Skip the crust and reach for these healthy zucchini pizza boats instead! They’re a great low carb alternative to regular pizza but they don’t skimp on that pizza flavor. Customize your toppings with veggies and proteins to get a full meal in one!
At this point I consider myself a zucchini expert. With the number of zucchinis exploding from my garden I have to get creative to use them up. My go-to is definitely shredding them to use in baked goods but when I’m having a pizza craving but don’t want to deal with the crust, I make these zucchini pizzas! They’re delicious, easy-to-assemble and a recipe the whole family will love.
Why Make These Zucchini Pizzas
- Low Carb – If you’re looking for a low carb or keto friendly meal idea these zucchini pizza boats fit the bill. Get all the pizza flavors without the crust.
- Kid-Friendly – this is a meal the whole family enjoys! Better yet, you can customize them to your favorite pizza toppings.
- Ready in 30 minutes – these zucchini boats couldn’t be easier. Simply top, bake and enjoy!
Ingredients Needed
- Zucchini – you want medium-large zucchinis.
- Pizza sauce – generally marinara or your favorite tomato sauce are your best bet.
- Mozzarella cheese – my go-to for pizza since it melts quickly.
- Fresh basil – I like sprinkling my pizza boat with fresh basil after cooking.
- Salt and pepper – add to taste.
- Veggies (if desired) – I like onion, mushrooms and peppers but you can sub in your favorite vegetables.
- Protein (if desired) – pepperoni, cooked sausage or or chicken or turkey sausage all work well.
How to Make Zucchini Pizza Boats
Topping Suggestions
Looking for some creative topping ideas? Here are some of my favorites:
- Meat Lovers – 2-3 pepperoni slices and/or a small crumble of cooked sausage onto each zucchini boat
- Veggie Lovers – Sprinkle chopped onion, green peppers, red peppers and mushrooms onto tomato sauce
- Mediterranean – Pesto (in place of pizza sauce), cooked spinach + olives
- Hawaiian – 1 slice cooked and chopped ham and 1 tbsp fresh pineapple onto each zucchini
FAQs
Yes, this dish can easily be doubled but you’ll want to divide your recipe onto separate baking sheets so you don’t overcrowd your zucchinis.
Sure! You can use whatever cheese you like. I personally prefer mozzarella because it melts evenly but parmesan cheese is also a great option.
I eat mine with a fork and knife but if you’re feeling brave and it isn’t too hot you can pick them up like a slice of pizza!
Storage Instructions
Store your zucchini pizza boats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a baking sheet in the oven set to 350 degrees F until boats are hot.
I would not recommend freezing these zucchini boats as the zucchini will get mushy.
More Zucchini Recipes
Love zucchini? Here are some of my favorite zucchini recipes:
More Pizza Recipes
Zucchini Pizza Boats
Skip the crust and reach for these healthy zucchini pizza boats instead! They’re a great low carb alternative to regular pizza but they don’t skimp on that pizza flavor. Customize your toppings with veggies and proteins to get a full meal in one!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
- 4 medium-large zucchinis, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
Topping suggestions:
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced olives
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup mini pepperonis
- 1/2 cup cooked sausage or turkey sausage
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place sliced zucchinis on parchment paper and use the tip of a spoon or a melon-baller to remove seeds. This will create small wells inside each zucchini about a 1/4 inch deep.
- Divide marinara sauce evenly across zucchinis (roughly 1 tbsp per zucchini), sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and salt and pepper.
- Top zucchinis with any desired toppings or leave plain.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until zucchinis are tender and cheese is melted.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve warm.
