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Jalapeño Popper Zucchini Boats

Jalapeño popper zucchini boats with creamy, spicy filling baked until the zucchini is tender and cheddar is golden and bubbling. Loaded with softened cream cheese, minced jalapeños, crispy bacon crumbles, and a popper-style flavor in every cheesy bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Zucchini boats
  • 4 zucchini Medium; halved lengthwise
  • 8 oz cream cheese Softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Divided
  • 4 jalapeño Seeded and finely diced
  • 6 slices bacon Cooked and crumbled; divided
  • 3 cloves garlic Minced
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 1 salt To taste
  • 1 black pepper To taste
  • 2 green onion Sliced for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and set out a sheet pan.
  2. Scoop out the center of each zucchini half, leaving a 1/4-inch shell; chop the removed zucchini flesh and set it aside.
  3. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in half the cheddar, the diced jalapeños, half the bacon, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stir the chopped zucchini flesh into the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Fill each zucchini shell generously with the cream cheese mixture.
  6. Top with the remaining cheddar and the rest of the bacon.
  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbling; garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

Notes

For the most “boat” stability and even baking, arrange zucchini cut-side up with space between pieces on the sheet pan. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbling. Freezing is not recommended because zucchini can turn watery after thawing. For a lower-carb swap, use pork bacon plus a sugar-free jalapeño seasoning (or keep spices as written) to fit keto-style diets.