Zucchini might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of comfort food, but these roll-ups have changed my mind—it’s like they wrapped a hug in zucchini slices! Just the other day, as I was scrolling through my phone, I came across a video of a cat trying to fit into a tiny box, and it hit me—zucchini roll-ups are just like that, compact yet bursting with surprises. Although, speaking of surprises, who knew TikTok would make zucchini the latest trend? Let’s jump into this delightful dish!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Trim the ends off the zucchini and use a mandoline to slice them into 1/4-inch thick sheets.
- Arrange the zucchini slices on the prepared baking sheet, brush both sides with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until they become soft and mostly dry.
- Mix the tomato sauce, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Adjust the salt as needed and spread a thin layer of this sauce in the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and Italian seasoning to prepare the cheese filling.
- Lay the roasted zucchini slices on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture or oil.
- Spread a tablespoon of the ricotta mixture over each zucchini slice, add a sprinkle of mozzarella, roll them up tightly, and place them in the baking dish, seam side down. Repeat for all slices.
- Spoon a bit of the remaining tomato sauce over each roll, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Ingredients
- Medium to large zucchini – used as a substitute for lasagna noodles.
- Olive oil – for roasting the zucchini and adding flavor to the sauce.
- Sea salt and black pepper – for seasoning.
- Ricotta cheese – preferably whole milk for a creamy texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – for the cheese filling.
- Mozzarella cheese – shredded, for the filling and topping.
- Egg – acts as a binder for the cheese filling.
- Italian seasoning – can use homemade or store-bought.
- Tomato sauce – base for the sauce.
- Balsamic vinegar – adds tang and sweetness to the sauce.
- Garlic – fresh or 1/2 teaspoon of jarred minced garlic.
- Fresh basil – for garnishing (optional).
- Fresh parsley – for garnishing (optional).
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1400 | Fat: 98.8g | Protein: 88g | Total Carbs: 48.4g | Net Carbs: 37.2g | Fiber: 11.2g | Sugar: 30.8g
FAQ
- Can I substitute the ricotta cheese in the zucchini roll ups?
- Yes, you can swap ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a protein boost or use part-skim ricotta if you prefer a lighter option. Both alternatives maintain the creamy texture of the filling.
- What can I use instead of a mandoline to slice zucchini?
- If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife can be used to slice the zucchini. However, it may be challenging to achieve thin and even slices.
- How should I store leftover zucchini roll ups?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze the assembled dish (without baking) for up to 3 months.
- Is it possible to add meat to this dish?
- Yes, you can add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken to the zucchini roll ups for extra protein. Simply layer the meat over the ricotta mixture before rolling up.
- Can I reheat zucchini roll ups in the microwave?
- Absolutely, though reheating in the oven at 350 degrees F is preferable, the microwave also works well for warming up the dish.
Tips
- Use a Mandoline for Even Slices: A mandoline slicer is highly recommended to achieve uniform and thin zucchini slices, which will make the rolling process easier and ensure even cooking.
- Pat Zucchini Dry After Roasting: After roasting the zucchini slices, pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step helps prevent the final dish from becoming watery.
- Customize the Filling: If you’re looking to add more protein to your meal, consider incorporating cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken into the cheese filling before rolling up the zucchini slices.
- Prepare in Advance: For easy meal prep, assemble the entire dish minus the final baking step and freeze it for up to three months. This allows you to bake straight from the freezer whenever you’re ready to enjoy it.
Equipment
- Mandoline – For slicing zucchini into thin, even sheets.
- Glass Baking Dish – An 8×8 square glass casserole dish is recommended for assembling and baking the roll-ups.
- Baking Sheet – A sturdy, non-stick baking sheet for roasting zucchini slices.
- Parchment Paper – To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
