Imagine a dish that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of jalapeno poppers with the fresh, nutritious appeal of zucchini - sounds too good to be true, right? Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering culinary adventure that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! These Jalapeno Popper Zucchini Boats are not just a recipe; they're a game-changing fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors and healthy eating that proves nutritious food can be incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchinis, halved
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 jalapenos, diced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your jalapeno popper zucchini boats cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Wash the zucchinis under cold water and dry them with a paper towel. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, creating four long boats. Use a spoon to scoop out some of the flesh from the center of each half, leaving about 1/4 inch of the zucchini intact to hold the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced jalapenos, and breadcrumbs. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Using a spoon, generously fill each zucchini boat with the cream cheese mixture, pressing it down gently to ensure it holds its shape. Make sure to distribute the filling evenly among all four boats.
- Place the filled zucchini boats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Bake the zucchini boats in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
- Once cooked, remove the zucchini boats from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle and allow the flavors to settle.
- Before serving, garnish the jalapeno popper zucchini boats with chopped green onions for a fresh touch and added flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy your delicious jalapeno popper zucchini boats as a tasty appetizer or side dish!
Tips
- Choose firm, fresh zucchinis with smooth skin for the best texture and appearance.
- For less heat, remove the jalapeno seeds before dicing.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother filling.
- Don't overfill the zucchini boats to prevent spillage during baking.
- For extra crispiness, broil the boats for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack for varied flavor profiles.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the most appealing melted cheese texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
