Keto Pepperoni Zucchini Pizza Boats

Enjoy all the savory flavors of a classic pizza with a healthy, low-carb twist. These Keto Pepperoni Zucchini Pizza Boats are the perfect solution for satisfying those pizza cravings without the heavy dough. Fresh zucchinis serve as the perfect vessel for tangy tomato sauce, spicy pepperoni, and gooey, melted mozzarella cheese.

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This easy recipe transforms simple zucchinis into a gourmet Italian-American meal. It's a gluten-free option that doesn't compromise on flavor, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or a light lunch. By roasting the zucchinis at a high temperature, they become tender-crisp, providing the perfect bite to accompany the bubbling cheese toppings.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup sugar-free tomato or pizza sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 24 slices pepperoni (sugar-free, if possible)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Wash the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the center seeds to create shallow boats, leaving about 1/4-inch thick walls.

Step 3

Brush the cut sides of the zucchini boats with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 4

Arrange the zucchini boats, cut side up, on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of tomato sauce into each zucchini half. Sprinkle evenly with Italian herbs.

Step 6

Top each boat with shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by 3 pepperoni slices per boat (more if desired), and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Step 7

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 8

Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra depth of flavor, you can customize your boats by adding sautéed mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or sliced olives before the final baking step. This adds both texture and variety to the meal.

Varianten und Anpassungen

To make a lighter or meat-free version, substitute the standard pepperoni for turkey pepperoni or vegetarian pepperoni. For those watching their sodium or fat intake, these boats are easily adaptable to different protein choices.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these warm zucchini boats with a crisp green salad for a well-rounded and complete keto meal. The fresh crunch of a salad balances the richness of the melted mozzarella and savory pepperoni perfectly.

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With only 210 calories and 4g net carbs per serving, these zucchini pizza boats are a guilt-free way to enjoy a favorite comfort food. Fast to prepare and even faster to disappear, they are sure to become a regular in your healthy meal rotation!

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Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent zucchini from becoming watery?

Scoop out the center seeds thoroughly to create shallow boats, leaving about 1/4-inch thick walls. This prevents excess moisture accumulation during baking and ensures tender rather than soggy results.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Prepare the zucchini boats and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add toppings just before popping them in the oven for best results and texture.

→ What other toppings work well?

Sautéed mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, black olives, cooked Italian sausage, or crumbled bacon make excellent additions. Just keep track of how these affect your net carb count.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled boats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and cheese melts again.

→ Can I freeze these?

Yes, freeze baked and cooled boats in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly throughout.

→ Is sugar-free sauce necessary?

For strict keto compliance, yes. Traditional pizza sauces often contain added sugars that quickly add up in carbs. Sugar-free varieties keep each serving at just 4 net carbs while maintaining authentic flavor.