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Three Cheese Zucchini Parmesan Recipe

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4.3 from 3 reviews

A crispy and melty Three Cheese Zucchini Parmesan recipe featuring breaded zucchini slices pan-fried to golden perfection, topped with a trio of cheeses, and finished under the broiler with flavorful marinara sauce. This delightful vegetarian dish serves as a satisfying appetizer or light main course.

Ingredients

Zucchini and Coating

  • 2 medium zucchini (approximately 1 pound total)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus more for topping)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (more or less as needed)

Cheese and Sauce

  • 1/2 cup fontina cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 2 cups Simple Marinara Sauce (or sauce of choice)

Instructions

  1. Cut Zucchini: Cut off the ends of each zucchini and slice lengthwise into 1/2 inch thick slices to yield about eight pieces. Set aside.
  2. Set Up Dredging Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with a beaten egg, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, dried parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
  3. Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a large nonstick skillet to cover the bottom and heat over medium low heat until hot.
  4. Flour Zucchini: Coat each zucchini slice in flour on both sides, shaking off excess to create a thin coating.
  5. Egg Zucchini: Dip the floured zucchini slices into the beaten egg, letting excess drip off.
  6. Breadcrumb Zucchini: Coat the zucchini slices evenly on both sides with the breadcrumb mixture. Place dredged slices on a plate if preparing ahead.
  7. Cook Zucchini: Fry the zucchini in batches, placing 2-3 slices at a time in the hot oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Use a splatter screen to avoid oil splashes.
  8. Rest: Transfer cooked zucchini slices to a foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat frying for all slices, adding oil as needed and heating before each batch.
  9. Add Cheese: Sprinkle fontina and mozzarella over each zucchini slice to provide a protective cheesy layer.
  10. Broil Cheese: Place the baking sheet on the top rack of the oven and broil with the door slightly open just until the cheese melts, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  11. Add Sauce and More Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven, spoon marinara sauce over each slice, top with remaining mozzarella, fontina, and extra Parmesan cheese.
  12. Broil Again: Return the tray to the broiler and broil until the cheese melts and begins to brown lightly, taking just a few seconds.
  13. Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately alongside pasta or your preferred side dishes.

Notes

  • Use a splatter screen to reduce hot oil splashes during frying.
  • Do not use silicone baking mats under the broiler; foil is preferred to avoid damage.
  • Keep a close watch during broiling as cheese melts and browns quickly.
  • Fontina and mozzarella cheeses create a moisture barrier preventing soggy zucchini under the sauce.
  • You can prepare breaded zucchini slices ahead and fry just before serving to save time.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/three-cheese-zucchini-parmesan-recipe/