Name: Veggie Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 medium zucchinis; 1 bell pepper (chopped); 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small onion (diced); 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped); 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped); 2 tbsp olive oil; ½ cup shredded cheese (optional); ½ cup Ricotta (optional); ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

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Ever stared at a Zucchini and thought, “What can I do with Zucchini?” That’s exactly what I used to wonder—until I discovered veggie-stuffed zucchini boats. Now, they’re one of my favorite go-to recipes. They’re easy to make, healthy, and packed with so much flavor that even picky eaters can’t resist them.

If you’re looking for a light, colorful, and incredibly satisfying dish, you’re in the right place. I love how versatile this veggie stuffed zucchini boats recipe is! You can customize it with your favorite ingredients and make it totally your own. Trust me, you’ll be hooked once you try these veggie zucchini boats. Let’s dive into the recipe for vegetarian stuffed zucchini!

Why You’ll Love Veggie Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Veggie Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Let me tell you why I’m obsessed with these vegetarian zucchini boats—they check all the boxes! First off, they’re healthy. Zucchini is naturally low in carbs and calories, but it’s packed with nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.

But it’s not just the zucchini; the filling is bursting with fresh, summer flavors. Think seasonal veggies like juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant fresh herbs, and a zing of lemon zest that brightens everything up. It’s like a little bite of sunshine on your plate!

What I love most is how simple they are to make. You can hollow out the squash and mix up the filling in just 20 minutes. Then, pop them in the oven, and you’ll have a gorgeous, vibrant meal on the table in under 45 minutes.

These baked zucchini boats vegetarian are the perfect combination of wholesome, delicious, and super quick – perfect for a quick dinner without spending much time in the kitchen. I hope you love them as much as I do!

Ingredients for Veggie Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These veggie-stuffed zucchini boats are packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make them:

Zucchinis – The star of the dish, of course!
Cherry tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, these add great flavor.
Onion – For a savory depth of flavor.
Bell pepper – Adds a touch of sweetness.
Garlic – Essential for that aromatic base.
Fresh herbs – Like basil or parsley, to brighten up the filling.
Lemon zest – A burst of freshness that makes the filling pop.
Cheese – Optional, but mozzarella or feta works beautifully.
Breadcrumbs – For a crunchy topping, if you like.
Salt and pepper – To season and bring out all the flavors.

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what’s in season or what you love best. These meatless zucchini boats are incredibly flexible!

How to Make Veggie Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Making these veggie-stuffed zucchini boats is a total breeze, and I promise, it’s totally worth it! Let’s get started.

Step 1: Prep the Zucchinis

First, slice your zucchinis in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the center to create a little boat. You want to leave a border around the edges so they hold their shape. Don’t toss those zucchini centers—they’ll make a great addition to the filling later!

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Next, chop up your cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and garlic. Throw them all into a large bowl. Don’t worry about making everything perfectly uniform—this is supposed to be rustic! Add in some fresh herbs (I love basil or parsley), and zest lemon to give the filling that extra zing. If you’re using cheese, toss it in now.

Step 3: Cook the Filling

Heat up a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté your chopped veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they’re softened. If you’re feeling fancy, you can add a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. Once the veggies are tender, stir in the reserved zucchini centers and cook for a few more minutes.

Step 4: Stuff the Zucchini Boats

Now it’s time to stuff those zucchini! Spoon the veggie mixture into each zucchini half, making sure to pack them generously. If you want a little extra crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the top before popping them into the oven.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your stuffed zucchinis on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your veggie stuffed zucchini boats are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, serve them up with a fresh salad or enjoy them on their own. You’ve just created a beautiful, healthy, and satisfying dish—time to dig in!

Tips for Customizing Your Zucchini Boats

One of the best things about these veggie stuffed zucchini boats is how easily you can make them your own. Here are a few fun ideas to customize the filling and take your zucchini boats to the next level:

Add Protein: Want to make your boats a bit heartier? Toss in some cooked ground turkey, chicken, or even beans for a plant-based option. A little shredded rotisserie chicken works wonders too.
Swap the Veggies: If you’re not a fan of bell peppers or tomatoes, don’t stress! You can swap in other veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or even corn for a fresh twist. The filling is so flexible—use what you’ve got!
Make It Spicy: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños. I love the extra zing it gives the boats.
Go Dairy-Free: You can easily make this dish dairy-free by skipping the cheese or using a non-dairy alternative like vegan mozzarella.
Add a Crunchy Topping: Instead of regular breadcrumbs, try panko or crushed nuts like almonds for a little extra texture.
Use Different Herbs: Change up the herbs based on what you like or what’s in season. Thyme, oregano, or rosemary will give the boats a totally different flavor profile.
Top with a Sauce: Want to make things extra special? Drizzle some balsamic glaze or a bit of pesto over the top before serving. It’s a great way to add richness and flavor.

FAQs

Can You Freeze Stuffed Zucchini?

Yes, you can freeze stuffed zucchini! Simply assemble them, freeze them before baking for a few hours, then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to cook through.

Do You Cook Zucchini Before Stuffing?

For large zucchinis, it’s best to precook them briefly to avoid undercooking. Simply bake or sauté them for a few minutes. Small or medium zucchinis don’t need precooking, as they’ll cook perfectly in the oven while baking with the filling.

How Long Do You Bake Zucchini Boats?

Bake your zucchini boats at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. The zucchini should be tender, and the filling golden and bubbly. If you like a bit more crunch, you can broil them for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end!

How Long to Bake Stuffed Zucchini at 375?

Bake stuffed zucchini at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Check for tenderness; the zucchini should be soft and the filling bubbly and golden. If you like a crispier top, you can broil for an extra 2-3 minutes!

How Long to Bake Zucchini Boats at 350?

If you’re baking zucchini boats at 350°F (175°C), they’ll need about 25-30 minutes. Check for tenderness by poking with a fork, and make sure the filling is golden and bubbly. If needed, bake a bit longer for soft, fully cooked zucchini.

How Long to Bake Zucchini Boats at 400?

At 400°F (200°C), bake your zucchini boats for 15-20 minutes. The zucchini should be tender, and the filling golden and bubbly. If you like a crispy topping, broil them for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end!

What to Serve with Zucchini Boats?

These stuffed zucchini boats are perfect as both a main dish or a side. If you use 3 medium zucchinis, they’ll serve 6 as a side, or with 2 large zucchinis, they’ll serve 4 as a main course. Pair them with a chilled bowl of gazpacho or a light pasta, like cherry tomato or pesto pasta. They also go wonderfully with any of these summer salads:

Easy Pasta Salad
Broccoli Salad
Orzo Salad
Eggplant Salad
Strawberry Salad

Conclusion

These veggie-stuffed zucchini boats are a simple, flavorful, and customizable dish perfect for any meal. Whether you enjoy them as a light side or a hearty main, they’re sure to impress. This recipe is a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing taste. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do—happy cooking!