Vegan Twice Baked Stuffed Zucchini

5 from 4 votes

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This Italian-inspired, vegan twice baked stuffed zucchini is very easy to make with 6 ingredients and surprisingly healthy for a light and tasty meal.

Half a zucchini on a plate stuffed with an artichoke and marinara sauce mixture. Fork rests on plate.

About the Recipe

This recipe is vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free and soy-free and low in fat with 6 grams of fiber and 5 grams of plant-based protein per serving.

The tomato and artichoke stuffing is perfect stuffed in zucchini and baked, especially sprinkled with your favourite cheese! These make a great side dish for a family dinner or entertaining or a light meal anytime.

For a variation, these Chickpea Stuffed Zucchini Boats are yummy too! For something similar but with other veggies, these Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, Vegetarian Stuffed Poblano Peppers and Mediterranean Quinoa Stuffed Peppers are all delicious.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients for making stuffed zucchini boats labelled with text overlay.
  • Zucchini: Use medium-sized zucchini large enough to cut in half and add the filling.
  • Artichoke Hearts: Use plain or marinated canned artichoke hearts.
  • Bread Crumbs: Any kind of breadcrumbs works, use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
  • Marinara Sauce: Any marinara, arabiatta or other pasta sauce works well here.
  • Vegan Cheese: Optional but adds a nice touch to finish them off, vegan cashew parmesan, mozzarella or any other cheese you enjoy works well.

This list is not complete. Please see the recipe card at the end of the post for the complete ingredient list with measurements and detailed instructions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Slice the zucchinis in half lengthwise, remove some of the seeds if possible then use a spoon to scoop out most of the flesh, creating a shell you’ll be able to add the filling too. Be sure to reserve the scooped out flesh, you’ll be using it to make the filling.

Zucchinis cut in half lengthwise with the flesh scooped out to create shells.

Step 2. Lay the zucchini shells flat on a baking sheet and brush with a little olive oil (oil-free is ok too!), bake for 10 minutes then remove from the oven and set aside.

Hand using a small brush to apply olive oil to zucchinis on a baking tray.

Step 3. While the zucchini is baking, chop the the artichoke hearts and garlic then add to a skillet with the zucchini you removed when creating the shells.

Cook the mixture over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes until thoroughly combined, heated through and softened.

Overhead view of cooked zucchini, artichokes and garlic in a hot skillet.

Step 4. Add the cooked mixture to a bowl with the breadcrumbs, marinara sauce and nutritional yeast. Mix it up until thoroughly combined.

Chopped artichokes, garlic and zucchini mixed with marinara sauce in a bowl. Wooden spoon rests in bowl.

Step 5. Scoop the mixture into the zucchini boats and sprinkle with your choice of vegan cheese, if desired.

Wooden spoon to add tomato filling to shelled zucchini halves on a baking tray.

Bake for 20 minutes then enjoy topped with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

5 stuffed zucchini boats topped with fresh herbs on a rectangular plate.

Serving and Storing

  • Enjoy as a healthy side dish, appetizer or light main dish.
  • Can be served on their own or over rice or salad.
  • Serve as is or top with fresh chopped basil or parsley.
  • Best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Enjoy cold or reheat in the microwave or oven until heated to your preference.

More Side Dishes

Stuffed zucchini boat topped with cheese and herbs on a plate. Fork rests on plate.
5 from 4 votes

Vegan Twice Baked Stuffed Zucchini

By: Deryn Macey
Delicious, stuffed zucchini packed with a cheesy filling that’s full of flavour and nutrition.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 halves
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Ingredients 

  • 4 medium zucchini
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 14 oz can artichoke hearts, drained
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/3 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • vegan cheese of choice, optional for topping

Instructions 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees,
  • Slice the zucchinis half lengthwise, remove some of the seeds if possible then use a spoon to scoop out most of the flesh to create shells you’ll be adding the filling too. Set the scooped out flesh aside as you’ll be using it to create the filling.
  • Lay the zucchinis cut side up on a baking tray or in a baking dish and brush or rub with the olive oil. Bake the zucchini halves for 10 minutes then remove from the oven and set aside.
  • While the zucchini is baking, chop up the artichoke hearts and garlic and add to a pan with zucchini flesh you reserved in step 2. Cook the mixture in 1 tsp olive oil, water or vegetable stock over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes until softened, fragrant and heated through.
  • Mix the cooked mixture with nutritional yeast, breadcrumbs and marinara sauce. You can mix it all up right in the skillet or in bowl.
  • Divide the mixture between the 8 zucchini halves. Sprinkle each half with your choice of vegan cheese, if desired.
  • Bake for 20 minutes then serve right away topped with fresh chopped basil and/or parsley.

Notes

Best served fresh but will keep in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Enjoy cold or reheat in the oven or microwave until heated to your preference.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/2 a zucchini, Calories: 93kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 1.4g, Sodium: 163mg, Fiber: 6.2g, Sugar: 2g
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

Originally pubslihed on December 12, 2016. Updated with new photos and text on November 2, 2020.

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10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Oh my goodness!! These are so so good. I didn’t have 4 zucchini, so I used 2 zucchini and 2 yellow squash. I am absolutely falling in love with plant-based foods. Everything I have tried from your site has been wonderful!

    1. I love that, Jennifer! So glad you enjoyed. Sounds perfect with zucchini and yellow squash! Thanks so much for leaving a review.

  2. 5 stars
    Made this today for the first time. I replaced the bread crumbs with cracked freekeh. It was very good. I topped it off with home made vegan parmesan. I am sure I will be making this one again. Was only going to taste it when I took it out of the oven after tasting it I ate 3 strips.

  3. 5 stars
    I found the nutritional yeast after some searching in my local health food shop. These were absolutely delicious – exceeded expectations even for my meat-eating other half! Thanks!

    p.s. i just used some tomato passata in the place of marinara sauce and it worked great.

  4. Hi – I really want to make this recipe but have never come across nutritional yeast… is it included simply for nutrition’s sake or as part of the flavour / structure of the dish? I am just wondering if I can omit this or perhaps substitute it for a yeast extract (i.e. marmite)?

    1. It’s part of the flavour and structure. It has a cheesy, nutty flavour and is used as a condiment or cheese substitute. You can omit it and maybe add a bit more bread crumbs and some salt. It’s also readily available in well-stocked grocery stores or online. I wouldn’t use marmite in this. Thanks!