Description
This Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts recipe is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring tender zucchini slices layered with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and marinara sauce. Perfect as a comforting vegetarian main or side, it combines Italian flavors with a simple preparation, ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Prepare the zucchini: Slice the zucchinis into thin, even rounds to ensure they cook evenly in the bake.
- Mix the ricotta filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Layer the sauce: Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce onto the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- First zucchini layer: Arrange a layer of zucchini slices evenly over the marinara sauce.
- Add ricotta layer: Spread a portion of the ricotta cheese mixture over the zucchini slices in an even layer.
- Sprinkle mozzarella: Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer to add melty cheesiness.
- Repeat layering: Continue layering zucchini slices, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are used, making sure to finish the top with a layer of mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Notes
- For best results, slice the zucchini evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with your favorite fresh herbs like basil and oregano.
- Allow the dish to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set and enhance flavors.
- Use low-fat cheese options if you want to reduce calories, but the texture might slightly differ.
- This recipe is vegetarian but not vegan due to the dairy and egg ingredients.
- Serve as a hearty side dish or add a green salad to make a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: zucchini ricotta melts, baked zucchini dish, cheesy zucchini bake, vegetarian Italian recipe, ricotta cheese recipe
