Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats
Italian Sausage Zucchini Boats are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional stuffed dishes. These tender zucchini halves are filled with savory Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella cheese, and fresh herbs, making them perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners. Not only do they burst with flavor, but they also create a visually stunning centerpiece for any table. Quick to prepare and customizable based on your dietary needs, these zucchini boats are sure to impress guests and family alike.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Halve zucchinis lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create boats.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; add sausage and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and zucchini seeds; cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and mix in mozzarella and basil; fill each zucchini half generously with the mixture.
- Place in baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired, and bake for 20-25 minutes until tender.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 zucchini boat
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: - For a lighter option, substitute turkey sausage. - Experiment with different cheeses like feta or gouda for added flavor. - Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrition.