Name: Easy Zucchini Parmesan Bake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486884H28M8S
Total time: PT-486884H28M8S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, sliced ¼-inch thick; 1 cup marinara sauce; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for keto); 1 teaspoon Italian herbs; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe

If your summer garden is overflowing with zucchini, or you just want a fresh, comforting side dish that comes together effortlessly, you’re going to fall in love with this Easy Zucchini Parmesan Bake. Whether you go classic and layered or opt for zucchini boats, this recipe delivers ooey, gooey cheese, a pop of herby marinara, and that irresistible golden finish – all with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of dish that disappears as soon as it hits the table and leaves everyone asking for the recipe!

Easy Zucchini Parmesan Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Easy Zucchini Parmesan Bake is the short, delicious ingredient list—each one serves a real purpose. Here’s how every component brings something special, from texture to deep flavor and color.

Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is the star—it soaks up flavors and bakes up beautifully tender.
Marinara Sauce: A few spoonfuls of rich tomato sauce infuse tangy, herby depth in every bite.
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Essential for that nutty, golden crust and salty, savory punch.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to gooey perfection, pulling everything together.
Breadcrumbs (optional for keto): Add a crunchy, satisfying top layer—skip for a lighter or low-carb bake.
Italian Herbs: This mix elevates plain zucchini into a dish brimming with cozy, aromatic notes.
Garlic Powder: Gives gentle, savory heat and blends right in—no mincing needed.
Salt and Pepper: A pinch brightens and balances every ingredient—season to your liking.
Butter (for boats version): Brushed onto zucchini, it helps the cheese and seasonings stick—and adds a hint of richness.
Granulated Garlic (for boats version): Sprinkled on top, it gives a warmly spiced flavor kick.

How to Make Easy Zucchini Parmesan Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Zucchini

First, preheat your oven—425°F for the classic layered dish or 400°F if you’re making zucchini boats. For classic, slice those vibrant green zucchinis into ¼-inch-thick rounds. If you’re going for the boat style, halve them lengthwise and use a fork to lightly score the flesh—this helps flavors soak right in. Pat the cut sides dry with a paper towel to draw out excess moisture and keep your bake from getting soggy.

Step 2: Classic Layered Bake – Roast Zucchini Slices

For the classic version, toss the zucchini rounds in seasoned breadcrumbs if you want extra crunch (or skip for keto). Lay them out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes. They should come out golden and just starting to crisp up at the edges—it’s the secret to a beautifully textured bake.

Step 3: Layer & Bake (Classic Version)

Next, get layering! In a baking dish, alternate those roasted zucchini slices with spoonfuls of marinara, a sprinkle of parmesan, and gooey mozzarella. Stack up the layers, making sure each one gets its fair share of flavor. Finish with a generous cheese blanket, then bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, until everything is bubbly and gorgeously golden on top.

Step 4: Season and Stuff (Zucchini Boats Version)

If you’re trying the zucchini boats, brush the halved zucchinis with melted butter, then sprinkle with granulated garlic, black pepper, and a snowdrift of parmesan. Place them on a parchment-lined tray to help with cleanup. Slide into your 400°F oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is crisped and golden.

Step 5: Rest or Serve Hot

The classic bake needs about 10 minutes to settle so the molten cheese can set into tidy slices. Garnish with fresh basil if you want an herbal flourish. Zucchini boats, on the other hand, are best served immediately so their cheesy tops are at their peak gooeyness. Enjoy whichever version you choose!

How to Serve Easy Zucchini Parmesan Bake

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Easy Zucchini Parmesan Bake with a shower of fresh basil or flat-leaf parsley—this little step makes a world of difference for flavor and eye appeal. A few swirls of cracked black pepper or a dusting of extra parmesan on top never hurt either, adding color and another layer of deliciousness.

Side Dishes

This bake is scrumptious alongside simple sides. Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or scoop onto a fluffy pile of herbed couscous or quinoa. If you’re feeling decadent, serve it with garlicky breadsticks to mop up every bit of cheesy marinara.

Creative Ways to Present

You can go elegant and bake mini portions in ramekins for individual servings at dinner parties, or nestle zucchini boats on a platter alongside cherry tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean vibe. For a rustic look, serve the bake straight from your prettiest baking dish—it tastes as good as it looks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Zucchini Parmesan Bake stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The layers meld even more, making the flavors richer the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the classic bake, though it’s best before baking or right after assembling; just wrap tightly and stash in the freezer for up to a month. For zucchini boats, freezing is possible but may result in a softer texture once reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers in a 350°F oven until bubbling and heated through—this brings back that signature cheesy top. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works, but for best results, oven reheating keeps the texture spot-on.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce for Easy Zucchini Parmesan Bake?

Absolutely! Store-bought marinara keeps things quick and easy—just pick a sauce you love or jazz it up with extra herbs if you like a punch of flavor.

How can I make this dish low-carb or keto?

Simply skip the breadcrumbs in the classic version; you’ll get all the bubbling cheese and savory goodness without the carbs.

What cheese works best if I don’t have mozzarella?

Try provolone or fontina for a gooey melt, or use more parmesan for extra punch—cheddar, while tasty, will add a sharper flavor twist.

Can I prep Easy Zucchini Parmesan Bake in advance?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake when you’re ready to eat—add a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.

Is this dish vegetarian?

It sure is! Everything in Easy Zucchini Parmesan Bake is vegetarian-friendly and packed with nutritious veggies and cheese.

Final Thoughts

This is an absolute go-to recipe in my kitchen and I hope you’ll love Easy Zucchini Parmesan Bake as much as I do. Give it a try for a simple, homey, and deeply satisfying meal that’s sure to earn rave reviews. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request at your table!

Easy Zucchini Parmesan Bake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy recipe for Zucchini Parmesan Bake that can be made in two versions – classic layered or zucchini boats. This versatile dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for a gathering.

Instructions

Prep (15 minutes): Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) for the classic version or 400°F (200°C) for the zucchini boats. Slice zucchini into ¼-inch-thick rounds (for classic) or halve them lengthwise (for boats). For boats, use a fork to score the flesh and pat dry to remove moisture.
For Classic Version: Coat zucchini slices in seasoned breadcrumbs (optional for keto) and bake on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20-30 minutes until golden. Layer zucchini in a baking dish with marinara sauce, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Bake at 425°F for an additional 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
For Zucchini Boats Version: Brush zucchini halves with melted butter, sprinkle with garlic, pepper, and parmesan. Place on parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serve: For the classic version, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. For boats, serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian