Zucchini Pizza Boats

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Using a small spoon, scoop out the center of each zucchini half to form a shallow boat, leaving about 1/4 inch of flesh around the edges.

3. 3

   Arrange the zucchini halves cut-side up on the baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

4. 4

   Bake until the zucchini is just tender but still holds its shape, 10 minutes.

   10:00 · Pre-bake zucchini
5. 5

   Remove the zucchini from the oven and blot any excess moisture from the boats with a paper towel.

6. 6

   Spoon marinara sauce evenly into each zucchini boat, about 2 tablespoons per half.

7. 7

   Top each boat with shredded mozzarella, a sprinkle of parmesan, and mini pepperoni slices.

8. 8

   Sprinkle the dried oregano over the filled boats and return to the oven. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbling, 10 minutes.

   10:00 · Bake pizza boats
9. 9

   For extra browning, broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is golden in spots, watching closely to prevent burning.

   1:00 · Broil to brown
10. 10

    Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes before serving.