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Zucchini Parmesan

A comforting and cheesy casserole that's easy to prepare, using roasted zucchini for a deliciously non-soggy dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 medium medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips Choose medium zucchini for best results.
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing Use for greasing pans as well.
  • 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning the zucchini.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning the zucchini.
  • 3 cups tomato pasta sauce or marinara sauce A good jarred sauce works fine.
  • 12 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn Fresh mozzarella is recommended for better melting.
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for the best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn Adds bright flavor when serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking sheet and a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  2. Cut each zucchini lengthwise into strips about 1/4 inch thick and lay them in a single layer on your baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then brush lightly with olive oil.
  3. Roast the zucchini in the oven for about 15 minutes until tender but not fully cooked.
  4. Once roasted, let the zucchini cool for a minute and blot excess moisture with paper towels.
Assembly
  1. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce across the bottom of the greased baking dish.
  2. Layer roasted zucchini over the sauce, followed by slices or torn pieces of mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and more sauce. Repeat the layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with zucchini, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
Baking
  1. Bake the casserole in the oven for about 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling.
  2. Switch to broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  3. Let the dish rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
  4. Garnish with torn basil before serving warm.

Notes

For best results, use medium zucchini, a mandoline for even slices, and warm sauce. Optional: Add red pepper flakes for a kick.