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To make a tasty Baked Zucchini Parmesan Casserole, gather these ingredients: - 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced - 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can swap some ingredients based on your taste or what you have at home. Try these ideas: - Use eggplant instead of zucchini for a different flavor. - Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a lighter option. - Swap mozzarella with provolone for a stronger taste. - Instead of marinara, use pesto for a fresh twist. - Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free dish. To ensure your casserole turns out well, measure carefully. Here are my tips: - Use dry measuring cups for solids like cheese and breadcrumbs. - Level off ingredients with a knife for precise measurements. - When using liquids, check the measurement at eye level. - For herbs, crushed or dried options can be more potent, so adjust as needed. - Keep your ingredients fresh for the best flavor and texture. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. To start, gather all your ingredients. You need fresh zucchini, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic, and spices. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, slice the zucchinis thinly. Place the slices in a bowl and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes. This helps remove excess water, so your casserole won’t be soggy. After 15 minutes, pat the zucchini dry with paper towels. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook it for a minute until fragrant. Then, add the zucchini slices. Sauté them for 5 to 7 minutes. You want them soft but still firm. Once done, set the skillet aside. In another bowl, mix ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined. Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, layer half of the sautéed zucchini on top. Follow this with half of the ricotta mixture. Spread more marinara sauce over the ricotta. Repeat the layers with the rest of the zucchini and ricotta. Finish with mozzarella cheese, the remaining Parmesan, and breadcrumbs on top. Now, cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes. The top should be golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Baked Zucchini Parmesan Casserole! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To get the best texture in your casserole, start by salting the zucchini. This step helps remove excess water. Let the zucchini rest for 15 minutes, then pat it dry. This will keep your casserole from becoming soggy. Cook the zucchini until it is tender but still firm. This gives a nice bite in each serving. You can boost the flavor by adding more herbs. Fresh basil adds a bright taste. Try mixing in some red pepper flakes for a little heat. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also deepen the flavor. If you love cheese, sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top before baking. The cheese will melt and create a tasty crust. One common mistake is skipping the salting step. This can lead to a watery dish. Another mistake is packing the layers too tightly. Make sure to spread each layer evenly. Lastly, don’t skip letting it cool before serving. This way, it holds its shape better on the plate. With these tips, your Baked Zucchini Parmesan Casserole will shine. For a full recipe, check out the section above. {{image_4}} You can make Baked Zucchini Parmesan Casserole gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. This small change keeps the dish tasty without gluten. You can also check the marinara sauce for gluten. Most brands are safe, but it’s always good to read the label. This casserole is already vegetarian, but you can add more veggies. Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. These will add flavor and nutrition. You can also swap ricotta for a tofu mixture if you want a dairy-free option. Blend tofu with nutritional yeast and a bit of lemon juice for a creamy texture. Get creative with your casserole by adding extra flavors. Consider mixing in cooked ground turkey or chicken for protein. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a bright taste. For a spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or jalapeños. These little changes can make your casserole unique and fun! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To keep your baked zucchini parmesan casserole fresh, let it cool first. After it cools, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great choice. Reheat your casserole in the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until it's hot all the way through. If you prefer the top crispy, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave. Just cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid and heat for 2-3 minutes. If you want to freeze the casserole, follow these steps. First, let it cool completely. Then, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date. You can freeze the casserole for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned above. This method keeps the flavors and texture intact. Baked Zucchini Parmesan Casserole takes about 60 minutes to cook. This includes 25 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered in the oven. You want the top to be golden and bubbly. Yes, you can make Baked Zucchini Parmesan Casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can serve Baked Zucchini Parmesan Casserole with a crisp side salad. A slice of rustic bread also pairs well. Both options add freshness and help balance the rich flavors. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. In this blog post, we explored every aspect of making a Baked Zucchini Parmesan Casserole. From the full list of ingredients to helpful substitutions and measuring tips, we set you up for success. I provided clear steps for preparation, cooking, and assembly. You also learned ways to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. Keep these tips in mind as you experiment with variations, storage, and reheating methods. Now, enjoy making this dish your own and share it with family and friends.

Baked Zucchini Parmesan Casserole

Discover the deliciousness of Baked Zucchini Parmesan Casserole! This comforting dish features layers of tender zucchini, rich ricotta, and gooey cheeses, all baked to perfection. With easy-to-follow steps, you'll create a tasty meal that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Ready to indulge? Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that the casserole cooks evenly.

    Prepare the zucchini: Place the thinly sliced zucchini in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with salt. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. This process helps to draw out excess moisture, preventing a watery casserole. After 15 minutes, pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels.

      Sauté the garlic and zucchini: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Next, incorporate the zucchini into the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is slightly tender yet still has a bit of firmness. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.

        Mix the ricotta filling: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until well blended.

          Assemble the casserole: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking. Layer half of the sautéed zucchini over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Next, spread another layer of marinara sauce over the ricotta.

            Layer it up: Repeat the layering process with the remaining zucchini and ricotta mixture. Top this final layer generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, the remaining grated Parmesan cheese, and evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top.

              Bake the casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

                Finish baking: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, creating a delicious crust.

                  Cool before serving: Allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the layers to set, making it easier to serve.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes | Servings: 6

                      - Serving Suggestion: For a delightful presentation, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. This dish pairs well with a crisp side salad or slices of rustic crusty bread for a complete meal experience. Enjoy!