Ingredients with Measurements:
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
4. In a third shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
5. Dip each zucchini slice into the flour mixture, then the beaten eggs, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the zucchini to coat well.
6. Place the coated zucchini slices onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. Drizzle the olive oil over the zucchini slices.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each zucchini slice.
10. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce.
11. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 385
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 19g
Sodium: 1180mg
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of zucchini, you can use eggplant or yellow squash.
- Instead of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs and add Italian seasoning to them.
- Instead of marinara sauce, you can use homemade or store-bought tomato sauce.
- Instead of mozzarella cheese, you can use provolone or fontina cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or chopped onions to the zucchini before baking.
- Use a mixture of Parmesan and Romano cheese for a stronger flavor.
- Add a layer of cooked ground beef or Italian sausage between the zucchini and marinara sauce for a heartier dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the zucchini evenly so that they cook evenly.
- Use a fork to dip the zucchini slices into the egg mixture to avoid getting your hands messy.
- If you prefer a crispier coating, you can broil the zucchini for a few minutes after adding the cheese.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Baked Zucchini Parmesan on a platter with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the breadcrumbs are not sticking to the zucchini, try pressing them onto the slices more firmly.
- If the zucchini is not tender after baking, try slicing it thinner or baking it for a few more minutes.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash the zucchini thoroughly before slicing.
- Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and vegetables to avoid cross-contamination.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Parmesan cheese originated in Italy and is named after the city of Parma. It is a hard, granular cheese that is commonly used in Italian cuisine.
Flavor profiles:
The Baked Zucchini Parmesan has a crispy breadcrumb coating, tender zucchini slices, and a savory tomato sauce with melted mozzarella cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Baked Zucchini Parmesan as a main dish for dinner or as an appetizer for a party.
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Region: Italian