Can I make Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the zucchini and toppings ahead of time! Simply follow the steps up until baking, then store the assembled zucchini in the fridge. When ready to serve, bake and broil as directed. This makes it a great option for meal prep or hosting a dinner party.

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe, as frozen zucchini can become watery and lose its texture when baked. However, if you must use frozen zucchini, ensure it’s thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture.

What other toppings can I use for Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara?

While the classic mozzarella and Parmesan cheese combo works best, feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can add crumbled feta cheese, grated cheddar, or even some cooked sausage for a heartier version. Fresh basil or oregano can also enhance the flavor.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, simply swap the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for vegan cheese alternatives. There are plenty of plant-based options available that melt well and taste great, so you can still enjoy all the cheesy goodness without dairy.

Easy Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara – 30-Minute Recipe

Name: Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 small zucchini, halved lengthwise; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; ½ cup marinara sauce; Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish: basil, parsley, oregano)

Description

Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara is a quick, delicious, and healthy dish. Tender zucchini topped with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese, baked to perfection, making it a perfect side dish or light main course. It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

5 small zucchini, halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ cup marinara sauce
Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish: basil, parsley, oregano)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise and line them up on a quarter-sheet baking pan. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center goes in easily and the zucchini is tender.
While zucchini is baking, combine mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning in a small mixing bowl.
Once the zucchini is cooked, top each piece with 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce, and sprinkle with an equal amount of the cheese mixture.
Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

To store leftovers, allow the zucchini to cool and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
If you prefer firmer zucchini, reduce the baking time slightly.
For a vegan version, use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 zucchini half
Calories: 150
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg