You probably want to eat something quick and easy without giving up on flavor if you’re anything like me. That’s where stuffed zucchini boats come in. They’re packed with creamy cheeses, savory bacon, and fresh basil—definitely not your ordinary dish. They’re a great way to make use of any zucchinis hanging around in the fridge.
I love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and perfect for when you just want to cook for yourself or maybe share with your loved one. When I made these stuffed zucchini boats, I was really surprised at how filling they were.
Make Zucchini Recipe with Less Food Waste
I’m all about minimizing food waste, and this recipe is a champion for that. Zucchinis are such a flexible vegetable, but they often get forgotten in the drawer. Making these stuffed zucchini boats is a delicious way to use up any zucchini before they go bad. The recipe also calls for simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand, like cheeses and bacon, so there’s minimal shopping required.
By only cooking for one or two, we’re also helping to cut down on leftovers. That means you’re making just enough for you and a friend—no giant trays of food going to waste. Just tasty, cheesy zucchini boats that are perfect for a cozy meal.
Making Stuffed Zucchini Boats in Small Serving
I always make recipes that are made in small servings. This recipe for stuffed zucchini boats is no different. It’s perfectly portioned for one or two people, so you won’t have to worry about what to do with a mountain of leftovers. Each zucchini half is like a little boat, ready to be filled with all kinds of good stuff—bacon, cheeses, and fresh herbs.
Done in Minutes Easy Stuffed Zucchini Boats
What’s better than a tasty meal that’s ready in no time? Not much. These zucchini boats are quick to prep, and they don’t take long in the oven either. Within about 30 minutes, you can have a warm, comforting meal that’s filled with gooey cheese and smoky bacon.
Even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is pretty straightforward. Just mix up the filling, stuff your zucchinis, and bake. It’s an ideal choice when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours cooking. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal.
Easy Instructions for Creating the Best Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
Must-Have Tools for Your Kitchen
- Big-Sized Bowl: Perfect for mixing up the cheesy filling.
- Spatula: For stirring the ingredients together.
- Baking Dish or Casserole Dish: To bake the zucchinis in.
- Fork: For scooping out the zucchini insides.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Baking Tray: Holds the zucchinis in place while they bake.
Key Ingredients:
- Bacon: Adds a nice smoky flavor to the filling.
- Cream Cheese: Gives the filling a creamy texture.
- Blue Cheese: Adds a bit of tanginess.
- Gouda Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds richness.
- Zucchini: The main ingredient. Look for medium zucchini.
- Basil Leaves: Fresh basil brings a burst of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. Italian seasoning is also a good option.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Detailed Directions for Making Zucchini Boats
One: Prepare Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and preheat the oven. This will make the process smooth and easy.
Two: Make the Cream Filling
In a bowl, combine the bacon, cream cheese, blue cheese, and gouda. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until everything is well combined.
Three: Cut Zucchini in Half
Carefully cut the zucchini lengthwise to make two halves. Scoop out the center using a spoon or fork, leaving a bit of zucchini flesh to hold the filling. You can always add the scooped flesh into the mixture.
Four: Put the Filling and Bake
Place the zucchinis on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Fill each zucchini boat with the cheese and bacon mixture. Be generous—you want each bite to be full of flavor. Bake until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted.
Pro Recipe Tips for Best Results
- Use Fresh Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis have a firmer texture and won’t get mushy in the oven.
- Adjust Cheese to Taste: Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses if you’re not a fan of blue cheese. Cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella cheese would work well, too.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, use ground chili or pepper flakes on top of the filling for a kick.
- Choice of Meat: Ground beef or Italian sausage are good options apart from bacon.
Common Questions Answered
What Are the Perfect Pairings for Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
Stuffed zucchini boats are tasty and filling on their own, but you can always challenge your meal by pairing them with a few simple sides. Some perfect pairings to complement those cheesy, bacon-filled zucchini boats are salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or rice. These are easy to prepare and add a balanced touch to your meal, making your stuffed zucchini boats feel like a complete and satisfying dinner.
What Are the Proper Storage Tips for Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
Let the zucchini boats cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven. The microwave works too, but they’ll stay crisper with oven reheating.
If you’d like to keep them longer, zucchini boats can be frozen. After cooling, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Additional Easy Small-Portion Recipes You’ll Love
Here are great ways to change the usual chicken routine with minimal effort. Caprese chicken recipe is a perfect recipe that combines juicy chicken with fresh, vibrant flavors. The same with our Mediterranean grilled chicken and homestyle chicken curry. All are packed with rich flavors and creamy goodness that warms you from the inside out.
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Stuffed Zucchini Boats Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Bacon
- 2 Tablespoons Cream Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Blue Cheese
- 1/2 Cup Gouda Cheese
- 2 Zucchini
- 2 Fresh Basil Leaves cut
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and preheat the oven. This will make the process smooth and easy.
- In a bowl, combine the bacon, cream cheese, blue cheese, and gouda. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until everything is well combined.
- Carefully cut the zucchini lengthwise to make two halves. Scoop out the center using a spoon or fork, leaving a bit of zucchini flesh to hold the filling. You can always add the scooped flesh into the mixture.
- Place the zucchinis on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Fill each zucchini boat with the cheese and bacon mixture. Be generous—you want each bite to be full of flavor. Bake until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use Fresh Zucchini: Fresh zucchinis have a firmer texture and won’t get mushy in the oven.
- Adjust Cheese to Taste: Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses if you’re not a fan of blue cheese. Cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella cheese would work well, too.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, use ground chili or pepper flakes on top of the filling for a kick.
- Choice of Meat: Ground beef or Italian sausage are good options apart from bacon.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
