Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Zucchini Layers
01 -
4 medium zucchini (approximately 900 g), sliced lengthwise into 6 mm strips
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
04 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 -
0.5 teaspoon salt
06 -
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
→ Ricotta Filling
07 -
425 g ricotta cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
08 -
1 large egg, lightly beaten
09 -
60 ml fresh basil, finely chopped
10 -
60 ml fresh parsley, finely chopped
11 -
1 teaspoon lemon zest
12 -
2 garlic cloves, minced
13 -
0.5 teaspoon salt
14 -
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
15 -
60 g grated Parmesan cheese
→ Assembly and Topping
16 -
480 ml marinara sauce
17 -
200 g shredded mozzarella cheese
18 -
25 g grated Parmesan cheese
19 -
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 200°C. Slice zucchini lengthwise into 6 mm strips. Line 2–3 baking trays with parchment paper and arrange zucchini slices in a single layer.
02 -
Combine olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Brush mixture over zucchini slices. Roast for 15–20 minutes until tender but still pliable. Let cool slightly. Reduce oven temperature to 190°C.
03 -
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, beaten egg, basil, parsley, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.
04 -
Spread 120 ml marinara sauce in the base of a 23×33 cm baking dish. Arrange a layer of zucchini slices, slightly overlapping. Smooth half the ricotta mixture over the zucchini, then sprinkle 100 g mozzarella and drizzle 120 ml marinara sauce. Repeat layering with zucchini, remaining ricotta, 100 g mozzarella, and 120 ml marinara.
05 -
Finish with a final layer of zucchini. Spread remaining marinara sauce and top evenly with reserved mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
06 -
Cover dish with foil, ensuring it does not touch the cheese. Bake at 190°C for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
07 -
Garnish with fresh basil leaves just before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Ensure zucchini is roasted until just pliable to prevent excess moisture in the finished dish.