Quick Zucchini Cheese Boats: A Flavorful Side Dish
Embrace the delightful and healthy essence of zucchini with this Quick Zucchini Cheese Boats recipe, which serves as an excellent accompaniment to any meal. Omit the bacon for a vegetarian alternative that maintains a satisfying richness while still being light on the waistline. The creamy Gruyère cheese takes center stage, providing a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender zucchini. If you prefer a sharper taste, feel free to substitute with sharp cheddar cheese for a delightful twist. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also economical, making it a fantastic option for family dinners or weekend brunches.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 234 |
| Total Fat | 15.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 30.1 mg |
| Sodium | 251.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 14.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 11.7 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | Medium zucchinis |
| 1 | Tablespoon olive oil |
| 4 | Slices of bacon (optional) |
| ½ | Teaspoon garlic powder |
| ¼ | Teaspoon nutmeg |
| ¼ | Teaspoon cayenne pepper |
| ¾ | Cup grated Gruyère cheese |
| ¼ | Cup bread crumbs |
| 1 | Cup hot water (for baking) |
Cooking Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for achieving that perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9 by 13-inch glass baking dish with cooking spray to prevent the zucchini boats from sticking, ensuring easy serving later.
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Slice the Zucchini: Take your fresh zucchinis and cut them lengthwise into 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick slices. Carefully reserve these slices, as they will be part of the filling.
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Scoop Out the Zucchini: With a spoon, gently scoop out most of the flesh from each zucchini half, leaving a sturdy shell. This step is crucial, as it creates a cavity for your flavorful filling.
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Chop and Season: Finely chop the reserved zucchini flesh, and mix it with the garlic powder, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. The spices will enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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Cook the Bacon (If Using): In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook for approximately three minutes or until it becomes crispy. If you’re making a vegetarian version, skip this step.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped zucchini mixture to the skillet with the bacon (or just the olive oil if you’re omitting the bacon). Stir and cook for about seven minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften and the flavors to meld.
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Add Cheese and Bread Crumbs: Incorporate the bread crumbs and ¾ cup of the grated Gruyère cheese into the skillet. Continue cooking for an additional minute to ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
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Fill the Zucchini Boats: Using a spoon, generously fill each zucchini shell with about ½ cup of the filling. This ensures that each boat is loaded with flavor.
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Prepare for Baking: Place each filled zucchini boat in the prepared baking dish. Carefully add ¼ cup of hot water to the bottom of the dish to create steam during baking, which helps keep the zucchini moist.
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Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse and the zucchini to soften.
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Uncover and Add Cheese: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the tops of the zucchini boats with the remaining ¼ cup of grated Gruyère cheese. This step will create a beautifully melted and bubbly cheese topping.
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Final Baking: Return the uncovered baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. These Quick Zucchini Cheese Boats are best served warm and make a fantastic side dish for almost any meal. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and the satisfying textures!
This dish is not only visually appealing but also nutritious, providing a wholesome way to incorporate vegetables into your meals while pleasing both vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Whether served at brunch, lunch, or dinner, Quick Zucchini Cheese Boats are sure to impress your family and friends, making them a staple in your culinary repertoire.
