Description
Enjoy the delightful flavors of summer with these Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara. Layers of grilled zucchini, creamy ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese create a satisfying and flavorful dish that is perfect for a vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Ricotta Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other:
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grill zucchini: Lightly brush zucchini slices with olive oil and grill or pan-sear them until tender and slightly charred.
- Prepare ricotta mixture: Combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, egg, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Layer ingredients: Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish. Layer zucchini, ricotta mixture, and marinara, repeating until ingredients are used up.
- Bake: Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, garnish with basil, and serve.
Notes
- For a heartier version, add cooked ground turkey or lentils between layers.
- This dish is low-carb and works great as a vegetarian main or side.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
