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Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts

Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts
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Layered Zucchini Ricotta Melts are a quick and delicious dish featuring fresh zucchini, creamy ricotta, and melty cheeses layered to create a satisfying, wholesome meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this recipe offers a healthy comfort food option that’s naturally gluten-free and packed with flavor and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium-sized fresh zucchini, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided (for sautéing and drizzling)
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or oregano, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the zucchini: Wash the zucchini thoroughly and slice into thin, even rounds. Lightly sauté the slices in 1 tablespoon olive oil with the minced garlic for 3 to 4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still firm to the touch.
  2. Mix the ricotta filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and the chopped fresh basil or oregano. Stir well until smooth and creamy, creating a flavorful ricotta layer.
  3. Assemble the layers: Grease a baking dish lightly with olive oil. Start with a thin layer of the sautéed zucchini slices. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Bake to perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the layered dish for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Slice zucchini evenly for consistent cooking and presentation.
  • Do not skip sautéing zucchini to prevent sogginess in the final dish.
  • If ricotta is watery, drain excess liquid to improve texture.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried can be a substitute if necessary.
  • Allow the baked dish to rest before serving for neater slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini, ricotta, layered dish, cheesy bake, gluten-free appetizer, easy weeknight dinner, vegetarian

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/layered-zucchini-ricotta-melts/