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Stuffed Zucchini Boats are filled with Italian sausage and tomatoes. They are a delish go-to healthy dinner idea.
Zucchini Boats are flavorful, low-carb, and have so many amazing variations. For more filling zucchini dishes, try Zucchini Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups or Zucchini Casserole.
Sausage Zucchini Boats
We found another dinner recipe we love!!!
We’ve always loved zucchini (hello, Fried Zucchini and Parmesan Crusted Zucchini) but used it more as a side dish. We wanted to try making stuffed Zucchini Boats using Italian sausage and Italian flavors – it was amazing!
We topped these stuffed veggies off with Mozzarella cheese, garlic salt, and basil. The result?? A SUPER simple and super yummy dinner that I will definitely be adding to the rotation!
How to Make Zucchini Boats
Stuffed Zucchini Boats are easy to make but take just a little bit of time.
PREP. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
ZUCCHINI. Scoop out the interior flesh from the zucchini using a spoon and set it aside (do not throw away). Place the zucchini in a 9×13 pan.
FILLING. Add olive oil to a medium pan and cook sausage with garlic. Add onion powder, zucchini flesh, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
BAKE. Spoon this mixture into each zucchini boat. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese. Bake for 20-22 minutes.
For even more flavor, add your favorite tomato sauce/pizza sauce to your meat!
Recipe Tips
Zucchini. Fresh fully ripe zucchini should feel firm and free of cuts and bruises. It can come in different colors such as green, yellow, or white.
Whatever the color, it should be a vibrant and rich color from stem to tip. This recipe will fill 4 medium zucchinis (about 8 inches in length), 5-6 medium zucchini (decrease bake time), or 2-3 larger zucchinis (increase bake time).
Variations. This version has an Italian twist. Try these additional Zucchini Boat Recipes:
- Zucchini Taco Boats – hamburger meat, chili powder, cumin, cheese, olives, tomatoes, lettuce, and avocados
- Zucchini Lasagna Boats – Ricotta, Mozzarella, & Parmesan cheeses, beef, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning
- Chicken Parmesan Zucchini Boats – chicken, garlic, marinara, cheeses, and basil
- Zucchini Burrito Boats – black beans, ground beef, spices, cheeses, tomatoes, olives, and cilantro
- Chicken Broccoli Zucchini Boats – chicken, chopped broccoli, cheese, sour cream, and spices
Storage information
The great thing about this dish is you can make ahead and freeze it to eat later, or you can store leftovers multiple ways. It always reheats really well no matter what method you use!
Make Ahead
Prepare Baked Zucchini Boats as directed but don’t bake them. Allow the filling to cool, before adding it to the Zucchini Boats.
STORE. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days before baking as directed in the recipe.
FREEZE. Allow the filling to cool before adding it to the boats. Place the boats in an airtight storage container or Ziploc. Store in the fridge for 1-2 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- To thaw: Add about 1 inch of water to a tray and place them in the water. (Make sure the water doesn’t rise up and get into the boats.)
- Let them sit for about 20 minutes before transferring them to a baking dish. Bake at 400°F for 22-25 minutes or until hot throughout.
Baked Leftovers
Even leftovers store well in the fridge or freezer!
- Refrigerator: Cool before storing in airtight containers. They will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: To freeze leftovers, place the cooled boats into a freezer Ziploc and freeze for 1-2 months.
- Reheat: Thaw in the fridge if applicable, and reheat in the microwave, 350°F oven, or air fryer.
Recipe FAQ
I think using a regular spoon is the easiest method, but you could also use a small melon baller like this one to do the job!
If they were frozen, place in the fridge to thaw and then reheat in the microwave, air fryer, or a 350°F oven. I even like to put them in the microwave and then throw them in the air fryer or oven to get that nice little crust on the top.
For more great Zucchini recipes, try:
- Fried Zucchini
- Baked Zucchini Fries
- Parmesan Crusted Zucchini
- Zucchini Chicken Alfredo Roll Ups
- Cheesy Zucchini Casserole
Zucchini Boats Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini cut in half, lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 oz. mild Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 medium tomatoes chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella shaved
- 1/4 breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons parsley chopped (or basil)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Scoop out the interior flesh from the zucchini using a spoon and set it aside (do not throw away). Place the zucchini in a 9×13 pan.
- Add olive oil to a medium pan and cook sausage with garlic. Add onion powder, zucchini flesh, tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Spoon this mixture into each zucchini boat. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and cheese. Bake for 20-22 minutes. ENJOY!
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How would you make this using shrimp instead of sausage?
Can these be frozen?
I made these for dinner last night (halved the recipe). I thought the picture of them looked really good; but the picture was deceiving. They are not only good — they are absolutely delicious. Oh my goodness they’re so tasty and different. I made them exactly as the recipe said and I wouldn’t change a thing. I took one over to my older gentleman neighbor and you would have thought I was Santa delivering a present. He was so excited — not only do they taste delicious— they look delicious! Wonderful recipe!
Oh that makes me so happy to hear that you enjoyed the recipe so much! Thanks for giving it a try!
Fixed the zucchini boats was delicious.
So easy and yummy and one of my favorite dishes when I have zucchini coming out my ears!
Agreed! I’m so glad you enjoyed the zucchini boats!
Thanks for letting me join!
Yummy! I cook for one and I am sure these will be good reheated. Thank you.
You are so welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe! 🙂
I love this lower carb option for a meal! Zucchini with just about anything is delicious, and these don’t disappoint!
Such a great way to use all of my zucchini. So hearty and fresh tasting.
Could you use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Sure! I haven’t tried it, but I imagine it would taste great!
I have found a new favorite dish! They are nice & hearty & the flavor is so good!
Thanks a lot for this zucchini boats recipe! Super easy to make and tasted so flavorful! Will surely make this again! Fam really loves it!
I have tried many zucchini boat recipes, well one other.. lol.. and this was was so much better than the last one. My husband loved it. I added plenty of salt and pepper and garlic. Delicious. loved how the topping came out. I put mine in the oven for 22 minutes and the rind was pleasantly edible. Give it a try 🙂
I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe!! Thanks for sharing!
use a grapefruit spoon makes the scrape out easy
Great idea! Thanks!
This recipe was great! We used chilli infused olive oil, hot Italian sausage and tomatoes from the garden. We had cheddar cheese so that went on top. It was delicious!
Sounds delish! Thank you for sharing that!
I tried your , I think it was some kind of chicken with mayo? anyway I have tried your recipes before and they are delicious. I like your down to earth personality too. I am going to try the zucchini boats today. thanks
Awe, you are so sweet! Thank you for trying my recipes!!
I have not cooked this yet but thank you for EXPLAINING what to dO with the scooped Zucchini & that the skins can be eaten also. ManY recipes leave these facts out. Also, the other ways to cook it w/other meAts & spices.
You are so welcome!! I hope you like it!
Can you make this ahead of time and put in REFRIGERATOR before baking? I would like to make it and take it to my daughters for them to have an easy dinner. New baby in the house….
You sure could 🙂 How exciting! Congrats!
Lovely!
LilianNe in norway 🙂
Awe, thank you so much!!
Thank you! We are trying to make smarter food choices and this was healthy and delicious!
these make the perfect with almost any meal! delicious!
I Read the nutrition info. The serving size was not given. How am i to calculate properly?
I followed the suggestion to add spaghetti sauce to my meat. I really loved how it turned out. So delicious!
Wow! These look absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for sharing the recipe! I can’t wait to make them for my kids.
Glad to share!! They are super tasty. I hope your kids love them!
I am make these tonight for my dinner. New diabetic so trying lots of new healthy dishes. These smell delicious. I used mushrooms in mine too.
Mushrooms sound like a yummy addition. Hope you enjoyed the recipe!
I was a little hesitant trying these, but I wanted to say I tried & they were so good!! I couldn’t believe how much flavor they have! I will definitely make them again!
trying the zucchini boats for my fussy grandchildren will substitute ground beef for sausage
I hope they like them! They are pretty tasty!
These sound delicious, but then i saw the Nutrition facts. It says per serving. Is there really 2231 calories and 185 fat grams in each one or is that for all 4?
I am drowning in zucchini so this is perfect for us!
Wish I was…love recipes with zucchini! I hope you like these!
Love these! A great low carb option 🙂
Thank you!! Yes, they are a tasty, healthier option!
This looks delicious! Looks delicious and so easy to make! !
Thanks so much!! They really are 🙂
I’m addicted to all things zucchini and these literally look like heave.
I am too!! Love recipes with zucchini! These are delicious. I hope you try them!
I love that this is a healthier dinner option! Adding to the menu for next week!
Me too!! Let me know what you think 🙂 Hope you like them!
Love the zucchini boat! Thank you for sharing your creativity!
You are so welcome!! Thank you for trying them!
These are so easy and delicious! I really want to eat 2 boats, but I will let it settle before I decide! ????
LOL!! They are a new favorite of mine! Thank you for letting me know!
Just got an Air Fryer, Looking forward to learning how to Cook with it!!!
How fun! Hope you like it! You’ll have to try these!
another hit in our house from Lil’Luna! The Hubby was not sure at first but then ate them up like nothing and was very impressed-thanks for another great low carb recipe!.
LOL…you’re welcome! Aren’t they delicious?? Glad you found another keeper!!
Any suggestions on what to do with the middle of the zucchini with this mean instead of throwing it out?
You could peel the middle, so it’s like shoe strings and add it to pastas or salads. You could add it to breads, too! I have some great recipes with zucchini on the blog:)
These are so tasty! We filled ours with marinara, chopped yellow pepper, sausage, brown rice, green onion and topped with white cheddar. YUMMY! Thank you for the recipe. 🙂
Oooh, your versions sounds amazing. SO glad you liked them. 🙂
I was so inspired by this post I decided to make them for dinner tonight. I got some zuchinni from a friend’s garden, but not the little ones. These are on the large size, probably 14 inches long. I figure that means more I can scoop out and more filling I can add!
Cant wait to eat!! Also serving with garlic toast. Yummmmm!!
YUM!! How did these turn out?!
This feeds about 8-10. 🙂
This recipe looks amazing! thanks for sharing…the ribbons and pasta looks great, too!
Thank you!! I hope you’re able to give it a try and enjoy it. 😉
I made these tonight for supper. They were delicious. I used hamburg instead of the sausage because that’s what I had in the freezer. Worked well. Since there are only two of us here, I cut the recipe in half, and still have enough for another supper. Served with garlic toast
PERFECT!! The best part of this recipe is being able to change it up every time! Hamburger meat would be great. 😉
Just ate these for dinner. I didn’t use red sauce. They are great!
His had steak & onion. Mine had ground beef & portobello mushrooms & onions.
Topped with pepper jack & mozzarella.
Thank you for the post,
Now I’m making more lol. I only made one and we each ate half. Still hungry as they weren’t that long. So what dies that mean??? That means husband approved!
LOL! SO glad they were a hit. The best part about this recipe is that it can be modified to your liking. Yours both sound yummy!
Oh, I used to make these and I totally forgot about them! My husband and I loved them! Thanks for reminding me!
You’re welcome! There are just so many possibilities too. Thanks for stopping by. 😉
YUM! This looks amazing! Unfortunately my hubby cant have the cheese (boo! because I LOVE cheese!) so we usually just grill our zucchini with some olive oil, salt and pepper.
Bummer about your hubby, but grilling the zucchini sounds great too!!
Looks like so much fun! Healthy and delicious 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome!! It’s a great and simple recipe. Let me know if you give it a try. 😉