Spicy Zucchini Boats

In this simple recipe, zucchini is stuffed with cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, bacon, and chile peppers - a great summer side dish.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 252 Calories

Ingredients

• ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• ½ teaspoon onion salt
• 1 jalapeno pepper, minced
• 6 tablespoons shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 slice whole wheat bread
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese
• 2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
• 3 cayenne peppers, seeded and minced
• 2 ¾ ounces precooked bacon
• 2 pinches dried basil
• 1 tablespoon dry bread crumbs (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.

Step 2

Place zucchini in a microwave-safe pan, cut-side down. Add about 1 inch of water to the bottom of the pan. Cook in the microwave oven for about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Step 4

Remove zucchini from the microwave and add to the boiling water. Cook until desired softness, 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 5

Meanwhile, combine whole wheat bread, cayenne peppers, jalapeno pepper, bacon, Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, seasoned salt, onion salt, black pepper, and basil in a bowl until filling is combined.

Step 6

Drain zucchini and cool until safe to handle, about 10 minutes.

Step 7

Scoop out zucchini pulp to about 1/4-inch from the skin and add to filling. Use an electric mixer to mix. Stuff zucchini halves with filling and place on a baking sheet. Sprinkle dry bread crumbs on top.

Step 8

Broil under high heat until tops start to brown, 3 to 5 minutes.