Zucchini Pizza Boats
These zucchini pizza boats are the perfect way to use up zucchini! They taste amazing and is a fun and wholesome twist on pepperoni pizza.
I don't know about you, but I love it when our zucchini starts to come in!
It seems like almost every year around July and August we have a boatload of zucchini from the garden and I love trying to figure out new ways to make it.
If you have a pizza craving, you'll love making these healthy pizza boats.
Zucchini Pizza Boats
These zucchini pizza boats are a delicious weeknight dinner or lunch idea. It is so easy to customize them with your favorite pizza toppings.
They are perfect for family dinners, family gatherings or even as a unique appetizer.
We hope you love this recipe as much as we do.
Ingredients for Pizza Boats
Zucchini: The size and number of zucchinis can be adjusted based on personal preference and serving size. If you end up with huge zucchini, just use one or two, unless you are feeding a crowd.
Olive Oil: You can use other oils like avocado oil or melted butter if you prefer.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste. Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice touch.
Pizza Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade pizza sauce.
Pepperoni: Use regular or mini pepperoni on top of the zucchini pizza.
Mozzarella Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts beautifully, but pre-shredded works too. You can also mix in some cheddar or Italian blend cheese.
Grated Parmesan: Optional, but adds a nice salty and cheesy finish.
Italian Seasoning and Garlic Powder: Optional, but they are tasty spinkled over the pizza sauce.
How to Zucchini Boats Recipe
Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees and preparing a 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Next, cut zucchini in half lengthwise and use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the middle of the zucchini, creating a boat-like shape. You can reserve the scooped-out part for another recipe or discard it. Arrange the zucchini cut side up in the casserole dish.
Drizzle the zucchini with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Place them in the oven and bake for 5 to 8 minutes to soften the zucchini slightly. This step helps the zucchini cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the toppings.
After removing the zucchini from the oven, spoon about a tablespoon of pizza sauce into each zucchini. Top with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and mozzarella cheese and add pepperoni or other desired toppings.
Bake the zucchini boats for 20 to 30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the edges bubble. The baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the zucchini and the amount of toppings.
Once out of the oven, sprinkle with grated Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for Making these the Best Zucchini Pizza Boats
Here are some tips to make the best Zucchini Pizza Boats:
- Choose the Right Zucchini: Look for medium-sized, firm zucchinis with unblemished skin.
- Scoop Carefully: When scooping out the zucchini, be gentle to avoid breaking the zucchini. Leave a small border to help hold the toppings.
- Pre-Bake the Zucchini: Pre-baking the zucchini boats helps them soften slightly and cook evenly. Don't over-bake at this stage, or they may become too soft and mushy.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the toppings. You can use different cheeses, meats, or even vegetarian options like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
- Use Thick Pizza Sauce: A thicker sauce will stay in place better and won't make the zucchini too watery. If your sauce is thin, consider reducing it on the stove to thicken it up.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the zucchini boats as they bake. The exact time may vary depending on the size of the zucchini and the toppings used.
- Serve Immediately: Your zucchini pizza boat is best served hot from the oven. If you need to reheat leftovers, do so in the oven to maintain the texture.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the zucchini boats ahead of time and refrigerate them until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Garnish: Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a fresh and flavorful finish.
- Baking Sheet: I use a casserole dish when I make our pizza boats, but if you need to, you can use a rimmed baking sheet instead.
By following these tips, you can create delicious and customizable Zucchini Pizza Boats that are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
More Lunch Ideas
Leftovers
Leftover Zucchini Pizza Boats can still be a delightful treat if handled properly. Here's what you can do with them:
Storing Leftovers: Place the leftover Zucchini Pizza Boats in an airtight container or wrap them individually with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Zucchini Pizza Boats on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the zucchini soggy.
Repurposing Leftovers: You can also chop up the leftover Zucchini Pizza Boats and toss them into a salad or use them as a filling for wraps or sandwiches. This can add a flavorful twist to your next meal.
Avoiding Sogginess: If the Zucchini Pizza Boats have become a bit soggy, you can try reheating them in a toaster oven or a regular oven at a slightly higher temperature to crisp them up.
Serving Cold: Believe it or not, some people enjoy them cold, straight from the fridge! They can be a refreshing snack on a hot day.
Add Fresh Toppings: When serving leftovers, consider adding some fresh herbs, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil to refresh the flavors.
Pizza Boat Pairings
Pizza Boats are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides, and even other main courses. Here's a guide to some delightful pairings:
- Salads: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette goes well with these pizza boats.
- Bread: Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf can be a great addition, especially if you want to soak up any extra pizza sauce.
- Pasta: Consider serving the Zucchini Pizza Boats with a side of spaghetti or linguine tossed in olive oil and garlic or a light marinara sauce.
- Soups: A bowl of tomato basil soup or minestrone can make for a comforting meal.
- Beverages: For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti can be a delightful pairing. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or iced tea can be refreshing.
- Grilled Vegetables: If you're looking for a healthier side, grilled asparagus, bell peppers, or eggplant can add color and nutrition to the plate.
- Rice Dishes: A simple lemon herb rice or risotto can also be a satisfying accompaniment.
- Desserts: Since the Zucchini Pizza Boats are a savory dish, consider ending the meal with something sweet like a scoop of gelato, panna cotta, or a slice of tiramisu.
- Dips and Sauces: Offering additional dips like marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli can add an extra layer of flavor and allow guests to customize their bites.
- For Kids: If serving to children, pairing with simple sides like steamed carrots, mashed potatoes, or apple slices can make the meal more appealing.
- Thematic Pairing: If you're going for an Italian theme, consider other Italian dishes like bruschetta, caprese salad, or antipasto platter.
The key to pairing Zucchini Pizza Boats is to balance the flavors and textures. Since the dish itself is quite rich and flavorful, lighter and fresher sides often work best. Feel free to mix and match according to your preferences and dietary needs
Pizza Boat Topping Ideas
If you plan to make these easy zucchini pizza boats, but don't want just pepperoni, here are some other topping ideas to stick on top of the pizza:
- Mushrooms: use either freshly sliced or sauteed mushrooms.
- Sausage: you can make sausage zucchini boats with either Italian sausage or turkey sausage.
- Pepperoni: our recipe calls for regular pepperoni, but if you are using smaller zucchini, mini pepperonis work great.
- Canadian bacon and pineapple: this makes a great zucchini Hawaiian pizza.
- Bell Peppers: Add some color and crunch with sliced bell peppers.
- Olives: Black or green olives give a salty kick.
- Onions: Red or white onions add a touch of sweetness and bite.
- Spinach: For a healthy boost, sprinkle some fresh spinach leaves.
- Tomatoes: Cherry or diced tomatoes can add freshness.
- Cheese Variations: Mix in cheddar, feta, or an Italian blend for different cheesy flavors.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or oregano can add a fragrant touch.
- Low Carb Options: If you're watching carbs, consider using low-carb vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower.
- Vegan Options: For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese and plant-based meats.
- Spices: A sprinkle of garlic powder or red chili flakes can add some heat.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create your unique zucchini pizza boats.
Whether you want something meaty like sausage zucchini boats or prefer a vegetarian option with mushrooms and spinach, the possibilities are endless.
Other Garden Fresh Recipes
Zucchini Pizza Boats
Ingredients
- 3 to 5 medium zucchini
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 18 to 25 slices pepperoni
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- parmesan cheese grated, optional
- 1 pinch Italian seasoning
- 1 pinch garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Slice zucchini lengthwise. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the middle of the zucchini. (Reserve for another recipe.) Place the zucchini boats in the casserole dish with the scooped side facing up.
- Drizzle zucchini with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Place in the oven and bake for 5 to 8 minutes to soften.
- Remove the zucchini from the oven and spoon about a tablespoon of pizza sauce into each well. Top with a pinch of Italian seasoning, garlic powder and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Add pepperoni on top.
- Bake for 20 to 30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the edges bubble.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan, if desired, and serve.
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.