Description
This Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara is a savory, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for a light dinner or appetizer. Thinly sliced sautéed zucchini is layered with a flavorful ricotta cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. Garnished with fresh basil, it’s a fresh twist on classic Italian flavors that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 cups Zucchini (sliced into thin rounds)
Dairy
- 15 oz Ricotta Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional)
Pantry Items
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds and sprinkle salt over them. Allow the salted zucchini slices to rest for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Mix Ricotta Cheese: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a flavorful ricotta mixture.
- Sauté Zucchini: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini slices and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble Layers: In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of sautéed zucchini slices, followed by an even layer of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella on top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the dish to heat through and the cheese to melt evenly.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Allow the baked dish to cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Resting the salted zucchini helps remove excess moisture so the dish is not watery.
- Using fresh basil leaves as garnish enhances the freshness and aroma of the dish.
- If preferred, add grated Parmesan cheese between layers for extra flavor.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently to avoid drying out the cheese.
