Prepare simple, baked zucchini boats filled with a rich, melted cheese mixture.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:8 halves (4 servings)
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 medium zucchini
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Wash the zucchini and trim off the ends. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise.
Use a spoon to carefully scoop out the flesh from the center of each zucchini half, leaving about a 1/4 inch thick shell. Chop the scooped-out zucchini flesh finely.
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped zucchini flesh, olive oil, breadcrumbs (if using), mozzarella, cheddar, Parmesan, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into the hollowed-out zucchini shells, mounding it slightly on top.
Place the filled zucchini boats in the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For a heartier filling, mix in 1/2 cup of cooked ground sausage or ground turkey with the cheese mixture.
If you prefer a softer zucchini, you can steam or microwave the hollowed shells for 3 minutes before filling and baking.
Use a mix of your favorite melting cheeses for the best results.