Cheesy Spicy Zucchini Boats with Tomato Medley
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with these Cheesy Spicy Zucchini Boats. Bursting with garden-fresh zucchini and juicy tomatoes, this dish offers a delightful combination of cheesy goodness and a kick of spice. The pepper jack cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy layer atop the tender zucchini, while the fresh grape tomatoes add bursts of sweetness for a perfect balance. Ideal as an appetizer, snack, or a side dish, these zucchini boats are a fantastic way to utilize fresh produce and will leave your taste buds dancing. Not only are they delicious, but they are also easy to prepare, making them a go-to recipe that everyone will love!
4
Servings
100
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
2 medium (Cut in half lengthwise and seeds scooped out)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (For sautéing)
Onion
1/2 cup (Diced)
Garlic clove
1 large (Minced)
Grape tomatoes
8 (Sliced)
Salt
to taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (For seasoning)
Monterey Jack pepper cheese
2/3 cup (Shredded)
Dried basil
1 teaspoon (Chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet over medium heat, warm the extra virgin olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove the mixture from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set it aside.
4
Prepare the zucchini by slicing each one in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, gently scoop out the seeds from the center of each half, creating a 'boat' shape while leaving approximately 1/2 inch of flesh intact.
5
Season the hollowed-out zucchini boats evenly with salt, pepper, and chopped basil. Spread the sautéed onions over the zucchini halves.
6
Place four sliced tomatoes on each zucchini boat, followed by a generous layer of shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese. Add an additional layer of sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese, finishing with more shredded cheese to create a delicious, cheesy topping.
7
Arrange the prepared zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8
Once cooked, remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool slightly before garnishing with additional basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
6g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Spicy Zucchini Boats?
Cheesy Spicy Zucchini Boats are a summer dish featuring tender zucchini halves filled with sautéed onions, garlic, grape tomatoes, and melted pepper jack cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 100 calories.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long do the zucchini boats need to bake?
The boats should bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese.
How do I prepare the zucchini for the boats?
Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon, leaving about 1/2 inch of flesh.
What size zucchini should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 medium-sized zucchinis.
Which oil is best for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How many grape tomatoes are required?
You will need 8 grape tomatoes, which should be sliced.
What seasonings are used on the zucchini?
The zucchini boats are seasoned with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil.
How do I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté the diced onion for 5 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
How are the toppings layered in the boats?
Layer sautéed onions, then tomatoes, then cheese, and finish with more tomatoes and cheese.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy, vegetable-based dish with only 100 calories per serving.
Is this dish spicy?
Yes, the Monterey Jack pepper cheese adds a kick of spice to the dish.
Can I serve this as an appetizer?
Absolutely, it is ideal as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this recipe offer?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer menu?
Yes, it is specifically highlighted as a fantastic way to utilize fresh summer produce.
Should the baking sheet be prepared?
Yes, arrange the boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
One large garlic clove should be minced before being added to the skillet.
Can I garnish the dish after baking?
Yes, you can garnish the warm zucchini boats with additional basil if desired.
Is this a vegetarian-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is a vegetable and cheese-based dish containing no meat.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of diced onion.
Are the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be easy to prepare with straightforward steps.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Should I serve the zucchini boats warm?
Yes, it is recommended to serve them warm to enjoy the melted cheese and flavors.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
The recipe calls for dried basil, but fresh basil is suggested as a garnish.
Does the recipe include fiber data?
The current nutritional data provided does not list the fiber content.