Cheesy Bacon Zucchini Boats Recipes

GRILLED BACON, EGG AND CHEESE ZUCCHINI BOATS

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for medium-high indirect heat: For gas grills (with 3 or more burners), turn all the burners to medium-high heat; after about 15 minutes turn off the middle burner for 3-burner grills or the 2 middle burners for grills with 4 or more burners and keep the other 2 burners at medium high. For charcoal grills, bank one chimney starter-full of lit and ashed-over charcoal briquettes to one side of the grill. Set up a drip pan on the other side to avoid flare-ups. (The grill should be around 400 degrees F. Be sure to consult the grill manufacturer's guide for the best results.)
• Slice the zucchinis down the middle, lengthwise like a hotdog, so that you have 4 long, equal pieces of zucchini. Use a teaspoon to remove the flesh of the zucchini, being sure to leave a 1/4-inch border and to not pierce the bottom of the zucchini. Finely chop 1/2 cup of the zucchini flesh and discard or save the remainder for another use. Place the chopped zucchini flesh into a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much liquid as possible. Place the zucchini flesh into a medium liquid measuring cup or bowl.
• Flip the zucchini boats over so that the peel side is facing up and brush all four pieces with olive oil. Season the peel side with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper, then flip over and season the flesh side with another 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper.
• Add the Cheddar, Havarti, chives, cream, eggs, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper to the liquid measuring cup or bowl with the zucchini flesh. Whisk until well combined. Pour the mixture into the cavity of each zucchini boat.
• Using both hands to lift the zucchini carefully, place the filled boat in the middle of the grill over indirect heat (where the burner is turned off), cover, and cook until the eggs have puffed up slightly and are just set, 25 to 30 minutes. Use grilling tongs to remove the zucchini to a cutting board. Carefully wrap each zucchini boat in 1 of the bacon strips. Return to the grill over indirect heat and continue grilling, covered, until the eggs are completely set and the bacon is warmed and just crispy, 18 to 20 minutes.

CHEESY STUFFED ZUCCHINI BOATS

Steps:

• 1. Wash the zucchini or squash thoroughly, then add to a large pot, and cook in boiling salted water for about 10 minutes until they are tender but still firm. Then drain and allow to cool slightly. I used the microwave in two intervals of about 10 minutes each.
• 2. Spray a 9 X13 size casserole dish with non stick cooking spray. Set aside till needed. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• 3. Remove the stems from zucchini, then cut each in half lengthwise.
• 4. With a medium size spoon, remove the centers of each zucchini, and add it to a medium size bowl. Add each zucchini half to the prepared casserole dish.
• 5. Add coconut or canola oil to a large skillet, and add the chopped veggies, and cook about 3 to 4 minutes until crisp tender. Remove from heat, and add mixture to bowl with zucchini pulp.
• 6. Remove from heat & add mixture to bowl with zucchini pulp. If adding the bacon, cook till crisp, allow to cool, then crumble into stuffing to blend together.
• 7. Add the panko bread crumbs, spices, shredded cheese, & liquid egg whites. Stir till blended together.
• 8. Stuff each shell with an equal amount of the stuffing, till they are all filled.
• 9. Then top sparingly with extra shredded cheese if desired. Bake in preheated 350 degree. oven for 25 to 30 minutes until cheese melts and mixture is hot and bubbly. Garnish with a dash of paprika if desired, & serve hot.

CHEESY ZUCCHINI BOATS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Using a small spoon, scoop out the zucchini flesh, leaving a 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick shell.
• Wrap the zucchini flesh in a paper towel and squeeze out any excess liquid; discard the liquid and set aside the flesh.
• Place the zucchini shells cut side down on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 2 T olive oil over high heat.
• Add the zucchini flesh and onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Push the vegetables to the side of the pan, add the remaining 1 T oil and the bread crumbs, and toast the bread crumbs for 2 minutes.
• Remove from the heat, stir in the nuts and oregano, then combine with the vegetables; season with salt and pepper.
• Flip over the zucchini shells and line the bottoms with the mozzarella.
• Pack in the filling.
• Sprinkle with parmesan on top.
• Bake until the zucchini is tender when pierced with a fork, 20-25 minutes.