Description
This Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara is a delicious Italian-inspired vegetarian main course featuring roasted zucchini slices layered with creamy ricotta cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, this low-carb, gluten-free dish is a flavorful and wholesome option for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Layer
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Assembly and Topping
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare zucchini: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly brush both sides of the zucchini slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 10–12 minutes until they are just tender, flipping them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
- Make the ricotta mixture: While the zucchini is roasting, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Layer the ingredients: In a small baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom. Then layer 2–3 slices of roasted zucchini on top, add a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture, followed by a spoonful of marinara sauce, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue layering the zucchini, ricotta mixture, marinara, and mozzarella until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the layered zucchini: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve warm.
Notes
- To make the dish heartier, add layers of sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the zucchini and ricotta layers.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
