Sausage and Cheddar Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Savory zucchini boats filled with spiced sausage and melted cheddar, baked to tender perfection for a satisfying low-carb breakfast. This american-inspired keto (low carb, keto) ready in about 35 minutes pairs medium, halved lengthwise zucchini, ground pork sausage, shredded cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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, halved lengthwise zucchini
- 4 oz ground pork sausage
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut 2 medium zucchinis lengthwise in half and scoop out seeds with a spoon, placing halves cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 4 oz ground pork sausage, 1/4 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Cook, breaking up sausage, for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Step 3: Remove skillet from heat, stir in 1/4 cup shredded cheddar until melted, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Spoon sausage mixture evenly into zucchini halves. Bake for 15-20 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is bubbly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sausage and Cheddar Stuffed Zucchini Boats take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Sausage and Cheddar 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 ground pork sausage from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sausage and Cheddar 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 Sausage and Cheddar 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 Sausage and Cheddar Stuffed Zucchini Boats low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Cooked for my in-laws who love cheese and they couldn't stop raving about these. Perfect keto comfort food!
- ★★★★★
Easy weeknight meal that impressed my picky kids. The zucchini held up beautifully without getting soggy.
- ★★★★★
My keto family devoured these zucchini boats! The cheddar melted perfectly and the sausage flavor was spot-on.
