Zucchini Parmesan – Zucchini takes center stage in this adaptation off of Eggplant Parmesan. Slices of zucchini are crusted with breadcrumbs, then layered with marinara and mozzarella, making a comforting and delicious vegetarian main dish.
This isn’t a typical dish that I’d make this time of year. I know that we are headed straight into winter, and most of us used up the last of our zucchini quite a while ago. But about a month ago, I was at my grandma’s house and was had fun flipping through the pages of several magazines she had sitting there. It was dangerous, because I ended up getting my phone out and taking pictures of several recipes in a few of those magazines.
I’ve actually made several of the recipes that I took pictures of that day. This Zucchini Parmesan, the Sweet Potato Pie with Marshmallow Coconut Meringue, and a Thai Butternut Squash Soup. So even though zucchini isn’t really in season, I thought I’d use the fact that it is still on store shelves, because this recipe sounded too good to have it sit on the “to-make” list until next summer!
This casserole was everything I thought it would be. I do like eggplant parmesan, so I knew that I’d also love this zucchini version. And I love that it is a filling and comforting meat free meal. I’ve been trying to bring in more meat-free meals, but it seems like I often turn to pasta or pizza, and this was a great alternative. This does make a ton, though. I did cut it down to half, and we still had a hard time getting through it. But this is definitely one that I’m keeping on my list – especially for next summer when I’m looking for ideas to use up an abundance of zucchini!!
More Savory Zucchini Recipes
Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Sausage and Zucchini Bake
Zucchini Fries
Zucchini Tart with Ricotta and Bacon
Zucchini Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup flour
- 3 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- 3 large zucchini about 2 pounds, cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1 25 ounce jar prepared marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F. Prepare a 9x13-inch baking dish by spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
- Put the flour in one shallow dish, the eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs in a third. Dip each slice of zucchini in the flour, then coat in the egg, then coat in the breadcrumbs. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium-high heat. Cook the zucchini for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Cook in batches, and add more oil if needed.
- Spread 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place 1/3 of the zucchini in the pan, topped by 3/4 cup of the sauce and then 2/3 cup of the mozzarella. Repeat twice.
- Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top and cover lightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, remove the foil, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
Kim says
I made this tonight, and LOVED it. I made some changes and it still came out really, really good. I breaded the zucchini like the recipe said, and then I baked the slices on baking sheets until the zucchini was tender. Next time I would use my mandolin to get more uniform thickness in the slices. And I added about a cup of Parmesan to the mozzarella because I love Parmesan. Freshly grated, of course!
Deborah says
@Kim, so glad you liked it! Your changes sound wonderful!
Heather says
I made this tonight and the whole family enjoyed it, plus it used up the rest of my zucchini’s from the garden before they went bad. Thanks!!
Laura says
I am trying this soon! We try to follow Meatless Monday in this household, and my husband is always down for something with zucchini. Cheese makes everything better in my book!
Christi's Chirps says
This looks and sounds amazing! Totally one of my favorite style dishes. Veggies and cheese? Yes, please! 🙂 I can’t wait to try this SOON! This will be a great meal during the winter months!
Cheers,
Christi
grace says
why should eggplant be the only veggie that gets this honor? lovely!
Kat @ Sensible Lessons says
Making this today! Love the alternative to eggplant – which I’ve been using so much of lately. Can’t wait!
Dara says
Looks so tasty! Great way to sneak in some veggies.