Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Boats: Crispy, Cheesy, Summer Perfection
Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy Parmesan shell that cracks open to reveal tender zucchini and an oozy, garlicky cheese filling. These Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Boats are the low-carb, crowd-pleasing side (or light main) that disappears the second it hits the table. Perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or when your garden is exploding with zucchini.
The secret to that restaurant-level crisp? A thick blanket of freshly shredded Parmesan that bakes into a lacy, frico-style perfection. A quick spin with the Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater turns a block of Parm into fluffy, melt-ready shreds in seconds — no scraped knuckles required.
🥒Ingredients (Serves 4 as a side, 2 as a main)
4 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
1½ cups freshly shredded Parmesan (split use)
½ cup shredded mozzarella
¼ cup breadcrumbs or panko
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes, parsley or basil
🔥Step-by-Step: Zucchini Boats in 4 Easy Moves
1. Prep the Boats
Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the centers with a spoon (leave ~¼-inch walls). Brush lightly with olive oil, season with salt & pepper, and place cut-side up on a lined baking sheet.
2. Shred the Cheese Like a Pro
Lock your cheese grater hand crank to the counter with its suction base.
Insert the fine shred blade → crank a block of Parmesan for the filling.
Switch to the coarse shred blade → crank the rest for that epic crispy topping.
(Zero effort, zero mess — all the cheese lands straight in your bowl!)
3. Make the Filling & Stuff
Mix mozzarella, half the shredded Parmesan, garlic, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and a drizzle of olive oil. Spoon generously into each zucchini boat — pile it high!
4. Crown & Bake
Sprinkle the remaining coarse shredded Parmesan all over the tops.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) until zucchini is tender and cheese is melted, then broil 2–3 minutes for golden, frico-style crunch. Garnish and serve!
🧀Tips & Twists
Meat-lover? Add cooked sausage or bacon to the filling.
Extra creamy? Stir in ricotta.
Keto? Skip breadcrumbs.
Make-ahead? Stuff boats earlier; bake fresh.
🥄Conclusion: The Side Dish That Steals the Show
These Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Boats are light yet indulgent, healthy yet comforting, and guaranteed to vanish in minutes. With the rotary grater, you get perfect fluffy shreds every single time — turning a simple veggie into crispy, cheesy magic.
