Zucchini Pizza Boats Food

ZUCCHINI PIZZA BOATS

Steps:

• Place a rack in the center of your oven. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat a rimmed baking sheet or 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
• Halve each zucchini lengthwise. With a small spoon or melon baller, gently scrape out the center zucchini flesh and pulp, leaving a border of about 1/3 inch on all sides. Arrange the zucchini shells on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the insides of the zucchini with salt.
• Spoon the pizza sauce into each shell, dividing it evenly. You may need a little more or less, depending upon the size of your zucchini. Put a generous amount, but don't feel like you need to fill it all the way to the very top.
• Sprinkle the mozzarella over the top, then evenly sprinkle with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Scatter on the pepperoni and any other desired toppings. Last, sprinkle with Parmesan.
• Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is hot and bubbly and the zucchini is tender. If desired, switch the oven to broil and cook the zucchini for 2 to 3 additional minutes, until the cheese is lightly browned. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately.

ZUCCHINI PIZZA BOATS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Wash zucchini well, then slice lengthwise.
• Scoop out the zucchini flesh from each half using a spoon, leaving the halves about a centimeter thick. Save the scooped zucchini in a bow.
• Place the hollowed zucchini pieces on a baking sheet.
• Chop or mash the saved zucchini, then mix in the tomato sauce, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
• Refill the zucchini halves with the mixture, then top with mozzarella cheese and black olives.*.
• Place the tray in the oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.**.
• *Since these are supposed to mimic pizza, you could use other toppings (pepperoni, sausage, etc.).
• **The longer the zucchini is in the oven, the softer it gets, so if you want firmer zucchini, feel free to take them out of the oven sooner.

ZUCCHINI PIZZA BOATS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat liner.
• Cut each zucchini into halves through the length; pat insides dry with paper towel.
• Align the sliced zucchinis on the prepared baking sheet.
• In a bowl, stir olive oil and garlic; brush lightly over the tops of the zucchini.
• sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
• Brush or spoon on a heaping 1 tbsp of marinara sauce over each zucchini; leave a small rim near the edges uncoated.
• Sprinkle tops evenly with mozzarella cheese then some parmesan cheese.
• top with pepperoni slices, placing them more on the center as the cheese will melt and spread.
• Bake in preheated oven 12-18 minutes; bake time will vary depending on thickness of the zucchini and how crisp or tender you prefer.
• Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh oregano.