Description
A delicious layered zucchini ricotta melt baked with marinara sauce and three kinds of cheese, perfect for a hearty and healthy vegetarian main course with a low-carb twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Preparation
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to get it ready for baking the zucchini melts.
- Prepare Zucchini: Lay zucchini slices on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry thoroughly. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
- Make Ricotta Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella (1/2 cup), Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, and black pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Layer the Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange a layer of zucchini slices over the sauce. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on top, then spoon some marinara sauce over it. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with marinara sauce and the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly for best texture.
Notes
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor and a mild kick.
- Pat the zucchini slices dry very well after salting to prevent excess moisture from making the bake watery.
- This recipe can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until it is ready to bake, making meal prep easier.
