Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Name: Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 medium zucchini ((about 8 oz each)); 2 Tbsp olive oil, (divided); Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 lb. Italian turkey sausage*; 1 Tbsp minced garlic ((3 cloves)); 1 cup chopped yellow onion, ((1 small)); 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, (drain off 1 - 2 Tbsp liquid); 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs, (divided); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella; 2/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese, (divided); 1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Published July 27, 2020. Updated September 20, 2023

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Zucchini Boats stuffed with turkey sausage, tomatoes, herbs, panko and two types of cheese! A delicious recipe that’s perfect for summer.

When summer rolls around zucchini boats are a must on the dinner menu, especially when we hit mid summer and there is a plethora of zucchini to be used up.

You can only eat so much sautéed zucchini then it’s time to move onto something more exciting like these! They are brimming with fresh Italian flavors and the sausage makes them perfectly filling.

They’re easy to make, the only tedious part is removing the centers to create the boat shapes, but once you get the hang of it it’s a breeze.

They’re definitely worth the extra little bit of effort. This recipe turns bland zucchini into something worthy of dinner praises.

Looking for another great way to use up zucchini? Try my Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread for dessert!

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Sausage Zucchini Boats Ingredients and Possible Substitutes

Zucchini: Look for those even in size, about 8 – 9 oz each. The should be big enough to hollow out and add filling, but not too large or you won’t be able to fit them in the baking dish.
Olive oil: Another oil such as avocado oil will work fine here.
Italian turkey sausage: Italian pork sausage can be used instead, just drain of excess fat after browning.
Garlic: In a pinch 1 tsp granulated garlic will work in this recipe.
Yellow onion: Red onion would work here too.
Canned diced tomatoes: I like the petite cut for a more uniform size throughout but regular cut will work. Another option is to use 3 fresh roma tomatoes, diced.
Italian seasoning: Another option is to use 1 tsp dried basil and 1 tsp dried oregano.
Panko bread crumbs: Standard dried bread crumbs will work too I just prefer the extra crisp texture of the panko.
Mozzarella cheese: Monterey jack could be used in place of mozzarella.
Parmesan cheese: Romano cheese will work here as well.
Parsley: This ingredient is optional, it can be omitted if you don’t have any. Another option is to use fresh basil or use 2 tsp dried parsley.

How to Make Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Heat oven, prepare baking dish: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Hollow out zucchini: 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.
Par-bake: Bake in preheated oven 15 minutes.
Saute onion: Meanwhile heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and saute 3 minutes.
Brown sausage, add garlic: Add sausage in crumbles, cook through, while breaking up meat during cooking. Add garlic during last 1 minute of cooking.
Add mix-ins: Remove from heat stir in tomatoes, 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs and Italian seasoning.
Fill zucchini boats: Sprinkle 1/3 cup parmesan over zucchini boats, then divide filling among the zucchini boats.
Toss topping ingredients, sprinkle over: 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 zucchini boats: Bake in preheated oven until tender, about 10 – 15 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.

Tips:

Use up all the filling and topping, piling it high if needed.
Bake twice, once before filling and once after filling.
Pierce through zucchini with a knife to test for tenderness.
If you do find they are too big to fit into one baking dish then just use another small baking dish.

What to Eat with Zucchini Boats

I recommend serving with another veggies such as corn on the cob or a side salad.
Another tasty option is garlic bread.

How to Reduce Carbs

If you are looking to cut out some carbs in this recipe you can omit the panko bread crumbs.
If doing so then drain tomatoes well.

Can they be frozen?

Yes. Though the textures will change a bit zucchini boats can be frozen after baking.
Freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to Reheat

The easiest way to reheat zucchini boats is in the microwave.
Reheat individual servings (1 – 2 boats) in the microwave on a microwave safe plate for about 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.

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Two stuffed zucchini boats on a white dinner plate with a fork to the side.

5 from 14 votes

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