Smoky Grilled Zucchini Parmesan Layers (Print Version)

Make tender Grilled Zucchini Parmesan with smoky zucchini, rich marinara, and melty cheese. A lighter take on a classic comfort dish.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 3-4 medium Zucchini (8-10 inches long)
02 - 2 cups Good Quality Marinara Sauce
03 - 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella (sliced or torn)
04 - 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese

→ Flavor Boosters

05 - 2 tbsp Olive Oil
06 - 2-3 cloves Garlic (minced)
07 - Handful Fresh Basil (roughly chopped)
08 - Pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

→ Seasonings

09 - Salt (to taste)
10 - Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those zucchini ready! Wash them well, then slice them lengthwise into about 1/4 to 1/3-inch thick planks. Too thin, and they'll fall apart on the grill (ask me how I know, oops!). Too thick, and they won't get tender enough. Lay them out on a baking sheet, brush both sides generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step is key for flavor and for preventing sticking. I usually see them glisten under the oil, ready for their smoky transformation.
02 - Heat your grill to medium-high. Once hot, place the zucchini slices on the grates. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they have lovely char marks and are tender, but still hold their shape. You don't want them mushy! This is where that smoky flavor really develops, which is essential for our Grilled Zucchini Parmesan. I love watching the grill marks appear, smelling that classic summer scent. Don't overcrowd the grill, or they'll steam instead of char; work in batches if you need to.
03 - Grab an 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking dish. Pour about 1/3 of your marinara sauce onto the bottom and spread it evenly. This creates a cozy bed for our zucchini. Next, arrange a single layer of your grilled zucchini slices over the sauce. Don't worry if they overlap a little; it just adds to the rustic charm. Sprinkle some minced garlic, a few red pepper flakes (if using), and a little fresh basil over this layer. It's starting to smell amazing already, honestly!
04 - Now for the good stuff! Tear or slice about half of your fresh mozzarella and scatter it over the zucchini layer. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese too. Then, repeat the layering: another 1/3 of the marinara, another layer of grilled zucchini, more garlic, red pepper flakes, basil, and the remaining fresh mozzarella and Parmesan. You're building flavor, layer by delicious layer. I always make sure to get cheese in every little nook and cranny.
05 - For the final layer, spread the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle with any leftover Parmesan cheese you have. Pop the baking dish into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown. I usually peek through the oven door, eagerly waiting for that perfect bubbly, cheesy crust. The kitchen starts to smell absolutely divine at this point.
06 - Once it's out of the oven, resist the urge to dig in immediately! Let the Grilled Zucchini Parmesan rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the layers to set and makes it much easier to slice and serve without everything falling apart. Trust me, it’s worth the wait. Garnish with a fresh sprinkle of basil before serving. It looks so vibrant and inviting, a real showstopper from simple ingredients. Enjoy your delicious creation!

# Notes:

01 - Don't over-grill the zucchini; it should be tender with char marks, not limp or watery.
02 - Assemble this dish ahead, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
03 - For a more traditional feel, swap zucchini for eggplant, grilling it similarly.
04 - A final sprinkle of fresh oregano or parsley along with the basil really brightens the flavors.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Grill (outdoor or indoor)
02 - 8x8 or 9x9 inch baking dish
03 - large bowl
04 - tongs
05 - sharp knife
06 - cutting board

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 22g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 18g

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