This delightful dish combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon and gooey cheese all nestled within tender zucchini. Not only do these zucchini boats make for an irresistible appetizer, but they can also serve as a filling main course or side. I always appreciate a recipe that combines deliciousness with health benefits, and zucchini is low in calories while being high in nutrients. Let’s dig into how to create these tasty treats!

Crispy Bacon and Cheese-Stuffed Zucchini Boats

Tender zucchini halves filled with a savory mixture of crispy bacon and melted cheese, baked to perfection for a delightful low-carb meal or side dish.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 40 min

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for added texture)
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the centers, creating a boat-like shape. Reserve the scooped flesh and chop it finely.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the chopped zucchini flesh and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked zucchini mixture, crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs (if using), beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
6. Carefully spoon the filling into each zucchini boat, distributing it evenly among the halves.
7. Place the stuffed zucchinis onto the prepared baking sheet or dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the filling is golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Fat: 20 g
• Carbs: 10 g
• Protein: 15 g

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Ingredients

To make crispy bacon and cheese-stuffed zucchini boats, you will need:

• 4 medium-sized zucchinis
• 8 slices of bacon
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1/2 cup of cream cheese
• 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s begin the cooking process!

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

First, you need to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats, take the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh, creating little boats for your filling. Set the hollowed zucchinis aside on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Next, grab a frying pan and cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once finished, remove the bacon from the pan and let it cool briefly before chopping it into small pieces. Set the bacon aside, and if desired, you can drain some of the excess fat from the pan but leave a little to help flavor the filling.

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped bacon, cream cheese, garlic powder, green onions, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well incorporated. At this stage, I like to add salt and pepper to taste, making sure the flavors are just right.

Step 4: Stuff the Zucchini Boats

Now comes the fun part! Carefully spoon the delicious bacon and cheese mixture into each of your zucchini boats, filling them generously. Once filled, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top. You can drizzle a little olive oil over the boats if you want an extra layer of flavor.

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. You can serve them topped with additional green onions if desired. Enjoy the melty cheese, crispy bacon, and satisfying zucchini combination!

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to adapt it to your taste. I love whipping these up for parties, and they always delight my guests. Happy cooking!

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