It’s time to sail into the weekend and wind down with these healthy yet delicious Zucchini Pizza Boats!
Hello, foodie friends! You know when the workweek finally ends and all you want to do is order pizza and watch movies? But then you think about your health goals and wonder if there’s a way to enjoy the taste of pizza without all the intense carbs and fat? Well, I’ve got a recipe for you (and no, I’m not about to suggest my low-fat marinara sauce on a gluten-free cracker). This recipe is still very delicious and will satisfy your craving for some pizza. Let’s give it up for zucchini pizza boats!
Yes, zucchini! No, please don’t click away! I promise this recipe is going to be a must-try. Zucchini pizza boats are quick, easy, and both kid-friendly and adult-approved. All you have to do is split your zucchini in half, scoop out the insides to create a “boat,” and then stuff it to the brim with your favorite pizza toppings. Zucchini pizza boats are tasty, packed with flavor, and, above all else, they actually taste like pizza. Why not try them on your next movie night and enjoy all the flavors of pizza in a healthy way? My favorite kind of pizza is pepperoni, so of course, I include salty, umami mini pepperoni to complement the sweet and savory tomato sauce and milky, melty mozzarella.
Are Zucchini Pizza Boats Healthy?
Yes, they are! The best part about zucchini pizza boats (besides the fact that they are oh-so-yummy) is that they are good for you. Relatively low-fat, low-carb, and low-calorie, these little boats are a source of protein, potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and fiber. Not to mention, they’re just plain FUN. If you’re cooking with or for kiddos, imagine telling them that they’re going sailing on pizza boats. They’ll be so excited they may even forget the vegetable base. And if you’re not cooking with kids, who says adults can’t have fun? Throw a little get-together with all of your adult friends and have a boat-building party. To make my zucchini pizza boats even healthier, I use low-fat cheese. To make them vegan, use your fave plant-based cheese and meat.
Can I Cook Zucchini Pizza Boats In An Air Fryer?
Too hot and muggy to turn on the oven? Cooking zucchini pizza boats for only a few people? Turn to your air fryer! According to an online rule of thumb, you should reduce the suggested temperature by 25°F and cut the cooking time by about 20%. So, for this recipe, cook your delicious zucchini pizza boats at 375°F for 12-16 minutes.
How to Make Ahead and Store
I enjoy my zucchini pizza boats for multiple days by making extra and storing them in the fridge! They can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended, as this can make the zucchini mushy and extra watery. You can carve the zucchini boats up to 1 day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
How about making these Air-Fryer Garlic And Parmesan Chicken Wings to go with your pizza boats? They’re to die for! And a great dipping sauce for your zucchini pizza boats would, of course, be a delicious Avocado Ranch Dressing. Last, I think a dessert is in order after all your hard work this week. Let’s stay on the healthy train and try out these Homemade Greek Yogurt Brownies! Ah, I’m so jealous. Invite me to your next (zucchini) pizza (boat) party, won’t you? Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the inner flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch thick shell. Arrange the zucchini on the baking sheet, cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Spoon pizza sauce into each zucchini half. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, and mini pepperoni slices.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender. If desired, broil for an additional 2 minutes to brown the cheese.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, if using. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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