06/04/2025
🍃 Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara ✨
A healthier twist on lasagna with zucchini instead of noodles!
Ingredients:
For the Layers:
🥒 3 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into ¼-inch thick strips
🧂 Salt (for sweating zucchini)
🧀 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
🌿 1 egg
🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
🧂 Salt & pepper, to taste
🍅 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
🧀 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus extra for garnish)
Directions:
1️⃣ Prep the Zucchini:
Sprinkle sliced zucchini with salt and let sit for 15–20 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
2️⃣ Make the Ricotta Filling:
In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3️⃣ Assemble the Layers:
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara.
Layer: zucchini slices → ricotta mix → marinara → mozzarella.
Repeat 2–3 times, ending with sauce and mozzarella.
4️⃣ Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
5️⃣ Serve:
Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil. Slice and enjoy!
Nutritional Info:
⏰ Prep Time: 20 min | 🔥 Cook Time: 35 min | ⏳ Total Time: 55 min
⚡ Calories: ~250 per slice | 🍽️ Servings: 6