Easy Loaded Keto Zucchini Skins
I was never a fan of potato skins pre-keto, but when I spotted some on a neighboring table at a restaurant the other day, they looked super appetizing. Maybe it was the cheese and bacon? It was probably the cheese and bacon. I came home wanting to make a low carb potato skin replacement, and ended up with these loaded keto zucchini skins.
I know that cauliflower is often the go to keto potato substitute, but zucchini seemed like a better fit here. For one, zucchini actually has “skin” which seems pretty relevant. Secondly, its milder flavor and softer texture are more similar to potato when baked. Best of all, it cooks pretty quickly. You can have these keto zucchini skins ready to go in less than half an hour!
The key to getting perfect keto zucchini skins is prepping the zucchini properly. Obviously, you’ll want to scoop out the seeds. But after that, a sprinkle of salt and a bit of resting time will help to draw the excess moisture out of the zucchini. This will keep it from turning into mush in the oven. Just make sure to ditch the water that accumulates before tossing with the oil and spices!
A couple of final notes on this low carb potato skin replacement. You can adjust the number of slices per zucchini depending on size. The nutritional information below is based on 4 servings of six pieces each. Do feel free to scale up or down as needed, keeping in mind that keto zucchini skins are best served fresh rather than reheated.
Looking for other keto side dishes with bacon? Try this keto bacon and blue cheese slaw.
Loaded Keto Zucchini Skins
Equipment
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 2 ounces (56g) shredded cheddar
- 4 slices bacon cooked and diced
- 1 green onion chopped
- 1/4 cup (56g) sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or a baking mat.
Prep the Zucchini
- Clean the zucchini and half them lengthwise. Scoop or cut out the seedy flesh in the middle of each half.
- Sprinkle zucchini with the salt, and allow to rest for about 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Drain excess liquid from zucchini, then slice each half into 4 (resulting in 24 zucchini skins overall).
Prebake Zucchini
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil and spices (garlic powder, cumin, paprika).
- Add zucchini slices and toss to coat.
- Arrange seasoned zucchini slices skin side down on prepared baking sheet, and bake for 5 minutes.
Loaded Keto Zucchini Skins
- Top zucchini with the cheddar and bacon, then return to oven.
- Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese begins to brown.
- Top keto zucchini skins with sour cream and green onion, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Because of the sour cream, these keto zucchini skins are best enjoyed fresh. If you're saving some for later, wait to add the sour cream and green onion until after reheating.
Nutrition
