Savory Cream Cheese-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
These Savory Cream Cheese-Stuffed Zucchini Boats are a delightful and healthy side dish perfect for your keto or Atkins-friendly meals. Each bite is a juicy explosion of flavor from the creamy, herbed cheese filling complemented by the freshness of scallions and cherry tomatoes. This recipe not only offers a low-carb option but also brings a touch of elegance to your dinner table. The zucchini serves as a perfect vessel, holding in all the deliciousness while providing a satisfying crunch. Whether served on a weeknight or at a gathering, these zucchini boats are sure to impress your guests. Feel free to customize the filling to your tastes—add in other vegetables, herbs, or spices to make it your own!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
zucchini
1 lb (approximately 6 small zucchinis, halved lengthwise and hollowed out)
flavored cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
scallions
4 tablespoons (finely chopped (optional))
cherry tomatoes
2 (finely chopped (optional))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Wash and dry the zucchinis. Cut them in half lengthwise.
3
Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and some of the flesh from the center of each zucchini half, creating 'boats.'
4
Finely chop the scallions and cherry tomatoes, or any other vegetables you wish to include.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the flavored cream cheese and plain cream cheese. Blend until smooth using a hand mixer or whisk.
6
Fold in the chopped vegetables until evenly mixed.
7
Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each hollowed zucchini half with the cream cheese mixture.
8
Place the filled zucchini boats into a greased casserole dish. If desired, sprinkle with additional herbs or cheese on top.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
10
Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and healthy stuffed zucchini boats!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cream Cheese-Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
They are a healthy, low-carb side dish featuring zucchini halves filled with a blend of flavored and plain cream cheese, scallions, and tomatoes.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is specifically noted as being perfect for keto and Atkins-friendly meal plans.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before baking the zucchini boats.
How many zucchinis do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for approximately 1 lb of zucchini, which is roughly 6 small zucchinis.
How do I prepare the zucchini for stuffing?
Wash and dry the zucchinis, cut them in half lengthwise, and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and some flesh to create 'boats'.
What type of cream cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of 8 ounces of flavored cream cheese and 8 ounces of plain cream cheese.
Should the cream cheese be softened?
Yes, the cream cheese should be softened to ensure it blends smoothly when mixed.
What vegetables are added to the cheese mixture?
Finely chopped scallions and cherry tomatoes are folded into the cream cheese filling.
Can I customize the filling?
Yes, you can feel free to add other vegetables, herbs, or spices to customize the filling to your personal taste.
How do I mix the cheese filling?
Combine the cheeses in a bowl and blend until smooth using a hand mixer or whisk, then fold in the vegetables.
What is the best way to fill the zucchini?
You can generously fill each hollowed zucchini half using either a spoon or a piping bag.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, place the filled zucchini boats into a greased casserole dish before putting them in the oven.
Can I add extra toppings before baking?
Yes, you can sprinkle additional herbs or extra cheese on top of the boats if desired.
How long do the zucchini boats need to bake?
Bake them in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes.
How do I know when the dish is finished cooking?
The zucchini boats are done when the tops are golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Should I let the boats cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let them cool for a few minutes after removing them from the oven.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, it is a low-carb option that provides a healthy alternative to traditional side dishes.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features a creamy, herbed cheese filling inside a zucchini that provides a satisfying crunch.
How many cherry tomatoes are required?
The recipe calls for 2 cherry tomatoes, which should be finely chopped.
How many scallions should I use?
The recipe suggests using 4 tablespoons of finely chopped scallions.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this is a vegetarian-friendly vegetable side dish.
Can I use a hand mixer for the filling?
Yes, a hand mixer is recommended to ensure the cream cheese mixture is blended until smooth.
What size zucchini works best?
Small zucchinis are recommended as they are easier to handle as individual 'boats'.
Is this dish suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, it is described as bringing a touch of elegance to the table and is sure to impress guests.
Can I add spices to the recipe?
Yes, the instructions encourage adding herbs or spices to make the recipe your own.
How do I create the hollow 'boats'?
Use a spoon to remove the seeds and some of the internal flesh after cutting the zucchini in half.
Does the recipe use plain cream cheese?
Yes, it uses an equal amount of plain cream cheese and flavored cream cheese.
What should I do after washing the zucchinis?
Make sure to dry them thoroughly before cutting and scooping.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is a straightforward process involving simple preparation, mixing, and a short baking time.
How many servings does 1 lb of zucchini provide?
With 6 small zucchinis halved, the recipe yields approximately 12 stuffed zucchini boats.