Are you ready to transform the humble zucchini into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds? This Three Cheese Zucchini Parmigiana is not just another vegetable dish – it's a culinary adventure that combines the crispy texture of perfectly baked zucchini with a luxurious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Imagine cutting into layers of golden-brown zucchini, oozing with melted cheese and rich marinara sauce – a dish so delicious, you'll forget you're even eating vegetables!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Zucchini
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Olive oil
- Breadcrumbs
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
- Basil
Instructions
- Wash and slice zucchini lengthwise into thin, even 1/4-inch strips. Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each zucchini slice into olive oil, then coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange breaded zucchini slices on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and crisp, turning once halfway through.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with chopped fresh basil, additional salt, and pepper to taste.
- Begin layering in the prepared baking dish: spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom, then add a layer of baked zucchini slices.
- Spread the ricotta mixture over the zucchini, then sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layering: marinara sauce, zucchini, ricotta, and mozzarella until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and edges are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Always pat your zucchini slices completely dry before breading to ensure a crispy, not soggy, texture.
- Breadcrumb Secret: Add a touch of grated Parmesan to your breadcrumbs for extra flavor and crunch.
- Layer with Love: Take your time when layering to ensure each slice gets an even distribution of cheese and sauce.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil if possible – it adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Cheese Tip: For the most melty, stringy cheese experience, use freshly shredded mozzarella instead of pre-packaged.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled earlier in the day and baked just before serving, making it perfect for entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
