If you’re looking for a simple, healthy, and absolutely mouthwatering dish, look no further than these Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara. Imagine thick slices of tender zucchini, perfectly layered with a creamy, herb-infused ricotta cheese, all topped off with a rich, savory marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s like a lighter, veggie-packed take on your favorite lasagna—but with a fresh, summery twist.
These melts are the ideal dinner for those nights when you want comfort food without feeling weighed down. The zucchini adds a satisfying texture, while the ricotta provides the creamy richness you crave. And the marinara? Well, it’s the star of the show, balancing everything out with its tangy, herb-infused goodness. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or served as a show-stopping side at a dinner party.
Why You’ll Love Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara
If you’re still on the fence, here’s why these melts will become a go-to recipe in your kitchen:
Light and Healthy: Zucchini is low in calories and packed with nutrients, making this dish a great option for anyone looking to eat lighter but still enjoy something indulgent. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of the creamy ricotta, fresh zucchini, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella creates layers of flavor you can’t resist. It’s savory, satisfying, and just the right amount of indulgent.
Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish is 100% vegetarian and can easily be made gluten-free if needed (just be sure to use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them altogether). It’s a great option for feeding a crowd with different dietary needs.
Customizable: Don’t like ricotta? You can swap it for a different cheese like goat cheese or feta. Add some fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or throw in some cooked sausage for a little extra protein. The beauty of this recipe is that you can tweak it to fit your taste.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and a little layering, you can have a wholesome, flavorful meal on the table in under an hour. It’s the perfect option when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and homemade.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
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Ingredients in Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara
Here’s what you’ll need to make these scrumptious, cheesy melts:
Zucchini
The star ingredient! You’ll need fresh zucchini, sliced into thick rounds. Zucchini is mild in flavor and holds up beautifully in this dish, adding a satisfying texture with every bite.
Ricotta Cheese
For that creamy, indulgent texture that pairs perfectly with zucchini. The ricotta provides richness without being too heavy. It’s light but still incredibly satisfying.
Fresh Mozzarella
This will melt beautifully over your layered zucchini and ricotta, giving the dish that gooey, cheesy finish. It’s also mild in flavor, letting the other ingredients shine.
Marinara Sauce
A rich, tangy marinara sauce will be spooned over the zucchini layers. Use a homemade sauce if you’ve got it, or opt for your favorite store-bought variety. Either way, it’s the perfect complement to the dish.
Parmesan Cheese
A little sprinkle of Parmesan on top of the melted mozzarella adds an extra layer of flavor, with a bit of saltiness to balance the creaminess of the ricotta.
Fresh Basil (Optional)
A few fresh basil leaves to sprinkle on top just before serving will bring a pop of color and an extra fresh, herbal note that elevates the dish.
Garlic
Freshly minced garlic adds that aromatic base note to the ricotta and marinara, bringing out all the savory flavors in the dish.
Olive Oil
A drizzle of olive oil will help sauté the garlic and lightly coat the zucchini for an added depth of flavor before layering everything together.
Instructions
Here’s how to pull this together and create a gorgeous, layered dish:
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your melts bake up nice and hot.
Sauté the Garlic
In a small pan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn it! Once it’s done, remove from heat.
Prepare the Zucchini
Slice the zucchini into thick rounds (about 1/4-inch thick). You can choose to leave the skin on for extra texture and color or peel it off for a more delicate bite. Lightly salt the zucchini slices to draw out excess moisture.
Assemble the Layers
In a baking dish, begin by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, layer zucchini slices, followed by a dollop of ricotta cheese (mixed with the sautéed garlic). Repeat the layers until you’ve used up the ingredients, finishing with a final layer of marinara sauce on top.
Add Mozzarella and Parmesan
Top the dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The mozzarella will melt and become golden, creating that irresistible cheesy layer we all love.
Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve
Once it’s done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top just before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice into the melty layers and dig in! Whether served as a main dish or a side, these melts are sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara
These layered melts are versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:
A Simple Green Salad: Serve with a crisp, lightly dressed salad to balance out the richness of the melts. A lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze works wonderfully.
Garlic Bread: If you’re craving something a little extra indulgent, pair these melts with some warm, buttery garlic bread for an irresistible side.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, bell peppers, or asparagus add a pop of color and a wholesome side to this veggie-packed dish.
Pasta: Serve alongside a simple pasta—perhaps some spaghetti or penne with a light olive oil or tomato-based sauce for a complete Italian-inspired meal.
Additional Tips
Cut the Zucchini Evenly: For the best texture and even cooking, slice the zucchini into even rounds. This ensures that every bite has that perfect, tender zucchini feel.
Make it Ahead of Time: You can assemble the dish a day ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven and bake it off. It’s great for meal prepping or dinner parties.
Switch Up the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of ricotta, try substituting with cottage cheese or goat cheese. The flavors will still shine through, just in a different way.
Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked ground turkey, beef, or sausage to the marinara sauce for a meaty version of this dish.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme will add an extra burst of flavor. You can mix the herbs directly into the ricotta or sprinkle them on top after baking.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A1: Absolutely! If ricotta isn’t your thing, you can try goat cheese, mascarpone, or even a blend of mozzarella and cream cheese for a different flavor.
Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
A2: Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure that your marinara sauce doesn’t contain any gluten and opt for a gluten-free breadcrumb topping if you’re adding one.
Q3: Can I freeze this dish?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish (before baking). Just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, though it may take a bit longer to cook through.
Q4: How do I make this spicier?
A4: If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some chili powder into the ricotta for an extra kick.
Q5: Can I use eggplant instead of zucchini?
A5: Definitely! Eggplant works wonderfully in this recipe and has a similar texture. Just slice it thinly and follow the same layering process.
Q6: Can I add other veggies to this?
A6: Yes! You can add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more veggie goodness. Just make sure to sauté any extra veggies beforehand to avoid excess moisture.
Conclusion
These Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara are the perfect balance of fresh, flavorful, and comforting. They’re an easy, healthy meal that packs in a lot of flavors without any fuss. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, this recipe is guaranteed to make any meal feel a little more special. So grab your zucchini, ricotta, and marin
ara, and get ready to create a dish that’s both delicious and satisfying!
Print
Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A savory, low-carb dish with layers of zucchini slices, creamy ricotta cheese, and marinara sauce, baked to perfection and topped with melted mozzarella. A healthy and delicious alternative to traditional lasagna.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish (around 9×9-inch) with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
- Slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Lay the zucchini slices on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the zucchini slices over the sauce in a single layer, slightly overlapping each slice. Spread a portion of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini layer.
- Repeat the layers, alternating between zucchini slices, ricotta mixture, and marinara sauce until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to brown the cheese slightly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For a low-carb option, you can skip the mozzarella topping or use a dairy-free alternative.
- If you like a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
- You can also add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of casserole
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg