Keto Bacon Cheddar Stuffed Zucchini with Cauliflower Rice
Tender grilled zucchini boats filled with creamy cauliflower rice, melted cheddar cheese, and topped with crispy bacon pieces. This low-carb keto dish delivers satisfying comfort food flavors while keeping carbs minimal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, the smoky char from griddling adds depth to the mild zucchini while the cheesy rice provides hearty texture. Fresh chives brighten the rich combination of bacon fat and melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 slice bacon, 6 inch long
- 2 teaspoon chives, cut pieces, raw
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 cup cauliflower rice
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ⅓ cup chicken broth, ready-to-serve
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in skillet over medium heat and add bacon
- 2
Cook bacon until crisp and golden then set aside to cool
- 3
Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and slice off ends
- 4
Use teaspoon to scoop out channel along center of each half
- 5
Heat griddle pan over high heat
- 6
Add zucchini halves cut side down to griddle
- 7
Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until tender and charred
- 8
Cover with foil to keep warm
- 9
Add cauliflower rice to saucepan with stock
- 10
Bring to simmer and cook until liquid evaporates
- 11
Finely chop chives and add to rice with cheese
- 12
Stir well to combine and remove from heat
- 13
Divide cheesy rice between griddled zucchini boats
- 14
Crumble crispy bacon over top to serve
Tips
Pat zucchini dry after scooping to prevent watery filling and ensure better griddling char.
Save scooped zucchini flesh for soups or stir-fries to minimize waste.
Let bacon cool completely before crumbling to maintain crispy texture on finished dish.
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 3 days in covered container
Prep zucchini boats and cauliflower rice up to 1 day ahead, assemble before serving
Serve immediately while warm for best texture and melted cheese
Common Mistakes
Don't skip patting zucchini dry to avoid soggy filling
Cook bacon completely to avoid chewy texture in final dish
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese for cheddar. The dish will be less creamy but still flavorful with the bacon.
What if I don't have a griddle pan?
Use a regular skillet or grill the zucchini outdoors. You can also roast halves cut-side up at 400F for 15-20 minutes.
How long does this keep in the fridge?
Store assembled boats up to 3 days refrigerated. Reheat in oven at 350F for 10 minutes to restore texture and melt cheese.