Giant Zucchini Parmesan

When summer rolls around and the garden is overflowing with produce, I can’t resist the temptation to create something special with my giant zucchinis. That’s when I first stumbled upon the idea of Giant Zucchini Parmesan. The thought of crispy, breaded zucchini, layered with rich cheese and homemade marinara sauce, filled me with excitement. It was the perfect dish to serve at our family gatherings, where everyone could indulge in a slice of comfort food while celebrating the bounties of summer. I remember the laughter and joy as we dug into this cheesy delight, the golden, crispy edges beckoning us for just one more bite. Each layer of flavors harmonized perfectly, making it a memorable meal that has become a staple in my kitchen.

What’s In This Giant Zucchini Parmesan

When creating Giant Zucchini Parmesan, the key ingredients work harmoniously to bring out the best flavors. The combination of cheese adds richness, while the zucchini keeps the dish light and fresh. Each element plays an important role, contributing to the overall experience of this delightful meal.

• 1/2 cup part skim ricotta: This creamy cheese adds a velvety texture and a subtle sweetness.
• 6 tablespoons part-skim shredded mozzarella: Melting beautifully, mozzarella creates that classic cheesy pull we all love.
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese: This sharp cheese adds a depth of flavor that enhances the dish.
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley: Not only does it brighten the dish, but it also adds a fresh herbal note.
• 1 giant zucchini, sliced into twelve half-inch thick slices: The star of the show, zucchini is both nutritious and delicious.
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the dish.
• Freshly ground black pepper: A sprinkle adds warmth and balances the richness of the cheese.
• 2 large eggs: These help bind the bread crumbs to the zucchini, ensuring a crispy coating.
• 1 cup seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs: Provides the necessary crunch and a hearty flavor.
• Olive oil spray: A light mist gives the breading a beautiful golden color without excess fat.
• 1 cup warmed marinara sauce: A classic accompaniment that adds moisture and flavor.

How to Cook Giant Zucchini Parmesan

Cooking Giant Zucchini Parmesan is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these steps to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s dive into the instructions that will guide you through this culinary adventure!

1. Start by combining the ricotta, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, and parsley in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined, creating a creamy filling that will add depth to your dish.
2. Next, season the zucchini slices generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This enhances the natural flavor of the zucchini and prepares it for the breadcrumbs.
3. In a shallow plate, beat the eggs together with a teaspoon of water. This egg wash will help the breadcrumbs stick to the zucchini, creating a perfect golden crust.
4. On another plate, place the seasoned bread crumbs. Ensure they are evenly spread out, allowing for easy coating of the zucchini.
5. Now, take each slice of zucchini and dip it into the egg mixture. Make sure to coat it well, then transfer it to the plate with the bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to both sides.
6. Once all the zucchini slices are coated, spray a generous amount of olive oil spray on each side. This will help achieve that desired crispiness when cooked.
7. Transfer the coated zucchini to the air fryer basket in an even layer, working in batches if necessary. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket for even cooking.
8. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit while the air fryer works its magic. Air fry the zucchini at 380 degrees for about twelve minutes, turning halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they are crisp, golden, and tender in the center.
9. Once cooked, transfer the zucchini slices to a baking sheet. Spoon a generous tablespoon of warmed marinara sauce on each piece, followed by a tablespoon of the cheese mixture. This layering is key for flavor.
10. Finally, bake the assembled zucchini in the preheated oven until the cheese is melted and golden, which takes about five to six minutes. For a quicker option, you can also finish them in the air fryer at 350 degrees until the cheese melts, usually one to two minutes.
11. If you prefer, you can bake the zucchini directly on a sheet pan sprayed with oil until golden, which typically takes about eighteen minutes, flipping halfway through.

Tips and Tricks about Giant Zucchini Parmesan

To ensure your cooking experience with Giant Zucchini Parmesan is smooth, here are some valuable tips and tricks to keep in mind:

• Storage: After cooking, let the dish cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Just cover tightly and store for up to a month. To bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then follow the baking instructions.
• Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a light salad or some crusty bread to balance the richness of the cheese and zucchini.
• Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as eggplant or bell peppers, to the layers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs, such as basil or oregano, to customize the flavor to your liking.

What Goes Well With This Giant Zucchini Parmesan

When serving Giant Zucchini Parmesan, there are plenty of delightful pairings that can enhance your meal:

• Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the parmesan.
• Garlic Bread: This classic pairing adds a satisfying crunch and makes the meal feel even more indulgent.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables, drizzled with olive oil, add color and nutrition to your plate.
• Perfect for Brunch: Serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a delightful brunch option.
• Family Gatherings: This dish is great for potlucks and gatherings, as it’s easy to make in larger portions and can be served warm or at room temperature.
• Meal Prep: This is a fantastic dish to prepare in advance; it stores well and tastes delicious the next day.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Giant Zucchini Parmesan transforms a simple vegetable into a comforting and flavorful dish that everyone will love. It’s a fantastic way to make use of fresh produce during the summer months, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors and textures it brings to the table. You won’t be disappointed!

Giant Zucchini Parmesan

The ultimate comfort food, Giant Zucchini Parmesan combines layers of crispy zucchini with rich cheese and tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for a summer gathering or a cozy dinner, this dish will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Make it tonight for a deliciously indulgent meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup ricotta
• 6 tablespoons shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano cheese
• 2 tablespoons parsley finely chopped, plus more for garnish
• 1 giant zucchini sliced into 12 half-inch thick slices
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs or gluten-free crumbs
• olive oil spray
• 1 cup warmed marinara sauce Jarred is fine, plus 1/2 cup more for serving

Instructions

 

• Combine the ricotta, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, and parsley in a medium bowl.
• Season both sides of the zucchini with salt and black pepper.
• In a shallow plate, beat the eggs and 1 teaspoon of water together. Place the bread crumbs in another plate.
• Place each slice of zucchini in the egg, then the bread crumbs.
• Spray a generous amount of olive oil spray on each side and transfer to the air fryer basket in an even layer, in batches as needed.
• Preheat the oven to 425F.
• Air fry at 380F for 12 minutes turning halfway, until crisp, golden, and tender in the center. Set aside. Transfer to a baking sheet.
• Spoon each piece with 1 generous tablespoon of sauce, then 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture.
• Bake until the cheese is melted and golden, about 5 to 6 minutes.
• If you prefer to do this all in the air fryer, you can air fry in batches at 350F until the cheese is melted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
• Bake the zucchini in a preheated oven at 425F on a sheet pan sprayed with oil until golden, 18 minutes flipping halfway.

Notes

• Tip 1: 1/4 cup of ricotta gets tossed during the preparation.
• Tip 2: If you're trying to avoid cheese with rennet, you can use Organic Valley Shredded Parmesan or BelGioioso Vegetarian Parmesan as vegetarian options.

Keyword easy zucchini dish, summer recipes, vegetable comfort food, Zucchini Parmesan recipe

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Meet Elena Vance

I am passionate about the idea that we eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make food look just as good as it tastes. I work closely with the team to style and photograph our dishes, giving you a clear, beautiful guide on what to aim for. I had so much fun preparing this recipe, and I hope you find just as much joy in making it (and eating it!) as we did.