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Zucchini Parmesan Casserole with Crispy Fried Zucchini Recipe

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4.2 from 13 reviews

Zucchini Parmesan is a crispy, cheesy casserole featuring breaded and fried zucchini slices layered with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. This flavorful Italian-inspired dish makes a satisfying vegetarian main course or side dish, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Zucchini and Breading

  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 2-3 egg whites (beaten until frothy)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ cup flour
  • ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Cheese

  • 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese

Frying Oil

  • 20 oz. vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Wash the zucchini and pat dry. Slice into ¼ inch thick rounds to ensure crispiness. Lay slices on paper towels, sprinkle a light layer of salt on both sides, and cover with more paper towels. Let them sit for 30 minutes to an hour to draw out moisture. Pat slices dry thoroughly before breading.
  2. Make the Breading Station: Beat the egg whites with garlic powder until frothy in one bowl. In another bowl, combine flour, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  3. Bread the Zucchini: Dip each zucchini slice into the egg whites, then coat generously with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breading onto the slices with the back of a spoon to ensure it adheres well. Repeat on both sides.
  4. Heat the Oil: In a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C), using enough oil to cover zucchini slices halfway. Add more oil if needed during frying.
  5. Fry the Zucchini: Fry the breaded zucchini slices for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to allow even frying and crispiness. Remove and place on a cooling rack to maintain crispness.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  7. Assemble the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Arrange a layer of fried zucchini slices over the sauce, spoon more marinara sauce over each slice, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering until all zucchini is used, either stacking neatly or overlapping slices.
  8. Bake: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
  9. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot, ideally alongside Cheesy Garlic Bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • There is no need to peel zucchini unless they are very large and the skin is tough or bitter.
  • For a lighter version, zucchini can be baked or air fried instead of deep frying before assembling the casserole.
  • Patting the zucchini thoroughly dry after salting is key to achieving a crisp texture when fried.
  • Using a cooling rack after frying keeps the zucchini crisp by allowing air circulation.
  • Keep an eye on the frying process as the slices can brown quickly once they start to color.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/zucchini-parmesan-casserole-with-crispy-fried-zucchini-recipe/