Here’s a delicious recipe for Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara – a perfect low-carb, cheesy comfort dish that’s rich, satisfying, and easy to make!
🧀 Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts with Marinara
🍽️ Serves: 4
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins
📝 Ingredients
For the Zucchini Layers:
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2 large zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Ricotta Filling:
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1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (whole milk for best flavor)
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1 egg
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1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
For Assembly:
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1 ½ cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Extra Parmesan and basil for topping (optional)
🔪 Instructions
1. Prep the Zucchini
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Brush zucchini slices with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Grill or roast zucchini slices (5–7 minutes per side) until slightly tender and golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Ricotta Mixture
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In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Assemble the Melts
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In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara.
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Layer zucchini slices to cover the base.
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Dollop and spread some ricotta mixture on top.
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Repeat: zucchini → ricotta → marinara → shredded mozzarella.
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Finish with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
4. Bake
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Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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Remove foil, bake uncovered for 10 more minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
5. Serve
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Let rest for 5 minutes.
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Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
