This Zucchini Parmesan recipe is the definition of low effort high reward. Simply slice zucchini, layer with store-bought or homemade pasta sauce and grated cheese. Throw everything in your oven until it’s melted and bubbling. Healthy, low carb comfort food? I’m in!

a slice of zucchini parmesan topped with basil leaves on a plate with a fork.
Photo Credits: Andrea Gralow

This zucchini parmesan recipe captures the special kind of comfort that only baked tomato sauce and cheese can bring. What sets this recipe apart is its lighter take on the traditional Italian casserole. You get the warmth and coziness without all the heaviness.

Similar to my Eggplant Parmesan, I skip the breading and frying and instead opt for a gluten-free, low carb version of the classic. Don’t worry, though, I kept all the cheesy goodness!

Though it’s similar to eggplant casseroles like Greek Moussaka or Eggplant Lasagna, zucchini really has its own story to tell. When it’s roasted, it stays super light but becomes sweet and slightly caramelized with a tender, velvety texture. The baked zucchini acts as a beautiful messenger for the salty, creamy, and umami-rich combination of mozzarella and parmesan. And, it soaks up and plays with the delicate flavors of a simple tomato sauce

Serve this simple dish on a weeknight to show some extra care to yourself or loved ones. If you’d like to go the extra mile, throw together a crunchy salad, like Lemon Parmesan or Red Cabbage, while it bakes.

Table of Contents
  1. Zucchini Parmesan Ingredients
  2. How to Make Zucchini Parmesan
    1. Get Ready
    2. Make the Zucchini Parmesan
  3. What to Serve with Zucchini Parmesan
  4. More Zucchini Recipes to Try
  5. Buttery & Smooth Italian EVOO
  6. Zucchini Parmesan Recipe
ingredients for zucchini parmesan including long slices of zucchini, salt, pepper, red pasta sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, olive oil and fresh basil leaves.

Zucchini Parmesan Ingredients

Zucchini parmesan is made from just 5 primary ingredients. It also uses mainly pantry staples, so you may find yourself checking off most of this list without grabbing your shopping bag! If not, everything can be easily found at just about any grocery store. 

  • Extra virgin olive oil: Used to prevent sticking, any olive oil you have on hand will work. I use our Italian Nocellara because it’s flavorful and complex without overpowering.
  • Zucchini: Look for firm zucchini that are small to medium in size. Larger zucchini tend to be tougher and less flavorful. 
  • Salt and pepper: Crucial for enhancing the flavors of this dish. 
  • Red pasta sauce: I love to make a big batch of simple homemade spaghetti sauce to use all week. If you’re short on time, your favorite store-bought tomato-based pasta sauce will work well. 
  • Mozzarella: Grab a low-moisture mozzarella if it’s available to you. It tends to melt and turn golden without getting watery. 
  • Parmesan: Adds a depth of flavor to the mild and milky mozzarella. Grab the big blocks of Parmesan if you can–the pre-grated stuff tends to be less flavorful. 
  • Basil: Used as a garnish, basil adds a peppery, fresh, and herbaceous flavor to the baked zucchini casserole. 
an entire baked zucchini parmesan in a baking dish.

How to Make Zucchini Parmesan

With less than five minutes of active time, this zucchini parmesan recipe is perfect for nights when you have other tasks to accomplish. By tasks, I could mean throwing it in your oven and folding laundry or cleaning your house. But I could also mean catching up on TV with a glass of wine! To make this easy recipe:

Get Ready

  • Set up your oven. Set up your oven with one rack in the middle and one rack in the top third. Preheat to 400°F. Brush a large sheet pan and a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
  • Prep your ingredients. Get your homemade or store-bought spaghetti sauce ready. Trim and slice 6 to 7 medium zucchini into 1/4-inch thick slabs. Tear or slice 6-8 ounces of mozzarella cheese into bite-sized pieces. Grate enough parmesan cheese to yield 3/4 cup. 

Make the Zucchini Parmesan

  • Roast the zucchini. Arrange the zucchini in the sheet pan in one layer (they can touch but should not overlap). Season with a large pinch of kosher salt and black pepper, then brush with olive oil. long, unbaked slices of zucchini on an oiled baking sheet, seasoned with salt and pepper.
  • Bake the zucchini. Bake until the zucchini are soft and somewhat pliable, about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven (keep the oven on) and lightly pat the zucchini with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. long, baked slices of zucchini on an oiled baking sheet, seasoned with salt and pepper.
  • Assemble. Spread about 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay a few zucchini slabs in one single layer to cover the sauce. Top with about a third of the mozzarella and 1/4 cup of the grated parmesan. Repeat two more times in the same pattern, ending with the last of the zucchini on top. an entire un-baked zucchini parmesan in a baking dish.
  • Bake then broil. Place the baking dish on the center rack of the heated oven and bake  for about 20 minutes or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese has fully melted, about 20 minutes. For a little more color, transfer the baking dish to the top third of your oven. Turn your oven to broil and keep an eye on things. Remove from the oven when the top layer is golden brown, about 2 minutes. an entire baked zucchini parmesan in a baking dish.
  • Rest. Remove the zucchini parmesan from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. 
  • Serve: Slice the zucchini parmesan into 12 squares. Garnish with torn basil and serve. 
Baked zucchini parmesan in a baking dish next to two plates, each containing one slice of zucchini parmesan and a fork, and two glasses of red wine.

What to Serve with Zucchini Parmesan

Zucchini parmesan, with its melted cheese and home-style tomato sauce, brings all the comfort you need by itself. Simply serve yourself an extra square if you’re extra hungry and you have yourself a full meal!

If you want something to round things out, serve with a low-maintenance fresh salad that can be thrown together while the zucchini parmesan rests. Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad or Red Cabbage Salad have just the right amount of crunch to balance the velvety baked zucchini.

More Zucchini Recipes to Try

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A bottle of extra virgin olive oil.

Buttery & Smooth Italian EVOO

Extra Virgin Olive Oil from hand-picked, cold-extracted Nocellara olives.

4.88 from 32 votes

Zucchini Parmesan

Suzy Karadsheh
a slice of zucchini parmesan topped with basil leaves on a plate with a fork.
This simple Zucchini Parmesan recipe is as easy as slicing zucchini, layering it with your choice of store-bought or homemade pasta sauce and grated cheese, and baking it in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Quick and comforting, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Prep – 5 minutes
Cook – 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total – 50 minutes
Cuisine:
Italian
Serves – 12
Course:
Dinner, Entree

Ingredients
  

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 to 7 medium zucchini (about 2 1/2 pounds) trimmed and cut into 1/4-inch thick slabs
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups red pasta sauce, homemade or your favorite store-bought
  • 6 to 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, torn or sliced
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Handful basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Get ready. Position one rack in the middle and one rack in the top third of your oven. Preheat to 400°F. Brush a large sheet pan and a 9 x13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil.
  • Roast the zucchini. Arrange the zucchini in the sheet pan in one layer (they can touch but should not overlap). Season the top of the zucchini slabs with kosher salt and black pepper, then brush with olive oil.
  • Bake. Place on the middle rack until the zucchini are soft and somewhat pliable (they do not need to be fully cooked through), about 15 minutes. Remove from the oven but keep the oven on. Carefully and lightly pat the zucchini with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  • Assemble the zucchini parmesan casserole. Spread about 1/2 cup of the sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay a few zucchini slabs in one single layer to cover the sauce. Top with about a third of the mozzarella and 1/4 cup of the grated parmesan. Repeat two more times in the same pattern, ending with the last of the zucchini on top.
  • Bake then broil. Place the baking dish on the center rack of the heated oven and bake until the zucchini is tender and the cheese has fully melted, about 20 minutes. For a little more color, transfer the baking dish to the top rack. Turn your oven to broil and keep an eye on things. Remove from the oven when the top layer is golden brown, about 2 minutes.
  • Rest. Remove the zucchini parmesan from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Serve: When the cheese and liquids have settled, cut the zucchini parmesan into 12 squares. Garnish with the torn basil and serve.

Video

Notes

  • Avoid the temptation to slice right into the casserole. It needs a few minutes to rest and cool, or it will become a bit of a melty mess.
  • A low-moisture mozzarella is preferred for this recipe. It tends to melt and turn golden-brown better than water-packed mozzarella.
  • Always keep a close eye when you’re broiling! The cheese will go from golden brown to smoking quickly.
  • Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oilshoneyjams and spices.

Nutrition

Calories: 92.8kcalCarbohydrates: 5.8gProtein: 6.5gFat: 5.3gSaturated Fat: 2.9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.4gCholesterol: 16.6mgSodium: 351.3mgPotassium: 369mgFiber: 1.4gSugar: 3.7gVitamin A: 478.5IUVitamin C: 19.7mgCalcium: 146.8mgIron: 0.7mg
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I’m Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I’m all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you’re here…
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4.88 from 32 votes (14 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Maria says:

    5 stars
    This is another winner! I absolutely LOVE this dish! I have made this a few times already and my husband and I basically lick our plates clean! Thank you so much for posting this wonderful recipe! 🙂

    1. TMD Team says:

      Thanks so much, Maria!

  2. Jackie Maxwell says:

    5 stars
    I cannot remember if I commented the first time I made this, but it is so delicious a second comment cannot hurt! I love this dish, and follow the recipe exactly! I serve it with whole wheat spaghetti pasta because my little great grandson loves it that way! Thank you for this wonderful recipe! It is amazing!❤️❤️❤️

  3. Dana says:

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner last night. I absolutely loved it! I look forward to having leftovers for lunch today. Thank you.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Awesome! Thanks, Dana!

  4. Rebecca says:

    5 stars
    This was amazing! I used half regular mozzarella and half smoked mozzarella, I’m not a big red sauce person but this was delicious!

    1. TMD Team says:

      So glad to hear that, Rebecca! Thank you!

  5. Jocelyn says:

    5 stars
    OMG! So absolutely delicious! Just as tasty as vegi parmigiana in a restaurant! I’m hooked!!!

    1. TMD Team says:

      Awesome! Thanks so much, Jocelyn!

  6. Tony Conver says:

    5 stars
    This was great. Mostly a meat eater and trying to increase veg plant diet. This was really good. For me a big step to veg Italian meals. Thanks for the recipe. It will keep me on the veg look out.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Awesome! Thanks, Tony!

  7. Bonnie says:

    5 stars
    I served this dish last night for our friends who primarily eat a plant-based diet.
    Big hit! I used my mandolin to slice the zucchini and let the strips “sweat” with some table salt for 15 minutes, using a paper towel to remove excess moisture. The end result was so delicious!

  8. Dragana says:

    Is it possible to prepare the dish a day in advance and bake it the next day before serving?
    Thank you for all your lovely recipes!

    1. TMD Team says:

      That will work! Just be sure to cover it well in the refrigerator.

  9. Sue says:

    5 stars
    So good! I should have sliced my zuc slabs a bit thinner but still turned out delicious. My meat loving husband didn’t even miss the meat! A definite keeper.

  10. Kelly McFall says:

    5 stars
    This was delicious and easy to make. I will have this on repeat.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Awesome! Thanks, Kelly!

  11. B says:

    5 stars
    Easy, Fresh and very tasty. Thank you for another beautiful meal!

  12. Sheila Stark says:

    5 stars
    I made this recipe and it was a success but add doing the marinara sauce was not mentioned after the first half cup. Did it get applied between layers of over the whole thing? I missed a layer as it wasn’t mentioned but the third and fourth layers got covered and all agreed that it was very good. My worry is that no one has tested the recipe.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Hi, Sheila. Here are the instructions: Spread about ½ cup of the sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay a few zucchini slabs in one single layer to cover the sauce. Top with about a third of the mozzarella and ¼ cup of the grated parmesan. Repeat two more times in the same pattern (marinara-zucchini-mozzarella-grated parm), ending with the last of the zucchini on top. Enjoy!

  13. Caroline says:

    Is it possible to freeze this?

    1. TMD Team says:

      Sure, Caroline. That should be fine.

  14. Michael says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is delicious. My only change would be to salt the zucchini strips and place them in a colander to drain before baking the next time. I served it with homemade artisan bread. Overall, outstanding.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Thanks for your feedback, Michael! Glad you enjoyed the recipe!

  15. Freddie says:

    Hi.
    Love your recipes. Always a hit.
    Would you be so kind and,if at all possible, also mention the temperature in celsius? It would help for non Fahrenheit countries.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Hi, Freddie. 400 degrees F = 200 degrees C. Hope you give this recipe a try!

  16. Feisty Granny says:

    5 stars
    Wow, what a different and delicious way to serve zucchini. This recipe takes this bland vegetable up more than a notch. We’ve tried this vegetable every other way and tried decided to try this recipe!

    1. TMD Team says:

      So glad you loved it!!