Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F. This temperature will allow the zucchini to roast evenly and the filling to become golden and bubbly.
Prepare the Zucchini. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out the center of each half, leaving about 1/4-inch of zucchini on the edges. This creates a “boat” shape. You can save the scooped-out flesh for the filling or as a side dish.
Roast the Zucchini. Brush the hollowed-out zucchini halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 10-15 minutes, or until they start to soften.
Prepare the Filling. While the zucchini is roasting, prepare your filling. If you’re using vegetables, sauté them with garlic in olive oil until softened. For a protein-packed version, you can sauté ground meat or mix in cooked quinoa. Stir in any herbs or spices for added flavor.
Fill the Zucchini Boats. Once the zucchini halves have softened, take them out of the oven. Spoon the prepared filling into the hollowed-out centers, pressing gently to pack the filling in.
Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs. If desired, sprinkle the filled zucchini boats with cheese and breadcrumbs. This will give the boats a delicious golden crust when baked.
Bake to Perfection. Return the stuffed zucchini boats to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. Serve your zucchini boats hot, and enjoy!