Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Zucchini halved and hollowed, filled with savory bacon and melted cheese, baked to golden perfection for a hearty keto-friendly side or snack. This american-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs medium zucchini, bacon strips, cream cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini
- 4 bacon strips
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 sliced green onions
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice 2 medium zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out the pulp with a spoon, leaving about 1/4 inch thick walls. Set aside the boats and finely chop the scooped pulp.
- Step 2: Cook 4 bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and crumble once cooled. Reserve 1 tbsp bacon fat.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp bacon fat and sauté the chopped zucchini pulp with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: In a bowl, mix the sautéed zucchini pulp, crumbled bacon, 3 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 2 sliced green onions until combined.
- Step 5: Spoon the mixture evenly into the hollowed zucchini boats. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
- Step 6: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Zucchini Boats take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Zucchini Boats?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Zucchini Boats for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Zucchini Boats low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
