Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara
A delicious and comforting layered zucchini dish featuring tender zucchini slices, creamy ricotta cheese, flavorful marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection and garnished with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (for added spice)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your layered zucchini ricotta melts.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices. Brush both sides of each zucchini slice with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste, which enhances their flavor during baking.
- Assemble the Dish: Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. Layer half of the zucchini slices in the dish. Spread half of the ricotta cheese evenly over the zucchini. Then, top with half of the marinara sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining zucchini, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella to create beautiful, even layers.
- Bake: Sprinkle dried oregano over the top layer for added aroma and flavor. Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly, indicating that all ingredients are perfectly cooked and melded.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Serve warm for a comforting and savory dish.
Notes
- Be sure to slice the zucchini evenly to ensure all pieces cook uniformly.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor and presentation.
- Feel free to add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
- This dish can be served as a vegetarian main or a side dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: zucchini ricotta melts, baked zucchini, vegetarian Italian dish, layered zucchini recipe, marinara zucchini bake
