richness of the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I make zucchini pizza boats ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the zucchini boats and store them in the fridge before baking. This is a great time-saver.

2. Can these be frozen?
It’s best to freeze them before adding toppings. Once cooked, the texture of zucchini may change, so freezing them raw is ideal.

3. Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes! All the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.

4. How do I know when the zucchini is done roasting?
The zucchini should be tender but not mushy. You can test doneness by piercing it with a fork; it should go through easily.

5. Can I use different toppings?
Certainly! Feel free to mix in different veggies, meats, or even plant-based cheese for a diverse flavor profile.

Zucchini Pizza Boats are not just a meal; they’re an experience filled with flavors that bring joy to any table. With fresh ingredients and an easy cooking method, this recipe satisfies your craving for pizza while embracing healthy choices. So why not gather your toppings, invite some friends or family into the kitchen, and enjoy this delightful recipe together? It’s all about sharing great food and making wonderful memories!