Chaos Cake Stuffed Zucchini Boats (Printable Version)

Zucchini boats stuffed with savory chaos cake and topped with playful rat cake inspired decorations for a creative meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Zucchini Boats

01 - 4 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Chaos Cake Filling

05 - 14 ounces ground beef or plant-based mince
06 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 small carrot, grated
09 - 1/2 medium red bell pepper, finely diced
10 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
14 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
17 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
18 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Rat Cake Aesthetic Decorations

19 - 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
20 - Black olives, as needed (for eyes and nose)
21 - Radish slices or baby carrot slices (for ears)
22 - Chives or green onions (for whiskers)
23 - Cherry tomatoes, optional (for tails or noses)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Scoop out center flesh of zucchini halves with a spoon, leaving about 1/4 inch border to form boats. Reserve the scooped flesh.
03 - Brush zucchini boats with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Arrange cut side up on prepared baking sheet.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or plant-based mince, onion, garlic, grated carrot, diced red bell pepper, reserved chopped zucchini flesh, panko breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, dried oregano, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined.
05 - Spoon filling evenly into prepared zucchini boats, mounding slightly.
06 - Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until filling is cooked through and golden brown on top.
07 - Remove zucchini boats from oven and cool for 5 to 10 minutes before decorating.
08 - Spread a thin layer of softened cream cheese over each stuffed zucchini, mimicking fur. Arrange black olive pieces as eyes and noses, attach radish or carrot slices as ears, and insert chives or green onions as whiskers. Optionally, use cherry tomatoes for tails or additional decorative accents.
09 - Serve warm, presenting as a playful centerpiece.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Easy to customize for meat lovers and vegetarians
  • Perfect for party appetizers or playful main dishes
  • Whimsical presentations make it unforgettable for kids and adults
  • Packed with protein and fiber for a feel good meal
02 -
  • High protein filling keeps everyone satisfied
  • Makes a perfect make ahead meal for busy weeks
  • Recipe easily adapts for veggie or gluten free diets
03 -
  • Use a small melon baller to scoop neat zucchini shells with less breakage
  • Do not skimp on fresh herbs for the filling as they really brighten the whole flavor profile
  • Let everyone design their own rat face for extra fun and lively memories for the table

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