While I love warm, sunshiney summer days…I am a total fool for drizzly, overcast, cool weather. I blame the foolishness on so many dry, cloudless years in the desert. This weekend was a welcome (to me!) respite from heat and humidity in Michigan. It was rainy and a little cool, there were clouds and a bit of thunder, and just the teensiest hint of fall in the air.
As a fool for cool, autumnal days, I always eagerly anticipate the change of the season as summer winds down. I (prematurely) switch my candles, bust out a pumpkin or two, and begin to bake and cook with fall in mind. This recipe takes the late summer bounty of zucchini and tomatoes, and pairs it with plenty of baked and bubbly cheese–making this dish a transition from fresh summer fare to baked, cheesy, comfort.
Zucchini Boats with 3 Cheeses and Roasted Tomatoes
Not only does this dish pair fresh, summer vegetables with a warm, casserole situation, it’s super easy and meatless main or side dish. PS, there’s a lot of cheese in this dish…I just like it that way.
1 pint grape tomatoes, or other small tomatoes
3 medium zucchinis
salt/pepper
1/2 cup ricotta
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup grated mozzarella
1-2 teaspoons finely chopped basil
1 1/2 cups prepared marinara–homemade or storebought
Preheat oven to 400*F.
Spread tomatoes evenly on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake tomatoes in the oven for 15-20 minutes until tomatoes begin to burst, release juices, and start to caramelize around the bottom. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
In a medium bowl mix together ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, and basil, season lightly with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Halve zucchinis, scrape out the seeds with a spoon creating a well–being sure to leave 1/4 inch or so of flesh around the edges, ends, and bottoms. Season zucchini boats with salt and pepper. Spread the marinara sauce evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Nestle the zucchini boats into the sauce. Gently fold the cooled, roasted tomatoes into the cheese mixture. Generously fill each zucchini boat with the cheese and tomato filling. Bake in the 400*F oven for 20-30 minutes until zucchini become tender and the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown in spots. Remove from oven and cool 5 minutes before serving.
Girl, I’m just going to have to make this for dinner tonight. Believe THAT.
oh, I wanna believe it!
zucchini, tomatoes, and tons of cheese? say no more. I need to make these STAT.
exactly!
i am OBSESSED with zucchini as of late…i think the hubby will be excited to try a new version!
’tis the season 😉
Oh yes, I think you’ve just convinced to get on board with the whole zucchini boat thing. I already love me some zucchini, and this looks simply delectable! Also obsessed with that cutlery, you’re making me want to go back to Target and buy those colors!
Thanks, Rachel! I wish I picked up the red set too, ha!
Oh, these look wonderful! Like little lasagna boats, minus the pasta! I was a little overzealous at the farmer’s market this weekend and may have bought way too many zucchini to work through before they expire – problem solved!
Thanks, Amanda! I’m glad I could help with the zucchini abundance!
I made zucchini boats and, for the sake of health and whatnot, stuffed them with quinoa, veggies and just a little bit of cheese. I TOTALLY prefer your version!
hey, sometimes health needs to be a factor 😉 plus, it sounds delish!
Cindy! I love everything about these – love. What is it about baking them full of cheese and tomatoes that surely turns zucchini into something far more fun than it initially appears?
cheese makes it better…for sure 😉
Oh, I am definitely going to make this dish. It looks beautiful and I know the roasted tomatoes and melted cheese would taste so wonderful.
awesome! thanks Sarah!
I’m with you on welcoming a break from the heat! That little hint of fall is exciting, but I’m also glad we have some summer left. These boats are the cutest, cheesiest, sauciest!
yes! I agree, the hint is nice…especially with all of the summer produce still around 🙂
I made them last night…delicious! Everyone like them too. I had one zucchini and one Chinese eggplant. No parm so I had to use cheddar…had lots of basil. Thank you for yesterday’s inspiration!
awesome! I love adaptations 🙂 Thanks for letting me know!
Oh my gosh- I made this for supper tonight and it was AMAZING. Posted a pic on facebook and had a bunch of people ask for the recipe, so I sent them your way! My husband (a total meat and potato type dude) told me it was perfect and it’s definitely on the list of recipes to keep making. Seriously- so good!
Laura, this is the best! I’m so glad. I was totally bummed we didn’t get to meet last weekend, but definitely another time!
No worries- it just gives me another reason to come visit Megan 🙂 Which I really like to do!