Zucchini Roll-Ups Recipe

This creamy Zucchini Roll-Up recipe is made with tender zucchini slices, creamy ricotta cheese, savory Parmesan, fresh basil, and a rich tomato marinara sauce. This recipe creates a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes, resulting in a comforting and flavorful main course. The result is a perfect low-carb dinner, great for a weeknight meal but elegant enough to serve to guests, making enough for 4-6 people.

Zucchini Roll-Ups Ingredients

For the Zucchini:

• 3-4 medium zucchini
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Filling:

• 450g (15 oz) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 50g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 30g (¼ cup) chopped fresh basil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 680g (24 oz) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
• 150g (1 ½ cups) shredded mozzarella cheese

How To Make Zucchini Roll-Ups

1. Prepare the zucchini: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin, uniform strips about ⅛-inch thick. A mandoline slicer is best for this. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
2. Bake the zucchini: Bake the zucchini slices for 10-15 minutes, or until they are tender and flexible. This step is crucial as it removes excess water and makes them easy to roll. Let them cool slightly.
3. Make the ricotta filling: While the zucchini is baking, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, chopped basil, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Prepare the baking dish: Reduce the oven temperature to 190°C (375°F). Spread about one cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Assemble the roll-ups: Lay a zucchini slice flat and spread about two tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly over it. Carefully roll it up and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat with the remaining zucchini and filling.
6. Add sauce and cheese: Top the assembled zucchini rolls with the remaining marinara sauce, ensuring they are well-covered. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Bake until bubbly: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Slice Zucchini Evenly: For the best results, use a mandoline slicer to get thin, even slices of zucchini. This ensures they cook uniformly and are flexible enough to roll without breaking.
• Don’t Skip Pre-baking: Baking the zucchini slices before filling them is the most important step. It draws out excess moisture, which prevents the final dish from becoming watery and concentrates the zucchini flavor.
• Let the Ricotta Drain: If your ricotta cheese seems particularly wet, you can let it drain in a fine-mesh sieve for about 30 minutes before mixing the filling. This also helps prevent a watery result.
• Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the zucchini strips with the ricotta mixture. About two tablespoons per slice is usually enough to ensure they roll up neatly without the filling squeezing out.

What To Serve With Zucchini Roll-Ups

These Zucchini Roll-Ups are a fantastic low-carb main course. Serve them with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce. For a balanced meal, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a perfect, refreshing accompaniment. You could also pair them with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, to round out the dinner.

How To Store Zucchini Roll-Ups Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover Zucchini Roll-Ups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until heated through.
• Freeze: It is not recommended to freeze this dish, as the zucchini and ricotta filling can become watery and lose their texture upon thawing. For the best quality, enjoy it fresh.

Zucchini Roll-Ups Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/6th of the dish

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 23g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the entire dish a day in advance. Prepare the roll-ups in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, you may need to add about 10 minutes to the baking time.
• Can I use a different kind of cheese? Absolutely. You can add other cheeses like spinach to the ricotta filling for extra flavor and nutrients. You can also swap the mozzarella for a different melting cheese like provolone or an Italian blend.
• My zucchini strips broke when I tried to roll them. What did I do wrong? If your zucchini is breaking, it’s likely either sliced too thickly or it wasn’t baked long enough to become pliable. Ensure the slices are thin and bake them until they are soft and flexible before attempting to roll.

Try More Recipes:

• Zucchini Quinoa Cakes Recipe
• Zucchini Noodles Recipe
• Zucchini Lasagna Recipe
• Zucchini Carbonara Recipe