Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats

### **Instructions:**

#### 1. **Prepare the Zucchini Boats:**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise, and scoop out the center with a spoon to create a hollowed-out “boat.” You can leave a little bit of the flesh around the edges to help hold the toppings, but remove enough so that there’s a good space to stuff with pizza sauce and cheese.

Place the zucchini halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil. Drizzle the zucchini boats with a little olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.

#### 2. **Pre-Cook the Zucchini:**
Bake the zucchini boats in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are just tender. Zucchini has a high water content, so it’s important to cook it slightly before adding the pizza toppings to prevent them from getting soggy. While the zucchini is cooking, prepare the rest of the ingredients.

#### 3. **Assemble the Pizza Boats:**
Once the zucchini halves are slightly softened, remove them from the oven and carefully spoon a few tablespoons of pizza sauce into the hollowed-out center of each boat. Spread the sauce evenly, making sure it reaches the edges.

Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Be generous! You want a cheesy, melty layer that will hold the toppings in place.

Now, add your favorite pizza toppings. This is where you can get creative! You can stick with classic mini pepperoni, or you can try other toppings like cooked sausage, diced bell peppers, olives, or mushrooms. Add a sprinkle of dried oregano and garlic powder over the top for extra pizza flavor.

#### 4. **Bake the Pizza Boats:**
Once the boats are assembled, return them to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to make sure the cheese doesn’t overcook. The zucchini should be tender but still hold its shape.

#### 5. **Garnish and Serve:**
Once the zucchini boats are out of the oven, sprinkle them with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy touch. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Allow the boats to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them as a main dish for a healthy dinner or as a fun appetizer for a party or gathering.

### **Why You’ll Love These Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats:**

– **Healthy Alternative**: If you’re looking to cut back on carbs or want a lighter version of pizza, zucchini boats are a great option. Zucchini is low in calories, high in vitamins, and full of fiber, making it the perfect base for this guilt-free pizza.

– **Customizable**: One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can use any pizza toppings you love, from pepperoni and sausage to veggies like mushrooms, onions, and spinach. You can even make a vegetarian version or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.

– **Quick and Easy**: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Prepping and baking the zucchini boats is straightforward, and you only need a handful of ingredients to make them shine.

– **Kid-Friendly**: If you’re trying to sneak more veggies into your kids’ diet, these pizza boats are a great way to do it. The familiar pizza flavors will make them more excited about eating zucchini, and the fun presentation makes it a meal they’ll enjoy putting together with you.

– **Perfect for Meal Prep**: These pizza zucchini boats are great for meal prep! You can prepare the boats in advance, store them in the fridge, and bake them when you’re ready to eat. They also reheat well, making them a convenient lunch or dinner option throughout the week.

### **Tips for Success:**

– **Don’t Overstuff**: Zucchini has a high moisture content, so be careful not to overload your boats with too much sauce or cheese. If you do, the filling may spill over while baking, and the boats may become soggy. Less is more!

– **Pre-Cook Toppings**: If you’re using toppings that need to be cooked (like sausage, bell peppers, or mushrooms), it’s best to cook them beforehand. Zucchini boats cook quickly, and raw toppings may not fully cook in the short time the boats are in the oven.

– **Use Fresh Mozzarella**: For an extra creamy and melty topping, try using fresh mozzarella instead of shredded. It gives the boats a richer texture and flavor.

– **Make It a Meal**: If you want to make this dish even more filling, serve the zucchini boats with a side of quinoa, rice, or a fresh salad. You could also pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing or extra pizza sauce for a fun twist.

– **Make Them Gluten-Free**: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but be sure to use gluten-free pizza sauce if you have dietary restrictions.

### **Variations to Try:**

– **BBQ Chicken Zucchini Boats**: Swap out the pizza sauce for barbecue sauce and top with shredded cooked chicken, red onions, and cilantro for a BBQ-inspired twist.
– **Veggie Lovers**: Add an assortment of sautéed vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, onions, and bell peppers for a hearty, plant-based option.
– **Mexican-Inspired**: Use salsa instead of pizza sauce, and top with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and shredded cheddar cheese for a Tex-Mex take on zucchini boats.

### **Final Thoughts:**

**Pizza Stuffed Zucchini Boats** are the perfect blend of comfort food and healthy eating. They provide all the delicious flavors of pizza in a lighter, low-carb form, making them a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. The best part is that they’re completely customizable, so you can make them as cheesy, saucy, or veggie-packed as you like. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a gathering, these zucchini boats are sure to impress.

So grab some zucchini, gather your toppings, and get ready to enjoy a healthier version of pizza that’s just as satisfying as the real thing!