Caprese Zucchini Boats

$- 4 medium zucchinis - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, quartered - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder When I make Caprese Zucchini Boats, I focus on fresh ingredients. Quality ingredients make a big difference in taste. - Choosing ripe tomatoes: Look for bright, smooth cherry tomatoes. They should feel firm but not hard. A sweet aroma means they are ripe and ready to eat. - Selecting the best mozzarella: Choose mozzarella that is fresh and packed in water. It should be soft and slightly springy. This gives the best texture and flavor. - Importance of fresh basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch. Look for bright green leaves that are not wilted. Smell them to ensure a strong, sweet scent. This basil will elevate your dish. These simple tips will help you select the best ingredients. They ensure your Caprese Zucchini Boats taste fresh and delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat will help cook the zucchinis evenly. 2. Washing and slicing zucchinis: Rinse the zucchinis under cold water. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise. This will create the perfect boat shape. 3. Scooping out the zucchini flesh: Use a spoon to scoop out the center of each half. Leave a small edge to hold the filling. Save the flesh for later use, like in a stir-fry. 1. Mixing cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil: In a bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, quartered mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Stir gently until the ingredients blend well. This mix gives the dish its fresh taste. 1. Drizzling and seasoning the zucchinis: Place the hollowed zucchinis in a baking dish with the cut side up. Drizzle olive oil over them. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for flavor. 2. Filling and baking time: Spoon the tomato and mozzarella mix into each zucchini boat. Fill them well. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The zucchinis should be tender, and the cheese should melt and bubble. After baking, drizzle balsamic glaze for a tasty finish. Let them cool for a few minutes, then enjoy your delicious Caprese Zucchini Boats! - How to avoid soggy zucchinis To prevent soggy zucchinis, choose firm ones. Bake them just until tender. You can also sprinkle salt on the inside after scooping. Let them sit for a few minutes. This draws out excess moisture. - Adjusting seasoning for personal preference Taste your filling before baking. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder as needed. You can also mix in other herbs like oregano or thyme. This way, the flavors fit your taste. - Pairing with side dishes These boats pair well with a light salad. Try a simple green salad with vinaigrette. Grilled chicken or fish also make great sides. They add protein and complement the flavors. - Garnishing ideas Fresh basil leaves add a nice touch. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top. For a kick, a dash of red pepper flakes works well. These garnishes enhance the dish's look and flavor. - Grilling vs. baking Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook the zucchini boats for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Baking is easier and requires less attention. - Air fryer instructions For an air fryer, set it to 375°F (190°C). Cook the filled zucchini boats for about 12-15 minutes. They will be crispy and tasty. This method saves time and energy. Pro Tips Choose Firm Zucchinis: Select zucchinis that are firm and evenly shaped for better texture and presentation. Mix Up Your Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, like feta or goat cheese, to add a unique flavor twist. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality mozzarella will elevate the dish's flavor significantly. Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like olives or prosciutto for added depth and variety. {{image_2}} You can mix up the cheese in your Caprese zucchini boats. If you want a tangy twist, try goat cheese. Its creamy texture adds depth. Feta cheese is another great choice. It has a salty kick that contrasts well with the sweet tomatoes. Both cheeses melt nicely, giving a rich flavor. For a heartier dish, add protein to your zucchini boats. Cooked chicken is a great option. Shred it and mix it with the tomatoes and cheese. Ground turkey works well too. It adds a satisfying texture and fills you up. Just make sure to season the protein well before adding it in. If you need a vegan option, don’t worry! You can use vegan cheese. Many brands offer tasty choices that melt nicely. Replace balsamic glaze with a splash of lemon juice for brightness. You can also use nut-based dressings to add flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish! To keep your cooked Caprese zucchini boats fresh, start by letting them cool. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. This method helps keep their flavor and texture intact. If you want to store them longer, freezing works too. Wrap each boat tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating your zucchini boats can be easy and quick. For the best results, use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the zucchini boats on a baking sheet and cover with foil. This step helps keep them moist. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use a microwave if you are short on time. Just place one or two boats on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes. Enjoy the same great taste with these methods! Caprese Zucchini Boats last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. They taste best when fresh, but you can enjoy them later. Yes, you can prepare the zucchini boats ahead of time. Scoop the zucchini and mix the filling a few hours before baking. Just keep everything in the fridge until you are ready to bake. This saves time on busy days. You can use leftover zucchini flesh in many ways. Add it to a stir-fry for extra flavor. Blend it into a smoothie for a healthy boost. You can also mix it into sauces or soups for added nutrition. Yes, Caprese Zucchini Boats are healthy. They are low in calories and high in nutrients. Zucchini is a great source of fiber. Fresh tomatoes and basil add vitamins and antioxidants. The mozzarella provides protein, making this dish balanced and nutritious. Caprese zucchini boats are a tasty, fresh dish you can make easily. We covered all the key ingredients and how to pick the best ones. You learned the steps for prep, baking, and options for storing leftovers. Don’t forget to try different cheeses or proteins to mix things up. This dish is healthy and fun for everyone. Enjoy your next meal with these tasty boats!$

A delicious and healthy dish featuring zucchini filled with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, quartered
0.25 cup fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Wash the zucchinis and slice them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the center to create a small cavity for the filling. Save the scooped-out zucchini flesh for another use, like a stir-fry or smoothie.
Place the hollowed zucchinis on a baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Toss gently to mix.
Spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture into each zucchini boat, filling them generously.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchinis are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the zucchinis from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze for an added burst of flavor.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

Great for a light meal or appetizer.

Keyword caprese, healthy, vegetarian, zucchini