Description
If you're looking for a healthy, satisfying, and family-friendly meal, Zucchini Parmesan is the perfect choice. This dish offers a delightful twist on the traditional eggplant parmesan by using fresh zucchini as the star ingredient.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Zucchini:
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- 4 large zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
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- 2 cups whole wheat breadcrumbs
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- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
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- Salt and pepper to taste
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- 3 large eggs, beaten
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- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free alternative)
For the Marinara Sauce:
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- 4 cups canned crushed tomatoes
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- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
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- 3 cloves garlic, minced
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- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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- 1 teaspoon dried basil
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- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
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- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
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- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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- Prep the Zucchini:
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- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
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- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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- Season the zucchini slices with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
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- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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- Dredge each zucchini slice in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
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- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
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- Prep the Zucchini:
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- Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
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- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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- Sauté the onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
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- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
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- Prepare the Marinara Sauce:
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- Assemble the Zucchini Parmesan:
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- Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
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- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
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- Place a layer of baked zucchini slices on top of the sauce.
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- Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the zucchini.
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- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
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- Assemble the Zucchini Parmesan:
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- Bake:
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- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
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- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
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- Bake:
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- Garnish and Serve:
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- Let the Zucchini Parmesan rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
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- Garnish and Serve:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes