Stuffed Zucchini Boats
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
8
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Description
The preparation starts by scooping out the centers of zucchini, leaving a rim to hold the filling. After a brief initial roast tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, the filling is made by cooking turkey sausage with onion and garlic, then mixing in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and breadcrumbs. The mixture is seasoned to taste before being spooned into the par-baked zucchini shells.
The boats are topped with a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and additional breadcrumbs for a golden, cheesy crust. Finished with a bake of 10 to 15 minutes until tender and bubbling, the dish offers a combination of tender zucchini and rich, savory filling. Fresh parsley adds brightness on serving.
These boats are versatile and can incorporate pork or chicken sausage in place of turkey, with mild or hot seasoning according to preference. They serve well as a hearty appetizer, side dish, or light main course during warmer months or when fresh vegetables are desired.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini (about 8 oz each)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil divided
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- 1 lb. turkey sausage Italian
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion 1 small
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes drain off 1 - 2 Tbsp liquid, petite
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2/3 cup panko breadcrumb divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2/3 cup finely shredded Parmesan Cheese divided
- 1 1/2 Tbsp parsley chopped, fresh
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Using a spoon, scoop centers from zucchini while leaving a 1/4-inch rim on all sides to create boats. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in preheated oven 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute 3 minutes.
- Add sausage in crumbles, cook through, while breaking up meat during cooking. Add garlic during last 1 minute of cooking.
- Remove from heat stir in tomatoes, 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle 1/3 cup parmesan over zucchini boats, then divide filling among the zucchini boats.
- In a small mixing bowl stir together the mozzarella cheese, remaining 1/3 cup parmesan and remaining 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle mixture over zucchini boats.
- Bake in preheated oven until tender, about 10 - 15 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Pork or chicken sausage can substitute for turkey sausage.
- Choose mild or hot sausage to adjust spice level.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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