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Easy Cheesy Grilled Zucchini Boats Stuffed with Italian Sausage

cheesy grilled zucchini boats stuffed with italian sausage - featured image

A quick and delicious recipe featuring grilled zucchini boats stuffed with savory Italian sausage and gooey cheese, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and hollowed
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casing removed
  • 1 to cups shredded mozzarella cheese (100150 g)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry zucchinis. Slice each in half lengthwise and hollow out the center, leaving about ½ inch of flesh to keep the boat sturdy. Brush zucchini halves with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Reserve some cheese for topping.
  5. Spoon the sausage mixture evenly into each zucchini boat, pressing gently to pack it in.
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place zucchini boats cut side up on the grill. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until zucchini is tender but holds shape and filling is heated through.
  7. Sprinkle tops with remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Close grill lid and cook for another 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
  8. Remove from grill and let rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

If cheese browns too quickly before zucchini is tender, lower heat or move boats to a cooler part of the grill. Keep zucchini boats level on the grill to prevent filling from spilling. For indoor cooking, bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes and broil 2-3 minutes to brown cheese. Use plant-based sausage and dairy-free cheese for vegetarian or dairy-free versions. Yellow squash can substitute zucchini when out of season.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini boats, Italian sausage, grilled zucchini, cheesy zucchini, easy dinner, summer grilling, stuffed vegetables