Craving a light, flavorful dish that showcases the best of Italian cuisine? This Cheesy Italian Zucchini Bake is a delightful blend of fresh zucchini, rich marinara sauce, and a gooey, golden cheese topping. It’s an effortless way to enjoy seasonal produce and a perfect side dish for any meal. With just a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together in no time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing addition to your next dinner party. Get ready to indulge in layers of tender zucchini, savory marinara, and melted cheese that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis, cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the sliced zucchinis in a colander and sprinkle lightly with salt. Allow them to rest for approximately 10 minutes to release any extra moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Layer the Zucchini and Sauce: Arrange a layer of zucchini slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the zucchini, followed by a sprinkle of minced garlic.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Repeat the Layers: Continue layering zucchini slices, marinara sauce, minced garlic, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the zucchini is tender.
- Serve: Remove the zucchini bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, flavorful dish as a side or even as a light vegetarian main course.
Conclusion:
This Cheesy Italian Zucchini Bake is a simple yet delicious way to bring the flavors of Italy to your table. The tender zucchini, combined with tangy marinara and melted cheese, makes for an irresistible combination that everyone will love. It’s perfect as a side dish for your favorite Italian entrees or as a standalone meal with a crusty loaf of bread.
Cheesy Italian Zucchini Bake: A Delicious and Easy Side Dish
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the sliced zucchinis in a colander and sprinkle lightly with salt. Allow them to rest for approximately 10 minutes to release any extra moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Layer the Zucchini and Sauce: Arrange a layer of zucchini slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the zucchini, followed by a sprinkle of minced garlic.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
- Repeat the Layers: Continue layering zucchini slices, marinara sauce, minced garlic, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the zucchini is tender.
- Serve: Remove the zucchini bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, flavorful dish as a side or even as a light vegetarian main course.