A delightful twist on a classic vegetable dish, these stuffed zucchini boats are both nutritious and delicious. This recipe makes use of zucchini as a vessel to hold a savoury and slightly sweet filling of ham, stuffing mix, pineapple and marinara sauce, all topped off with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
While most ingredients are likely to be found in your pantry, the stuffing mix might be one you would need to pick up from the supermarket. It is commonly found in the bread aisle and comes in many varieties. Feel free to choose one that suits your preference. Also, consider opting for a low-sodium deli ham and canned pineapple chunks in their own juice to keep this dish as healthy as possible.
Ingredients for the Stuffed Zucchini Canoes
Zucchinis: A versatile summer squash that's low in calories and packed with beneficial nutrients.
Vegetable oil: Used to coat the zucchinis for a nice, roasted finish.
Deli ham: Adds a salty, savoury flavour to the stuffing.
Stuffing mix: Used as a filling, it absorbs the flavours and helps bind the ingredients together.
Pineapple chunks: Provides a sweet contrast to the salty ham and savoury stuffing.
Marinara sauce: A rich tomato sauce that adds depth of flavour to the stuffing.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts to a beautiful golden brown, adding a creamy, gooey finish.
One reader, Bone Pippin says:
This zucchini canoes recipe is a game-changer! The combination of ham, pineapple, and marinara sauce is a flavor explosion. The zucchinis turn out perfectly tender, and the melted mozzarella on top is the cherry on the cake. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy dish!
Techniques Required for Zucchini Canoes Recipe
How to hollow out zucchinis: Use a spoon to scrape out the seeds and flesh from the zucchinis, leaving a hollowed-out space for the filling.
How to combine the filling: Use a wooden spoon to mix the deli ham, stuffing mix, pineapple chunks, and marinara sauce in a mixing bowl until well combined.
How to fill the zucchinis: Spoon the prepared filling into the hollowed-out zucchinis, distributing it evenly between the two zucchinis.
How to sprinkle cheese on top: Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese on top of the filled zucchinis before baking.
How to remove from the oven safely: Use potholders to carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven to avoid burns.
How To Make Zucchini Canoes
Serve a refreshing appetizer with these zucchini canoes topped with ham, pineapples, and a drizzle of marinara. Whip up a serving in less than an hour!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2medium zucchinis
- ½tspvegetable oil
- 2slicesdeli ham
- ½cupstuffing mix
- ¼cuppineapple chunks,canned, drained, or fresh pineapple
- ¼cupmarinara sauce
- ½cupmozzarella cheese,grated
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F or the high setting.
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Scrape the seeds out of the zucchinis with the spoon. Rub a little bit of the vegetable oil on the outside of the zucchinis, and place them skin side down on the baking sheet.
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Use the wooden spoon to combine the ham, the stuffing mix, the pineapple, and the marinara sauce in the mixing bowl. Stir it up.
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Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out zucchinis. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the filling.
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Bake for 20 for 25 minutes.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 188.68kcal
- Fat: 10.60g
- Saturated Fat: 5.68g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.69g
- Carbohydrates: 12.41g
- Fiber: 1.83g
- Sugar: 5.29g
- Protein: 11.60g
- Cholesterol: 37.29mg
- Sodium: 567.84mg
- Calcium: 218.53mg
- Potassium: 401.73mg
- Iron: 1.00mg
- Vitamin A: 79.55µg
- Vitamin C: 23.36mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Making Zucchini Canoes
When hollowing out the zucchinis, be careful not to scrape too close to the skin. Leaving a small layer of flesh will help the zucchini hold its shape during baking and prevent it from becoming too soft or mushy. Additionally, you can save the scooped-out zucchini flesh and add it to the stuffing mix for extra flavor and nutrients.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe
Prep ahead: Prepare the stuffing and hollow out the zucchinis the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator to save time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the ingredients for the filling, such as the ham, pineapple, and stuffing mix, to save time on prep work.
Multi-task: While the zucchinis are baking, use that time to prepare other components of the meal or to clean up the kitchen to save time and be more efficient.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of the filling and freeze the extra portion for future use, saving time on prep work for the next time you make this recipe.
Pre-shredded cheese: Use pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to save time on grating and reduce prep work.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Canoes Recipe
zucchinis - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash has a similar texture and flavor to zucchini, making it a suitable replacement in this recipe.
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil adds a rich flavor and works well for sautéing the ingredients in this recipe.
deli ham - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto offers a similar salty and savory flavor to deli ham, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
stuffing mix - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a healthier alternative to traditional stuffing mix, providing a nutty flavor and added protein.
canned chunks pineapple - Substitute with mango chunks: Mango chunks offer a sweet and tropical flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the recipe.
marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato sauce with Italian seasoning: Tomato sauce with Italian seasoning provides a similar flavor profile to marinara sauce and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a mild and creamy flavor, making it a suitable replacement for mozzarella in this recipe.
Best Way to Present Zucchini Canoes
Elevate the zucchini canoes: Place the zucchini canoes on a sleek, rectangular plate to showcase their elegant shape and vibrant colors.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a delicate arrangement of fresh basil and chives over the zucchini canoes to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Artfully drizzle a swirl of balsamic reduction on the plate to create a visually stunning presentation and add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the zucchini canoes on a chic platter or slate board to enhance the overall aesthetic and elevate the dining experience.
Accentuate with edible flowers: Adorn the plate with a few carefully placed edible flowers such as nasturtiums or borage to introduce a touch of whimsy and elegance to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Zucchini Canoes
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Spoon: A utensil used for stirring, mixing, and serving.
- Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
- Wooden spoon: A spoon made of wood, used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients together.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Potholders: Fabric gloves or pads used to handle hot cookware and utensils.
Storing and Freezing Zucchini Canoes
Let the zucchini canoes cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent them from becoming soggy and will help maintain their texture.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled zucchini canoes in an airtight container. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the zucchini canoes for later enjoyment, follow these steps:
- Wrap each canoe individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped canoes in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen zucchini canoes, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat, place the thawed canoes on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Note: Freezing may slightly affect the texture of the zucchini, making it softer than when freshly baked. However, the flavor will still be delicious, and the filling will remain tasty and satisfying.
How to Reheat Zucchini Canoe Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover zucchini canoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the zucchini boats loosely with foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the cheese to melt and become golden brown.
For a quicker reheating method, use your microwave. Place the zucchini canoes on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. This will help retain moisture and prevent the zucchini from becoming soggy. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave's power and the number of zucchini boats you're reheating.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover zucchini canoes. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini boats in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a stovetop method, place the leftover zucchini canoes in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or marinara sauce to the bottom of the skillet to create steam and prevent the zucchini from sticking. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the zucchini boats are heated through and the cheese is melted.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the zucchini canoes before serving. They should reach a minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the filling in the center of the zucchini boat.
Interesting Fact About Zucchini Canoes Recipe
Zucchini canoes are a fun and creative way to serve zucchini as a delicious and nutritious dish.
Is This Zucchini Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?
This zucchini canoes recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, including zucchinis, deli ham, stuffing mix, pineapple, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, are reasonably priced and easily accessible. The versatility of zucchinis and the combination of flavors make it a budget-friendly and satisfying meal option. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Zucchini Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The zucchini canoes recipe has some healthy elements, such as using zucchini as the base, which is a nutrient-dense vegetable low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, the overall healthiness of the recipe is compromised by the inclusion of processed ingredients like deli ham and stuffing mix, which are often high in sodium, preservatives, and unhealthy fats. The marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese also add to the calorie and fat content of the dish.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the deli ham with a leaner protein source, such as grilled chicken breast or turkey
- Use whole grain breadcrumbs or quinoa instead of the stuffing mix to increase the fiber content and reduce the processed ingredients
- Opt for fresh or canned pineapple without added sugars to minimize the overall sugar content
- Reduce the amount of mozzarella cheese or use a lower-fat variety to decrease the saturated fat content
- Include additional vegetables in the filling, such as diced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, to boost the nutrient profile of the dish
- Prepare a homemade marinara sauce using fresh tomatoes, herbs, and spices to control the sodium and sugar content
By making these adjustments, you can transform the zucchini canoes into a more well-rounded and nutritious meal that still satisfies your taste buds.
Editor's Opinion on Zucchini Canoes
This zucchini canoes recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The zucchinis are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of deli ham, pineapple, and marinara sauce, then topped with gooey mozzarella cheese. The result is a dish that is both visually appealing and delicious. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory ham and cheese, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal. The recipe is easy to follow and allows for some customization, making it a great option for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner.
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Why trust this Zucchini Canoes Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, ensuring a satisfying dining experience. The zucchinis are carefully hollowed out and filled with a delectable mixture of deli ham, stuffing mix, pineapple chunks, and marinara sauce, creating a harmonious blend of savory and sweet notes. Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, the dish is then baked to golden perfection, resulting in a mouthwatering creation that is sure to impress. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to elevate your culinary repertoire and delight your taste buds.
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