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Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe

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4.2 from 68 reviews

These Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy twist on classic pizza, using fresh zucchini as a base filled with savory Italian sausage, marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and pepperoni. Perfect as a low-carb appetizer or main dish that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 4 large zucchini

Meat

  • 1 lb Italian sausage

Dairy

  • 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated

Other

  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 24 slices pepperoni
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the zucchini boats.
  2. Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to a pan over medium heat. Use a spatula to break up the sausage as it cooks, stirring frequently until the meat is fully cooked and browned.
  3. Add marinara sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the cooked sausage and stir well to combine. Remove the pan from the heat once mixed.
  4. Prepare the zucchini: Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a small spoon to carefully scoop out the seeds from each half, leaving about 1/4 to 1/2-inch of flesh around the edges to create boats for stuffing.
  5. Arrange zucchini on baking sheet: Place the hollowed zucchini halves cut side up on a baking sheet ready for filling.
  6. Fill zucchini boats: Spoon several spoonfuls of the sausage and marinara mixture into each zucchini half, filling them generously. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly on top, then add several slices of pepperoni to finish off the filling.
  7. Bake: Bake the stuffed zucchini boats in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender-crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For softer zucchini, bake a few minutes longer.
  8. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve the zucchini boats warm for a comforting, pizza-inspired meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a leaner option.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and pepperoni, and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
  • If you prefer a spicier flavor, choose spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispness.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Low Fat