Best 8 Baked Italian Zucchini Boats Recipes

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**Baked Italian Zucchini Boats: A Delightful Summer Treat**

Welcome to a culinary journey where flavors dance and textures harmonize. Baked Italian Zucchini Boats are a symphony of taste and visual appeal, perfect for summer gatherings or a delightful weeknight meal. This versatile dish takes you on a flavor-filled adventure, where tender zucchini boats are transformed into edible vessels brimming with savory fillings. From classic Italian ingredients to creative twists, these recipes offer a range of options to tantalize your taste buds. Dive into a world of culinary delight as we explore the delectable offerings within this article.

**Classic Italian Zucchini Boats:**

* Embark on a culinary voyage to Italy with this classic rendition of Baked Italian Zucchini Boats. Savor the harmonious blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, all nestled within tender zucchini shells. This timeless recipe embodies the essence of Italian cuisine, offering a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Tuscany.

**Zucchini Boats with Sausage and Marinara:**

* Indulge in a hearty and flavorful twist with Zucchini Boats filled with savory sausage and marinara sauce. Succulent Italian sausage, sautéed with aromatic onions and bell peppers, combines perfectly with a rich and tangy marinara, creating a delectable filling. Prepare to be captivated by the explosion of flavors in every bite.

**Vegetarian Delight: Zucchini Boats with Quinoa and Spinach:**

* Discover a wholesome and colorful variation with Zucchini Boats filled with quinoa, spinach, and feta cheese. This vegetarian delight offers a symphony of textures and flavors, combining the nutty flavor of quinoa, the earthy goodness of spinach, and the tangy bite of feta. A symphony of flavors awaits your taste buds.

**Zesty Lemon Garlic Zucchini Boats:**

* Embark on a refreshing culinary adventure with Zesty Lemon Garlic Zucchini Boats. Prepare to be tantalized by the vibrant burst of lemon and garlic, complemented by a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This recipe offers a delightful balance of tangy, savory, and cheesy flavors, leaving you craving more.

**Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Boats:**

* Treat yourself to a golden-brown indulgence with Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Boats. These delights feature a crispy Parmesan crust that envelops a tender zucchini interior. Imagine the delightful crunch of the crust yielding to the soft, juicy zucchini, all while Parmesan cheese melts in your mouth. Prepare for a culinary experience that will leave you craving more.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

ITALIAN STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS



Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats image

This low-carb, Italian-inspired dish has so much going for it! Italian Stuffed Zucchini Boats include lean ground turkey, fresh veggies, and is topped with cheese and toasted bread crumbs. Less guilt but tons of flavor

Provided by Valerie Brunmeier

Categories     Main Course

Time 47m

Number Of Ingredients 16

3 medium (uniformly-sized zucchini)
24 to 26 ounce jar tomato basil marinara (divided)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground turkey or beef
⅓ cup diced onion
1 teaspoon minced garlic
⅓ cup chopped red bell pepper
½ cup chopped brown button (cremini) mushrooms
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1 ½ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
¼ cup shaved or shredded Parmesan
2 tablespoons Italian style panko bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Measure out 1 cup of the marinara sauce and set aside.
  • Trim ends from zucchini and slice in half, lengthwise. Use the tip of a spoon to scrape out the zucchini flesh (see recipe note), chop it and set it aside. Place the scooped out zucchini boats into a 13- x 9-inch baking dish and add about 1-inch of water. Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes, until just slightly fork-tender. Remove from oven, and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Meanwhile, add olive oil to a 12-inch skillet and place over MEDIUM heat. Add turkey (or beef), onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring to break up the ground meat as it cooks. Continue to cook and stir until meat is thoroughly cooked and veggies have softened. Drain off as much grease as possible and return the skillet to the heat.
  • Add the chopped zucchini flesh, mushrooms, remaining marinara in jar (reserve 1 cup for later), parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, fresh ground black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and allow to simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes.
  • Remove partially cooked zucchini from baking dish and pour off water. Pour the 1 cup of reserved marinara sauce into the empty baking dish and place zucchini boats on top of the sauce.
  • Divide the filling between the zucchini boats. If you have extra filling, spoon it into the dish around the zucchini boats. Cover the dish with foil, and bake for 20 minutes, or until zucchini is fork tender. Remove dish from oven and set oven to BROIL.
  • Remove foil and sprinkle zucchini boats with mozzarella, Parmesan and the panko bread crumbs. Place dish in oven, watching closely, and cook for just a couple of minutes until cheese has melted and bread crumbs are golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 301 kcal, Carbohydrate 11 g, Protein 28 g, Fat 18 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Cholesterol 84 mg, Sodium 527 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving

SAUSAGE-STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS



Sausage-Stuffed Zucchini Boats image

Provided by Nancy Fuller

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 8 zucchini boats

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 ounces sweet loose Italian sausage
8 ounces hot loose Italian sausage
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
2 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup Parmesan, finely grated
1/2 cup mozzarella, shaved
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • With a teaspoon, scoop out the flesh from the interior of the zucchini, so they resemble boats. Place the zucchini boats in a 9-by-13-inch casserole dish. Chop the zucchini flesh and set aside.
  • In a medium saute pan over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and let heat through. Add the sweet and the hot Italian sausage, and cook for 4 minutes. Add the garlic, onion, chopped zucchini flesh, tomatoes and some salt and pepper. Cook until softened, about 4 minutes.
  • In a medium bowl, add the Parmesan, mozzarella, breadcrumbs and parsley; mix to combine.
  • Spoon in and mound the sausage mixture into the zucchini boats. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over top. Place in oven and bake until golden on top, 20 minutes.

STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS RECIPE (ITALIAN FLARE)



Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe (Italian Flare) image

These stuffed zucchini boats are filled with savory ground beef, topped with a heap of mozzarella cheese, and baked until bubbly.

Provided by Natalya Drozhzhin

Categories     Main Course

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 small zucchini
1 lb beef
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1/2 medium onion, (chopped)
2 garlic cloves, (pressed )
1 tsp salt, (adjust to taste)
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 1/2 cup marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozarella

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the center with a spoon to make a little boat. Set aside.
  • Place the ground beef into a frying pan over medium heat. Brown the ground beef until fully cooked, making sure to break apart any large chunks.
  • Add in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, onion, and garlic. Stir until fully incorporated and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Stir in 1 cup of marinara sauce and remove from heat.
  • Fill each zucchini boat with the meat mixture. Line the boats up in a deep baking dish.
  • Top them with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the tops with a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25 minutes.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 546 kcal, Carbohydrate 13 g, Protein 35 g, Fat 40 g, SaturatedFat 17 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 125 mg, Sodium 765 mg, Fiber 4 g, Sugar 9 g, UnsaturatedFat 18 g, ServingSize 1 serving

GARDEN-STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS



Garden-Stuffed Zucchini Boats image

Not only are these boats a delightful way to get your veggies, they're basically a one-dish meal that covers all the bases-just grab your favorite garden goodies and add any spices or mix-ins you like. -Janie Zirbser, Mullica Hill, New Jersey

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 3 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 medium zucchini
3/4 pound ground beef
3/4 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 cups water, divided
3/4 cup canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes or chopped fresh tomatoes (with seeds and juices)
1/2 cup chopped roasted sweet red peppers
1/3 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup uncooked ditalini or other small pasta
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh oregano or 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend, divided
Pasta sauce, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Halve zucchini lengthwise; place cut sides down in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake 10 minutes. When cool enough to handle, scoop out seeds, leaving a 1/4-in. shell., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef, onion, green pepper and garlic over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking beef into crumbles; drain. Stir in 1 cup water, tomatoes, red peppers, mushrooms, pasta, thyme, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook until mixture is thickened and pasta is al dente, 12-15 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese., Spoon mixture into zucchini shells. Place in an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish; sprinkle with 3/4 cup Italian cheese blend. Pour remaining water into bottom of dish. Bake, covered, 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes longer. Serve with pasta sauce if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 489 calories, Fat 24g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 103mg cholesterol, Sodium 992mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 36g protein.

ITALIAN ZUCCHINI BOATS



Italian Zucchini Boats image

"You'll enjoy these simple stuffed zucchinis with any meal," assures Agnes Golian of Garfield Heights, Ohio.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 45m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 small zucchini
1 Italian sausage link (4 ounces), casing removed
1 tablespoon chopped onion
1 tablespoon chopped celery
1/4 cup salad croutons
1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Scoop out pulp, leaving a 1/4-in. shell; set aside. Chop zucchini pulp; set aside. , Crumble sausage into a small skillet; add onion and celery. Cook over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the croutons, 2 tablespoons cheese and zucchini pulp. Spoon into zucchini shells. , Place in an ungreased baking dish; add 1/4 in. of water. Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake 5 minutes longer or until zucchini is tender.

Nutrition Facts :

PARMESAN BAKED ZUCCHINI



Parmesan Baked Zucchini image

Two of the staples of Italian cuisine, zucchini and Parmesan cheese, team up for a recipe that's easy to make and impressive to serve. These baked "boats" are a fresh new way to serve a distinctive side dish.

Provided by By Brooke Lark

Categories     Side Dish

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 zucchini, cut lengthwise in half
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (1 oz)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Freshly ground pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Line cookie sheet with cooking parchment paper.
  • Place zucchini halves, skin side down, on cookie sheet. Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon cheese. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with pepper.
  • Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until zucchini is tender and cheese is light golden brown. Cool slightly. Garnish with basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 80, Carbohydrate 3 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 1 g, Protein 3 g, SaturatedFat 1 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 120 mg, Sugar 3 g, TransFat 0 g

ITALIAN-STYLE ZUCCHINI BOATS



Italian-Style Zucchini Boats image

I love zucchini boats, and I'm always looking for new ways to experience them. This is a very hearty dish with ground beef, and my family loves it! This is the perfect use for all those jumbo zucchinis growing in your garden! Sprinkle each slice with additional dried oregano and dried basil as desired.

Provided by Corie Kessler-Bennett

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 45m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 drizzle olive oil
1 extra large zucchini, quartered lengthwise, seeds scooped out
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 pounds ground beef
1 onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons dried basil
3 tablespoons dried oregano
4 teaspoons garlic salt
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 cup water
¼ cup chopped fresh basil, or to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Drizzle olive oil on zucchini and season with salt and pepper. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until zucchini is fork-tender, 30 to 45 minutes.
  • While zucchini is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef with onion and garlic until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic salt.
  • Combine tomato paste with 1 cup of water in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly. Drain fat from beef mixture if needed. Add tomato paste mixture and heat through. Turn off heat, add fresh basil leaves, and mix until well blended.
  • Remove zucchini from the oven; leave the oven on. Scoop meat mixture generously into each zucchini quarter and sprinkle each with mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven and bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 617.4 calories, Carbohydrate 25.1 g, Cholesterol 158 mg, Fat 35 g, Fiber 6.9 g, Protein 51.6 g, SaturatedFat 14.9 g, Sodium 2554.8 mg, Sugar 10.7 g

ZUCCHINI BOATS



Zucchini Boats image

After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. -Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 medium zucchini (about 8 inches)
3/4 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped sweet red pepper
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
2 tablespoons ketchup
Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Trim the ends off zucchini. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp, leaving 1/2-in. shells. Finely chop pulp. , In a skillet, cook beef, zucchini pulp, onion, mushrooms and peppers over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Remove from the heat. Add 1/2 cup cheese, ketchup, salt and pepper; mix well. Spoon into the zucchini shells. Place in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° until zucchini is tender, 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 312 calories, Fat 20g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 81mg cholesterol, Sodium 337mg sodium, Carbohydrate 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

Tips:

  • Choose medium-sized zucchini that are firm and have smooth skin.
  • To easily scoop out the zucchini flesh, use a melon baller or a spoon.
  • Don't overcook the zucchini boats, otherwise they will become mushy. They should be tender but still have a slight bite to them.
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese and seasonings to your liking.
  • For a vegetarian version of this dish, omit the ground beef and add more vegetables, such as chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
  • If you have leftover zucchini filling, you can use it to make zucchini fritters or zucchini bread.

Conclusion:

Baked Italian Zucchini Boats are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. They are perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. With their combination of savory fillings, melted cheese, and tender zucchini, these zucchini boats are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy zucchini, give this recipe a try.

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