Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Cheese
	
		Tender zucchini halves are hollowed into boats, roasted, and stuffed with a creamy ricotta-parmesan filling, sweet roasted red pepper, and bubbly mozzarella for a quick vegetarian main or side. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
	 
	
		
							- Author: sarra
 
							- Prep Time: 10 mins
 
							- Cook Time: 25 mins
 
							- Total Time: 35 mins
 
							- Yield: 4 zucchini halves (2 main servings or 4 side servings) 1x
 
							- Category: Dinner
 
							- Method: Baking
 
							- Cuisine: American
 
							- Diet: Vegetarian
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			
- 2 medium zucchini
 
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
 
- 1 roasted red pepper (from a jar), finely chopped
 
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese (≈ 3 oz)
 
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (≈ 1/2 oz)
 
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese (≈ 2 oz)
 
- Handful of torn fresh basil leaves
 
- Salt, to taste
 
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Heat oven to 425 °F (220 °C) and line a baking sheet.
 
- Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise; use a spoon to scoop a shallow channel to form “boats.”
 
- Rub cut sides with olive oil, season with salt, and place cut-side down on the sheet. Roast ≈ 12 minutes until tender but still holding shape.
 
- Meanwhile, stir the chopped roasted red pepper, ricotta, and Parmesan together; season lightly with salt and pepper.
 
- Flip zucchini cut-side up. Spoon the ricotta mixture evenly into the boats.
 
- Top with shredded mozzarella and return to the oven for 8 – 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and zucchini is soft. Broil 1 – 2 minutes for golden spots if desired.
 
- Finish with torn basil, a pinch of salt, and extra pepper. Serve hot.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- For strict vegetarians, swap Parmesan for a rennet-free hard cheese.
 
- Stir in cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or ground turkey for added protein.
 
- Broiling at the end gives the mozzarella golden bubbles.
 
- Leftovers keep up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat at 350 °F.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 zucchini half
 
							- Calories: 120 kcal
 
							- Sugar: 1.5 g
 
							- Sodium: 289.9 mg
 
							- Fat: 9.4 g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 4.1 g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 5.3 g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0 g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 2.8 g
 
							- Fiber: 0.7 g
 
							- Protein: 6.2 g
 
							- Cholesterol: 20.8 mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: stuffed zucchini boats, cheese stuffed zucchini, vegetarian zucchini recipe, low carb, summer dinner