Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Canoes

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Picture this: a Friday night craving hits, but you’re so over greasy takeout. Enter these Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Canoes! Not only do they bring all that melty, savory goodness we adore, but they also keep things light and healthy. Whether you’re a busy mom trying to sneak veggies past picky eaters or just want a low-carb pizza recipe you can feel good about, these zucchini pizza boats have your back (and your taste buds!).

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Canoes

These little veggie pizza canoes are seriously life-savers. They’re the healthy veggie pizza alternative you can whip up in under 40 minutes, perfect for chaotic weeknights or spontaneous weekend gatherings. They deliver that cheesy, comforting pizza flavor we all crave, but in a fresh, low-carb package that even your most skeptical family member will devour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Heads up! Full ingredient amounts and details are right below this article in the recipe card.)

Zucchini: Acts as our boat and our hero! Choose medium-sized ones for best results.
Olive Oil: Helps with roasting and adding a hint of richness.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste and balance the flavors.
Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: A must for that classic pizza kick.
Pizza Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought jar or go homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese: Because we’re going big on gooey, melty goodness.
Mini Pepperoni: Optional, but so fun (and kid-approved!).
Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, bright finishing touch.

How to Make Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Canoes

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (easy clean-up = big win!). Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scrape out the center seeds, creating a “canoe” shape. Don’t go overboard you want sturdy sides to hold all that cheesy goodness!

Step 2: Season Those Canoes

Brush the zucchini halves with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Roast them cut-side up for about 10 minutes to soften them up a bit. This step is crucial so your zucchini pizza boats don’t end up soggy later!

Step 3: Load ‘Em Up

Remove from the oven. Spread a spoonful of pizza sauce in each zucchini boat (hello, flavor!). Sprinkle with parmesan cheese, then pile on that glorious mozzarella. Top with mini pepperoni slices or any other toppings your heart desires.

Step 4: Back Into the Oven

Pop them back in the oven and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. (Pro tip: Broil for the last minute if you want an extra cheesy, crispy finish.)

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil just before serving. Then… prepare for your kitchen to be instantly filled with “oohs” and “ahhs!”

Nutrition Facts

Calories: ~220 per serving
Protein: 12g
Carbs: 7g (super low-carb pizza recipe win!)
Fat: 15g

Values are approximate and depend on your toppings.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
Total Time: About 35-40 minutes

Cooking Tips for the Best Zucchini Pizza Canoes

Don’t skip the pre-roast! It’s the secret to preventing soggy zucchini pizza boats.
Use small pepperoni for better cheese-to-topping ratios (plus, they’re just cuter!).
Feeling fancy? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or swap in different cheeses like provolone or cheddar.

How to Serve Your Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Canoes

Pile them onto a platter with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping (because more sauce = more happiness). These make a fabulous dinner with a fresh salad or an easy appetizer for game night. No utensils required they’re practically finger food!

Make-Ahead, Storing, and Reheating Tips

Want to make-ahead zucchini pizza boats for a super easy dinner later? Assemble your canoes (up to the cheese layer) and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just pop them in the oven! Leftovers keep beautifully, too. Store cooked boats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes. Freezing? It’s possible but best without toppings for maximum texture.

A Little Story From My Kitchen…

The first time I made these cheesy zucchini pizza canoes, it was purely out of desperation. The kids were “starving” (aren’t they always?), the fridge was mostly empty, and pizza cravings were hitting hard. I had zucchini, cheese, and sauce and the magic happened. Now, it’s a staple request in our house, and even my husband has become a believer. (He calls them “pizza submarines,” but we’ll let that slide.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Canoes vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the mini pepperoni and load up on veggies like mushrooms, peppers, and olives for a delicious healthy veggie pizza alternative.

How do I keep my zucchini pizza boats from getting soggy?

Pre-roasting is key! Giving the zucchini a quick bake before adding toppings removes excess moisture, ensuring perfect zucchini pizza canoes with marinara sauce.

Can I use other cheeses?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with provolone, gouda, or even a smoky mozzarella for a twist on your healthy zucchini boat recipe.

What’s the best sauce to use?

Any pizza sauce you love! Homemade or store-bought both work beautifully. A thicker sauce will keep your zucchini pizza boats from getting watery.

Can I freeze Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Canoes?

You can, but for the best results, freeze them before baking. That way, when you bake later, everything tastes freshly made.

Are these good for meal prep?

Definitely! Make-ahead zucchini pizza boats are a meal-prepper’s dream easy, tasty, and super freezer-friendly.

What can I serve with zucchini pizza boats?

Try a simple green salad, garlic breadsticks, or a light soup. These veggie pizza canoes are versatile!

Can kids help make these?

Yes! Kids love loading up their own “canoes.” It’s a fun (and sneaky!) way to get them excited about eating veggies.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cozy, easy, family-approved dinner that hits all the right notes, these Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Canoes are the answer. They’re the perfect low-carb pizza recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Plus, they’re a smart way to sneak in extra veggies while satisfying those pizza cravings. So grab some zucchini and let’s set sail your new favorite family-friendly zucchini pizza canoes adventure awaits!

Don’t forget! Full ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions are right below in the recipe card!