Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara Recipe
Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara is a light, flavorful baked dish combining tender zucchini slices with creamy ricotta cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a nutritious vegetarian meal that highlights the natural sweetness of zucchini paired with rich, cheesy layers and aromatic herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Layer
- 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 Layers
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
Garnish
- 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 right temperature for baking the zucchini melts evenly and melting the cheese perfectly.
- 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 enhance flavor and prevent sticking during baking.
- Assemble the Dish: Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. Layer half of the zucchini slices at the bottom. Spread half of the ricotta cheese evenly over the zucchini slices, followed by half of the marinara sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process with the remaining zucchini, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella to build a flavorful, structured dish.
- Bake: Sprinkle dried oregano over the top layer for added aroma and flavor. Bake the assembled dish for 20-25 minutes until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a deliciously golden crust on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves and optional red pepper flakes if using. Serve warm as a hearty appetizer or main vegetarian course.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm zucchinis for best texture and flavor.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the marinara or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Substitute mozzarella with a plant-based cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
- The dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked just before serving.
- Adjust seasoning and cheese amounts according to your taste preferences.
Keywords: Zucchini ricotta melts, baked zucchini dish, vegetarian zucchini recipe, Italian zucchini melt, cheesy zucchini bake
