Zucchini Boats Pizza or Casserole

If you are experiencing an excess of zucchini this year, like I do every time I plant zucchini, here is one more recipe that my kiddos actually eat. The original recipe and picture can be found here and can be found below as well. I also modified this recipe a bit to make a casserole version.

Boat version:

6 med zucchini
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1/4 c bread crumbs
1/4 c Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
1 (2 oz) can sliced black olives
2 c shredded mozzarella

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Wash the zucchini well to remove any grit. Slice the zucchini lengthwise and, using a spoon, scoop out the flesh from center leaving about one centimeter of zucchini around the edges (if you leave more, the zucchini will not absorb all of the yummy flavors.) Save scooped out flesh to be chopped up and used in filling.

Place empty zucchini halves on baking sheet. Dump reserved zucchini back on cutting board and cut into fine pieces. Return zucchini to bowl and combine with tomato sauce, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

Refill zucchini halves with prepared mixture. Top with mozzarella cheese and black olives. Place in oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.


Casserole version:

6 med zucchini
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 c bread crumbs or crushed club crackers
1 (16 oz) container cottage cheese
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 to 2 c shredded mozzarella

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Grease 9 x 13 glass casserole dish and set aside. Wash the zucchini well to remove any grit. Slice the zucchini lengthwise and, using a spoon, scoop out the flesh from center. Place scooped flesh on cutting board and cut into fine pieces. Return zucchini to bowl and combine with tomato sauce, bread crumbs (crackers), tomatoes, cottage cheese, and Italian seasoning. Pour into prepared casserole dish. Top with mozzarella cheese. Place in oven and bake for approximately 20 to 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and lightly browned.