Mozzarella and Basil with Marinara Sauce

Indulge in the classic, comforting flavors of this Mozzarella and Basil with Marinara Sauce recipe, a dish that combines creamy, gooey mozzarella with the vibrant freshness of basil, all smothered in a rich homemade marinara sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, this oven-baked delight features layers of melted cheese and aromatic tomato sauce, enhanced with garlic, olive oil, and a subtle kick of optional red chili flakes. Served alongside crispy, toasted baguette slices for dipping, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to prepare in just 25 minutes. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or craving a cozy Italian-inspired treat, this recipe delivers unbeatable flavor and simplicity.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams Mozzarella cheese (fresh, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds)
• 10 leaves Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 0.5 teaspoons Red chili flakes (optional)
• 0.25 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 loaf Baguette or crusty bread (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3

Add the marinara sauce to the pan and stir in the red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce over low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4

In a small, oven-safe dish or skillet, spread a thin layer of the marinara sauce to coat the bottom.

Step 5

Layer the mozzarella cheese slices evenly over the sauce, slightly overlapping if necessary.

Step 6

Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the mozzarella slices, ensuring the cheese is mostly covered but still visible in places.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.

Step 8

Remove the dish from the oven and immediately garnish with the fresh basil leaves.

Step 9

If serving with bread, slice the baguette or crusty bread and toast it in the oven for 5 minutes or until crispy.

Step 10

Serve the Mozzarella and Basil with Marinara Sauce hot, with the toasted bread on the side for dipping.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(931.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2181.4

Total Fat 91.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 178.6mg	0%
Sodium 3336.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 227.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.4g	0%
Total Sugars 19.9g
Protein 92.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1456.1mg	0%
Iron 12.8mg	0%
Potassium 705.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.2%

Protein: 17.5%

Carbs: 43.2%