Description
Zucchini Parmesan is a delicious, crispy, and cheesy dish that’s a lighter alternative to traditional Eggplant Parmesan. Slices of fresh zucchini are breaded, baked (or fried), layered with marinara sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese. This dish is perfect as a vegetarian main course or a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (if pan-frying)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Breading Stations: In one bowl, add the flour. In another bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Zucchini: Dredge each zucchini slice in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake or Fry:
- For Baking: Arrange coated zucchini slices on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- For Frying: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry zucchini slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Layer the baked or fried zucchini slices, followed by more marinara and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers if needed.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 2 minutes at the end.
- Swap zucchini for eggplant for a classic Eggplant Parmesan twist.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 16g