Description
Golden, cheesy, and tender—this Parmesan roasted zucchini boats recipe is a healthy, low-carb side or light meal that’s bursting with savory flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Boats
- 4 medium zucchini
Cheesy Topping
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish, optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat and garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even roasting and a crisp topping.
- Prepare Zucchini: Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh from each half, creating a hollow ‘boat’ to hold the filling.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the hollowed-out zucchini halves cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
- Make Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh parsley, Italian seasoning, and a generous pinch each of salt and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined and evenly moistened.
- Stuff Zucchini: Spoon the cheesy breadcrumb mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, pressing lightly so it adheres and stays in place.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Optional Broil: For an extra-crisp topping, turn the broiler on for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle with more fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes for added color and heat. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a little lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Swap parsley for fresh basil or chives, if preferred.
- These boats can be prepped in advance and baked when ready to serve.
- Great as a side dish or a light vegetarian main course.
- If you like more crunch, use Panko breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg