Low Carb Zucchini Pizza Boats (Keto-Friendly)

Ingredients:

  • 4 small zucchini
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (choose a low-carb option)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably freshly shredded)
  • 1/3 cup sliced mini pepperoni or turkey pepperoni

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Zucchini: Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scrape out the insides with a small spoon, creating a boat shape. Arrange the zucchini cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Season Zucchini: Drizzle the zucchini with olive oil and season with garlic salt and pepper.
  4. Add Sauce and Toppings: Spoon marinara or pizza sauce into each zucchini boat. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
  5. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until zucchini are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes:

  • Cheese: Shredding your own cheese is recommended to avoid the added starches in pre-shredded cheese.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to use other types of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend.
  • Extra Veggies: Add finely diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives for more veggie goodness.
  • Herbs: Top with fresh basil or other herbs for extra flavor.
  • Toppings: Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like sausage, ham, or pineapple.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Do not freeze as the zucchini will become mushy.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, based on 8 servings):

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 5g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
    • Sugars: 3g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 3.5g
  • Protein: 8g

Tips for Keto-Friendly Preparation:

  1. Low-Carb Sauce: Use a marinara or pizza sauce that is low in added sugars to keep the carb count down.
  2. Pepperoni: Choose turkey pepperoni or a brand that is low in carbs and free of added sugars.
  3. Herbs and Spices: Enhance flavor without adding carbs by using fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
  4. Cheese: Always opt for full-fat cheeses which are lower in carbs and higher in fats, making them perfect for a keto diet.

These Low Carb Zucchini Pizza Boats are a perfect keto-friendly meal that provides the classic flavors of pizza without the carbs. Enjoy a healthy, delicious, and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and customize!

Ingredients:

  • 4 small zucchini
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 cup marinara or pizza sauce (choose a low-carb option)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably freshly shredded)
  • 1/3 cup sliced mini pepperoni or turkey pepperoni

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Zucchini: Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and scrape out the insides with a small spoon, creating a boat shape. Arrange the zucchini cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Season Zucchini: Drizzle the zucchini with olive oil and season with garlic salt and pepper.
  4. Add Sauce and Toppings: Spoon marinara or pizza sauce into each zucchini boat. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.
  5. Bake: Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until zucchini are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes:

  • Cheese: Shredding your own cheese is recommended to avoid the added starches in pre-shredded cheese.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Feel free to use other types of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or a blend.
  • Extra Veggies: Add finely diced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or olives for more veggie goodness.
  • Herbs: Top with fresh basil or other herbs for extra flavor.
  • Toppings: Customize with your favorite pizza toppings like sausage, ham, or pineapple.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Do not freeze as the zucchini will become mushy.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, based on 8 servings):

  • Calories: 150
  • Total Fat: 11g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 5g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1.5g
    • Sugars: 3g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 3.5g
  • Protein: 8g

Tips for Keto-Friendly Preparation:

  1. Low-Carb Sauce: Use a marinara or pizza sauce that is low in added sugars to keep the carb count down.
  2. Pepperoni: Choose turkey pepperoni or a brand that is low in carbs and free of added sugars.
  3. Herbs and Spices: Enhance flavor without adding carbs by using fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
  4. Cheese: Always opt for full-fat cheeses which are lower in carbs and higher in fats, making them perfect for a keto diet.

These Low Carb Zucchini Pizza Boats are a perfect keto-friendly meal that provides the classic flavors of pizza without the carbs. Enjoy a healthy, delicious, and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and customize!