Description
Simple Homemade Zucchini Parmesan is a comforting and cheesy baked dish that layers tender zucchini slices with marinara sauce and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal, bursting with Italian flavors and topped with a crispy, golden cheese crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini
- 4 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Sauces and Cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the zucchini Parmesan evenly.
- Prepare Zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly and slice into ¼-inch rounds for uniform cooking and layering.
- Season Zucchini: Toss the sliced zucchini with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to evenly coat and enhance flavor.
- Layer Marinara Sauce: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and add moisture.
- First Zucchini Layer: Arrange half of the seasoned zucchini slices over the marinara, creating the base vegetable layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the zucchini to introduce a creamy and crispy texture.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour another layer of marinara sauce over the cheese to maintain moisture and flavor balance.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat with the remaining zucchini, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce on top.
- First Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes to cook the zucchini and melt the cheeses.
- Second Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, creating a delicious crust.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added aroma and color.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella with a low-fat version to reduce calories.
- Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder for more intense flavor.
- Use gluten-free marinara sauce if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps the layers set for easier slicing.
