About
Zucchini doesn't just have to get turned into bread! It can also be an all-star savory side dish! Case in point, the Cheesy Zucchini Bake! The tender, sweet, and juicy zucchini gets a melty, golden-brown cheesy coating, all paired with fragrant spices and rich marinara. It's simple and easy, but it also has a rich complexity of homespun flavors you can't find anywhere else! Cheesy Zucchini Bake is vegetarian cooking at its finest!
Ingredients
- olive oil cooking spray, to taste, for greasing the baking dish
- 6 medium zucchinis (about 2 pounds), unpeeled
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella, shredded, divided
- 2 tablespoons parmesan, grated
Directions
Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 2 -Spray a square 2-quart baking dish with the olive oil spray.
Step 3 -Slice the zucchinis into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
Step 4 -Sprinkle the zucchini slices with the salt.
Step 5 -Place the zucchini slices in a colander and allow them to drain at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step helps prevent a watery casserole.
Step 6 -Transfer the drained zucchini to a large bowl.
Step 7 -Add the marinara sauce, the black pepper, the dried oregano, the garlic powder, and 1 cup of the mozzarella and mix to combine.
Step 8 -Transfer the zucchini mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Step 9 -Sprinkle the mixture with the remaining mozzarella and the parmesan.
Step 10 -Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is bubbly and browned, about 30 minutes.
Step 11 -Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes.
Step 12 -Serve.
