Keto Pepperoni Zucchini Boats (Print version)

Low-carb zucchini boats stuffed with pepperoni, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium zucchinis
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Sauce and Toppings

04 - 1/2 cup sugar-free tomato or pizza sauce
05 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
06 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 24 slices pepperoni, sugar-free if possible
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, optional for garnish

# How to Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Wash zucchinis and slice lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out center seeds to create shallow boats, leaving approximately 1/4 inch thick walls.
03 - Brush cut sides of zucchini boats with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
04 - Place zucchini boats cut side up on prepared baking sheet.
05 - Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce into each zucchini half and sprinkle evenly with Italian herbs.
06 - Top each boat with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by 3 pepperoni slices per boat, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
07 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until zucchinis are tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
08 - Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Pizza satisfaction without the guilt or the blood sugar spike that follows.
  • These boats come together faster than ordering delivery, and your kitchen smells incredible the whole time.
  • One pan, minimal cleanup, and everyone at the table actually wants seconds instead of picking around their vegetables.
02 -
  • If your zucchinis release too much liquid during cooking, pat them dry with paper towels after scooping to prevent a soggy, sad boat.
  • The difference between undercooked and perfectly tender zucchini is about two minutes, so set a timer and check at 18 minutes rather than guessing.
03 -
  • Use a melon baller instead of a spoon for scooping if you want perfectly uniform boats and less chance of puncturing the bottom.
  • Don't skip the parchment paper; the rendered pepperoni fat sticks to bare sheet pans, and cleanup becomes a frustration you didn't sign up for.
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