Keto Supreme Pizza Zucchini Boats

Supreme pizza zucchini boats are zucchini halves hollowed out and filled with the toppings of a supreme pizza: Italian sausage, bell pepper, onion, black olives, marinara and melted mozzarella. The zucchini replaces the crust, so there is no dough, and the filling is cooked in one skillet. From start to finish it takes 35 minutes, and the card makes 4 servings of one boat each.

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The zucchini is sturdy enough to hold the filling. It turns tender in the oven while the mozzarella melts and browns on top, and the sugar-free marinara keeps the carbs at 6 grams per boat according to the card.

What Goes in the Boats

• Zucchini (2 medium): cut in half lengthwise, they make the four boats.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): brushed over the zucchini halves.
• Italian sausage (1/2 pound, ground): the main protein and the source of most of the seasoning.
• Bell pepper (1/2 cup, diced) and onion (1/2 cup, diced): they add color, crunch and a little sweetness.
• Black olives (1/2 cup, sliced): a savory, salty note.
• Marinara sauce (1 cup, sugar-free): stands in for pizza sauce and keeps the filling low-carb.
• Mozzarella (1 cup, shredded): the melted topping.
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon), garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon), salt and pepper: mixed into the filling. Fresh basil is an optional garnish.

Everything is simple to find, with no specialty store needed. Taste is flexible too. Everyone’s palate differs, so adjust the seasoning at the end of the simmer, adding more garlic powder, Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes if you like.

Hollowing the Zucchini

Wash the zucchini, cut each one in half lengthwise, and scoop out the insides with a melon baller or a spoon. Do not scoop too deep. The walls need enough flesh to hold the filling without breaking apart. A regular spoon works if you go gently.

Brush the halves with olive oil and set them on a baking sheet. If you want a firmer texture, steam or bake the halves for a few minutes before filling them. This reduces moisture and helps keep the boats from turning soggy.

Cooking the Filling

Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. When it is cooked through, add the bell pepper and onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until they soften. Stir in the olives, marinara, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper and simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors come together. A non-stick skillet works for browning the sausage and cooking the vegetables, and so does cast iron, which spreads the heat evenly.

Spoon the filling evenly into the zucchini halves, packing it in, and sprinkle the mozzarella on top. Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let them cool slightly before adding basil. Serve them warm. The tops should look browned in spots, with the filling steaming underneath.

A large oven-safe dish can stand in for the baking sheet. Measuring is worth doing with the seasoning, but you can use a spoon from the drawer as a rough guide if you have no measuring spoons.

Making Them Your Own

• Other cheese: provolone, cheddar or a sprinkle of feta in place of or alongside the mozzarella.
• Pepperoni: add slices of pepperoni or turkey pepperoni to the filling.
• More vegetables: fresh spinach or sliced mushrooms go into the filling.
• Different sauce: homemade pesto gives a fresh, herby version, and arrabbiata adds heat.
• More spice: extra garlic powder, Italian seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

What to Serve With Them

A side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers with olive oil dressing adds crunch. Cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower makes a heartier plate. Sparkling water with lemon or lime is a simple drink. If you want garlic bread, an almond flour version keeps it low-carb.

Each boat is listed at 320 calories, 24 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber and 20 grams of protein.

FAQ

Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

Yes. Bell peppers or eggplant can work, as long as they hold the filling without getting too soft.

How long do leftovers keep?

Up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I use this for meal prep?

Yes. Make the filling ahead and assemble and bake the boats when you are ready. They reheat well, so they work for a quick lunch on busy days.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cheese or leave the cheese off. A sprinkle of nutritional yeast adds flavor.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us