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.
