Looking for a fun, healthy twist on your favorite pizza? These Zucchini Pizza Boats are the answer! Imagine all the flavors of a classic pizza but with a light, crunchy zucchini base that’s loaded with savory sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. It’s like a mini pizza that’s ready in no time and just as delicious—without the guilt. Trust me, you’re going to love these! Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or a satisfying snack, these zucchini boats hit the spot every time.
Why You’ll Love Zucchini Pizza Boats
This recipe is the perfect combo of delicious and nutritious. Here’s why you’re going to want to make these:
Versatile: You can customize these boats to your heart’s content! Add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or olives, and get creative with the cheeses.
Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish won’t break the bank but will satisfy all your pizza cravings.
Quick and Easy: In under 30 minutes, you can have these pizza boats ready to serve. No need to wait for dough to rise or spend hours in the kitchen.
Customizable: You can make them vegetarian, add a little spice, or even load them up with protein—whatever suits your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving them as a light meal or a fun appetizer, they’re a hit with everyone, from kids to adults. Plus, they’re gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them!
Ingredients
These zucchini pizza boats are made with simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
Zucchini: The perfect “boat” for all your pizza toppings. Zucchini is mild in flavor and gets tender and slightly crispy when baked, providing the ideal base for this dish.
Tomato Sauce: This is your pizza’s sauce, giving that classic tangy, savory flavor that everyone loves. You can use store-bought marinara or make your own.
Cheese: A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese is perfect for creating that gooey, melty texture. You can add more cheese if you’re a fan of a cheesy pizza!
Toppings: Go wild with your favorite pizza toppings! Pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, onions, or mushrooms all work great here.
Herbs: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or fresh basil on top brings everything together and adds that aromatic, pizza-like quality.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your zucchini pizza boats:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the zucchini gets nice and tender while the cheese melts to perfection.
Prepare the Zucchini: Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the center to create a boat shape. Be careful not to scoop too much, as you’ll want enough zucchini to hold the toppings.
Prepare the Boats: Place the zucchini halves on a baking sheet, cut side up. Brush the inside of each boat with a little olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to season them.
Add the Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of tomato sauce into each zucchini boat. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly across the surface.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce. You can add more cheese depending on how cheesy you like your pizza!
Add Toppings: Now it’s time to get creative! Add your favorite pizza toppings. Whether it’s pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, or even a few olives, pile them on top of the cheese.
Bake: Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Finishing Touches: Once they’re out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh basil or Italian seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve these zucchini pizza boats hot, straight from the oven. Enjoy them as a light meal or pair them with a side salad for a complete dinner.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 200
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Zucchini Pizza Boats
These zucchini pizza boats are great on their own, but you can always pair them with a few sides to elevate the meal:
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice contrast to the warm, cheesy boats.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with some crunchy garlic bread for the ultimate pizza night experience.
- Soup: A bowl of tomato or vegetable soup complements the pizza boats perfectly.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcook: Zucchini can become too soft if baked for too long. Keep an eye on them to make sure they stay slightly firm but tender.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the zucchini boats ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. They make for a quick and easy dinner when you’re pressed for time.
- Add Protein: If you’re looking for a little extra protein, add cooked chicken, sausage, or bacon as your topping for a heartier meal.
FAQ’s
- Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?
Yes, you can use eggplant or bell peppers as alternatives for a similar boat-like shape. - Can I freeze these zucchini boats?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled boats before baking, then just bake them from frozen when you’re ready to eat. - Can I make these vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just load them up with extra veggies and skip the meat for a delicious vegetarian option. - Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No need to peel the zucchini! The skin provides a nice texture and color. Just wash them thoroughly before using. - What if I don’t have tomato sauce?
You can substitute with pesto, marinara sauce, or even a white garlic sauce for a different twist. - Can I use store-bought zucchini boats?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can buy pre-scooped zucchini boats at the store to save a step. - How do I make these spicy?
Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage as a topping for some heat. - Can I use any cheese for the topping?
Definitely! Cheddar, goat cheese, or provolone are great alternatives to mozzarella. - How do I keep the zucchini from becoming soggy?
Be sure to scoop out enough of the zucchini’s center to make room for the toppings, and don’t overcook them. - Can I serve these as an appetizer?
Yes! These zucchini pizza boats make a fun and light appetizer for your next gathering.
Conclusion
These Zucchini Pizza Boats are a game-changer when it comes to satisfying your pizza cravings in a lighter, healthier way. With a crisp, tender zucchini base, savory tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, they’re every bit as delicious as your favorite pizza – but with a fun twist! Whether you’re enjoying them as a weeknight meal or serving them at your next gathering, these pizza boats are sure to impress. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Print
Zucchini Pizza Boats
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A healthy and low-carb twist on pizza, using zucchini boats filled with your favorite pizza toppings and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoni or your choice of protein (e.g., cooked chicken, sausage)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds using a spoon to create boats.
- Brush the zucchini halves with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes to soften the zucchini.
- Remove from the oven and spoon marinara sauce into each zucchini boat.
- Top the sauce with shredded mozzarella, pepperoni (or your choice of protein), red onion, and bell pepper.
- Sprinkle with dried oregano and return the zucchini boats to the oven. Bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings based on your preference—try adding mushrooms, olives, or anchovies for variety.
- For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese and top with vegetables only.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg