High-protein. Low-carb. Ridiculously cheesy.
Meet the Meal That Checks Every Box
Tired of chicken? Don’t want to cook forever? Want to eat something hot, melty, and loaded with protein without ruining your macros?
Say hello to your new weeknight addiction:
Zucchini Bacon Cheese Boats
Aka: Zucchini slices buried under melted cheese, smoky bacon, and gooey satisfaction.
Ready in under 30 minutes.
No weird ingredients.
Crowd-pleaser — even if your family “doesn’t like vegetables.” (They will after this.)
What Makes These So Good?
✅ Zucchini becomes the perfect cheesy vehicle — tender but never soggy
✅ Bacon + cheese combo = smoky, salty, melt-in-your-mouth bliss
✅ High in protein, low in carbs, and naturally gluten-free
✅ Easy to make, store, reheat
✅ You can add ground meat, rotisserie chicken, or keep it vegetarian
✅ It tastes like something from a diner. But it’s guilt-free.
Ingredients (Makes 3–4 Servings)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zucchini | 2–3 large | Sliced into thick rounds or planks |
| Cooked bacon | 6–8 strips | Chopped |
| Shredded mozzarella | 1½ cups | Or any melty cheese blend |
| Cream cheese (optional) | ⅓ cup | For extra richness |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp | Or 2 cloves fresh, minced |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Season well |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For roasting |
| Chives or parsley | 1 tbsp chopped | For garnish |
| Optional: ground beef, chicken, turkey | ½ cup cooked | Boost protein even more |
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Zucchini
- Wash and slice zucchini into long thick “boats” (or ½” rounds).
- Lay on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush with olive oil, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Pre-Roast
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, just until softening.
- This helps remove moisture so the cheese doesn’t get soggy.
3️⃣ Add the Toppings
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese (optional).
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Add bacon bits and cooked protein if using.
- Top with extra cheese (because more = better).
4️⃣ Final Bake
- Return to oven for 8–10 more minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Broil last 1–2 minutes for crispy tops.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley.
- Serve hot. Watch them disappear.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per 2 boats, approx.)
- Calories: ~270
- Protein: 18–22g
- Carbs: ~5g
- Fat: ~18g
- Fiber: ~2g
Perfect for:
- Keto
- High-protein meal plans
- Low-carb dinners
- Blood sugar balance
Customizations
| Want This? | Try This: |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian | Use mushrooms + caramelized onions instead of bacon |
| Extra Protein | Add cooked turkey, ground beef, or rotisserie chicken |
| Spicy | Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or chili flakes |
| Kid-friendly | Use cheddar + sneak in chopped broccoli |
| Dairy-free | Use DF cheese or cashew cream base |