Description
Savor summer’s bounty with this irresistible Italian Zucchini Bake, blending fresh garden vegetables and rich cheeses in a comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish. Crisp edges, melted mozzarella, and aromatic herbs promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups (710 ml) zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 12 ounces (340 grams) mozzarella cheese (8 ounces/227 grams pre-shredded mozzarella + 4 ounces/113 grams smoked fresh mozzarella)
- 1.5 cups (355 ml) marinara sauce
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 cup (240 ml) chopped yellow onions
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Cooking Base:
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Coat zucchini and onions with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer on a sheet pan, ensuring vegetables are not overcrowded for proper roasting.
- Roast vegetables for 25 minutes until edges turn golden brown and onions become tender, concentrating the natural flavors and preventing excess moisture.
- Remove the sheet pan from the oven and drizzle marinara sauce evenly across the roasted vegetables. Gently mix to distribute the sauce thoroughly.
- Distribute shredded mozzarella across the vegetable mixture, followed by strategically placed chunks of smoked fresh mozzarella for enhanced texture and depth of flavor.
- Return the pan to the oven for 5 minutes, allowing cheese to melt completely. Switch to broiler for 2-3 minutes to create a crispy, caramelized cheese topping. Monitor closely to prevent burning.
Notes
- Roast zucchini and onions at high heat to concentrate flavors and prevent soggy texture, ensuring crisp golden edges and maximum taste intensity.
- Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for rich, creamy melting and enhanced depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Broiling adds delightful caramelization and creates an irresistible golden-brown cheese crust that provides textural contrast and visual appeal.
- Customize the recipe by substituting marinara with alternative sauces like pesto or arrabbiata, or add protein like grilled chicken or plant-based alternatives for a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg