Crispy Zucchini Parmesan: Light and Cheesy Delight

Zucchini ParmesanPhoto byFood Fusion Frenzy

Zucchini Parmesan is a delightful twist on the classic Eggplant Parmesan, offering a lighter and equally delicious alternative. This dish features tender slices of zucchini, breaded and fried to golden perfection, then layered with marinara sauce and melted cheese.

Get the Recipe Details: Zucchini Parmesan Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Olive oil for frying

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Breading the Zucchini: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. Place the flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of Panko bread crumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper in the third. Dredge each zucchini slice in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Frying the Zucchini: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded zucchini slices in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Assembling the Dish: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of fried zucchini slices over the sauce. Spoon more marinara sauce over the zucchini, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all the zucchini is used, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Baking: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
6. Serving: Remove the Zucchini Parmesan from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Conclusion

Zucchini Parmesan is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the best of Italian flavors in a lighter, vegetable-based version. It’s a great way to enjoy the bounty of summer zucchini and makes for a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this Zucchini Parmesan is sure to impress. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of this delightful dish!