Grilled Zucchini Boats with Italian Sausage and Cheese

Looking for a healthy, tasty, and fun dinner idea? These Grilled Zucchini Boats with Italian Sausage and Cheese are the perfect solution.

They’re packed with flavor, super easy to make, and a great way to use fresh zucchini—especially in summer.

Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or just want something simple and satisfying, these zucchini boats are a crowd-pleaser.

Let’s get into how to make them step by step.

Why You’ll Love These Grilled Zucchini Boats

• Made with simple, fresh ingredients
• Perfect for low-carb or gluten-free meals
• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Easy to customize with different fillings
• Fun and family-friendly

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make these tasty zucchini boats. Feel free to swap or add ingredients to fit your style:

• Zucchini – Choose medium-sized zucchini that are firm and fresh
• Italian sausage – Mild or spicy, pork or chicken—your choice
• Cheese – Mozzarella, Parmesan, or an Italian blend works great
• Garlic and onion – For delicious flavor
• Tomato sauce – Canned or homemade marinara sauce
• Olive oil – For brushing the zucchini
• Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning – Simple spices for extra flavor
• Fresh parsley or basil – Optional, for a fresh garnish

How to Make Grilled Zucchini Boats (Step-by-Step)

1. Prep the zucchini
   Wash and dry your zucchini. Cut them in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to gently scoop out the center (leave about 1/4-inch of flesh around the edges). Save some of the scooped zucchini—chop it up and add to the sausage mix later!
2. Cook the sausage filling
   In a skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Add chopped onion, garlic, and the zucchini flesh you saved earlier. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until everything is soft and cooked through. Stir in a few spoonfuls of tomato sauce and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
3. Fill the boats
   Brush the zucchini halves with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them cut-side up on a grill pan or baking tray. Spoon the sausage filling into each zucchini half. Top with shredded cheese.
4. Grill or bake
   Grill method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the zucchini boats directly on the grill or use a grill-safe tray. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Oven method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the zucchini boats on a tray for 15–20 minutes until soft and golden.

5. Finish and serve
   Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh herbs if using, and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Zucchini Boats

• Don’t overcook the zucchini – You want them tender, not mushy
• Drain sausage fat – If your sausage is greasy, drain extra oil before filling
• Use freshly grated cheese – It melts better than pre-shredded cheese
• Smaller boats cook faster – Choose similar-sized zucchini for even cooking
• Add crunch – Sprinkle with breadcrumbs before grilling for a crispy top

Easy Variations to Try

Mix things up with different ingredients:

• Vegetarian: Skip the sausage and use mushrooms, beans, or lentils
• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage
• Cheesy: Add ricotta or cream cheese for a creamier filling
• Tex-Mex Style: Use taco-seasoned ground beef and cheddar cheese
• Keto-friendly: Stick with meat, cheese, and low-carb veggies

What to Serve with Zucchini Boats

These boats are filling on their own, but here are some tasty sides:

• Garlic bread or crusty rolls
• A fresh green salad
• Roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries
• Rice or quinoa
• A glass of iced tea, lemonade, or sparkling water

Make Ahead, Storage & Meal Prep Tips

• Make ahead: Prepare the filling and zucchini boats earlier in the day. Just grill or bake when ready.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: Not recommended—zucchini can get watery after freezing.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of sausage?
Yes! You can use any cooked ground meat. Just season it well.

Can I cook these in the oven if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely. Just bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes.

How do I make this vegetarian?
Use cooked lentils, beans, or mushrooms instead of meat. Add extra veggies for flavor and texture.