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Easy Zucchini Pizza Boats Kids Love

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These zucchini pizza boats are a quick, healthy, and kid-friendly dinner option that combines tender zucchini with melty cheese and savory tomato sauce, perfect for family fun nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and seeds scooped out
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, for brushing the zucchini
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (marinara or homemade with garlic and Italian herbs)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim recommended)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup chopped pepperoni slices (optional)
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Wash and dry 4 medium zucchinis. Slice each in half lengthwise. Using a melon baller or teaspoon, scoop out the seeds and some flesh, creating boats about ½ inch thick.
  3. Brush the zucchini boats with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to lightly coat each cut side. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on top.
  4. Place the zucchini boats cut-side up on a baking sheet and roast for 12-15 minutes until tender but still holding shape and edges start to turn golden.
  5. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup tomato sauce with 1 minced garlic clove and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
  6. Remove the roasted zucchini from the oven. Spoon the tomato sauce mixture evenly into each boat, leaving a little border.
  7. Combine 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl. Sprinkle this cheese mixture generously over the sauce in each boat.
  8. Scatter chopped pepperoni slices evenly on top (optional).
  9. Return the zucchini pizza boats to the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
  10. Once out of the oven, sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves on top. Let the boats cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

If zucchini feels watery after roasting, gently pat dry before adding sauce to avoid sogginess. Keep an eye on cheese during final bake to prevent burning. Use medium-sized zucchinis for best results. For vegan or dairy-free versions, substitute cheese with dairy-free alternatives and omit pepperoni or use plant-based toppings.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini pizza boats, kid-friendly dinner, healthy pizza, family fun recipe, easy zucchini recipe, low-carb pizza, vegetable pizza boats

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-zucchini-pizza-boats-kids-love-5-perfect-family-fun-recipes/