Bacon-Topped Zucchini Boats

I may have mentioned that I planted a few zucchini plants this year.... well, they've finally gotten to the point where I can begin harvesting from them! Last week I went out of town over the weekend and came home to find that several of the zucchinis had almost doubled in size while I was gone. I have been keeping a running list in my head of recipe ideas to try but the first one I went with was this one for zucchini boats. Basically, it's salsa with chopped zucchini added, stuffed into the hollowed-out zucchini boats and baked in the oven. Top it off with some cheese, bread crumbs and bacon and you've got yourself a tasty meal!

(I forgot to take a picture before I ate them... will update when I make this recipe again!)

It's a pretty simple recipe and it's really easy to make changes to it according to what you like and what you have on hand. To start, slice the ends off your zucchini and cut them in half. Then, using your knife, cut into the zucchini halves at an angle so you can scoop out the inside. Arrange the zucchini halves in a glass baking dish and brush them with olive oil then pop them in the oven (preheated to 375) while you prepare the filling. Chop up the zucchini you scooped out and mix it with some chopped tomato, onion and green pepper. Stir in about a half cup of breadcrumbs and a half cup of shredded cheese. At this point you can also add whatever seasonings you like... one of my favorite combinations is ground cumin and chili powder but you could also stick with salt and pepper.

Once you've prepared the filling, take the zucchini out of the oven and spoon some of the filling into each "boat". If you want to add bacon, cook it until it's crispy then chop it up and sprinkle it on top of the filled zucchini just before you put it all back in the oven. Bake the zucchini boats for 20 minutes or so until the zucchini is tender (stick a fork in it to test). Then all that's left to do is enjoy! I can make a meal out of these zucchini boats alone but they would also be a great appetizer or side dish if you're cooking outside on the grill. 

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

3 medium zucchini, cut in half lengthwise

1 large tomato, chopped

1/2 large onion, chopped

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup shredded cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

4 to 6 strips bacon, cooked crisp and chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a glass baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise, chop the ends off and scoop out the middles. 
3. Arrange the zucchini halves in the prepared baking dish and brush them with olive oil. Place the zucchini halves in the oven.
4. Chop the zucchini you scooped out earlier and mix it with the chopped tomato and onion. Stir in the bread crumbs and shredded cheese as well as a pinch of salt, pepper and any other spices you'd like to add.
5. Remove the zucchini halves from the oven and scoop some of the filling into each half. Sprinkle the chopped bacon on top and put them back in the over for 20 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.