Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/14 checked
6
servings
1 pound

zucchini

cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices

6 unit

garlic cloves

peeled

0.5 unit

olive oil

cooking spray

0.5 cup

Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

0.25 cup

Parmesan cheese

grated fresh

1 cup

milk

2% reduced-fat

0.5 cup

ricotta cheese

fat-free

0.5 tsp

black pepper

0.25 tsp

salt

0.13 tsp

ground nutmeg

1 unit

egg

large

1 cup

cherry tomatoes

chopped

0.25 cup

fresh basil leaves

chopped

1.5 tsp

vegetable oil

Step 1
~3 min

Preheat broiler.

Step 2
~3 min

Lightly coat zucchini and garlic with cooking spray.

Step 3
~3 min

Place zucchini and garlic on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 4
~3 min

Broil for 5 minutes or until garlic and zucchini are lightly browned.

Step 5
~3 min

Remove garlic from baking sheet and mince.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 6
~3 min

Set zucchini aside.

Step 7
~3 min

Combine minced garlic, breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Step 8
~3 min

Set breadcrumb mixture aside.

Step 9
~3 min

Combine milk, ricotta cheese, black pepper, salt, nutmeg, and egg in a medium bowl, stirring with a whisk.

Step 10
~3 min

Combine chopped tomatoes, basil and vegetable oil in a bowl.

Step 11
~3 min

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 12
~3 min

Spread 1/2 cup milk mixture in the bottom of an 11x7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 13
~3 min

Arrange zucchini slices over milk mixture to cover the bottom of the dish.

Step 14
~3 min

Top with 1/3 cup breadcrumb mixture and 1/2 cup milk mixture.

Step 15
~3 min

Repeat layers, ending with the zucchini.

Step 16
~3 min

Top with the tomato mixture.

Step 17
~3 min

Sprinkle with the remaining breadcrumb mixture.

Step 18
~3 min

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 45 minutes or until bubbly and brown.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Use a mandoline to ensure even zucchini slices.

Broil garlic cloves until golden brown for best flavor.

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to prevent it from falling apart.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a side dish or vegetarian main course.

Pairs well with a simple salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Roasted Chicken
Grilled Fish

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Italy

Cultural Significance

A popular dish in Italian-American cuisine, often served at family gatherings.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Thanksgiving
Christmas

Occasion Tags

weeknight dinner
family gathering
potluck

Popularity Score

70/100

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