Zesty Zucchini Ricotta Rolls Recipe: A Heavenly Summer Treat

Savory zucchini ricotta rolls dance with delightful Mediterranean flavors that promise an instant culinary adventure.

Slender ribbons of fresh vegetables create elegant appetizers perfect for summer gatherings.

Soft cheese and herbs blend delicately inside these delicate rolls, delivering unexpected taste sensations.

Each bite promises a balanced combination of light textures and rich ingredients.

Crisp zucchini wraps around creamy ricotta with surprising elegance and simplicity.

Kitchen creativity reaches new heights with these sophisticated yet easy-to-prepare bites.

Surprise guests with this elegant starter that looks complex but comes together in minutes.

What You Add To Zucchini Ricotta Rolls

Main Ingredients:

Zucchini: Serves as the primary wrapper for the roll, thin and flexible vegetable perfect for low-carb alternative.

Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base for the filling, providing rich and smooth texture.

Mozzarella Cheese: Adds melty, stretchy texture and classic Italian cheese flavor.

Sauce Ingredients:

Marinara Sauce: Pre-made sauce for easy preparation, classic Italian tomato-based sauce.

• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture together and provides structure.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic and savory depth to the cheese filling.
• Fresh Basil: Brings bright, herbal flavor and authentic Italian touch.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
• Dried Thyme, Dried Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herbs adding subtle earthy notes.

• Fresh Basil: Provides fresh garnish and additional herbal aroma.
• Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty finish to the dish.

Zucchini Ricotta Rolls Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for some delicious magic to happen.

Step 2: Slice Zucchini with Precision

Grab your trusty mandoline or a sharp knife and transform zucchini into elegant, paper-thin strips running lengthwise.

Aim for uniform, flexible ribbons that will become your roll’s foundation.

Step 3: Create Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Whisked egg
• Shredded mozzarella
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh basil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano

Blend these ingredients until they form a harmonious, creamy mixture.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Dish

Spread a gentle layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a savory bed for the rolls.

Step 5: Roll and Assemble

Lay out zucchini strips flat, dollop a spoonful of ricotta mixture onto each strip, then carefully roll them up.

Position each roll seam-side down in the saucy baking dish.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Drizzle remaining marinara sauce over the rolls and sprinkle additional mozzarella on top for extra cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a dusting of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Zucchini Rolls – Helpful Ideas

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform, thin zucchini strips for even cooking and elegant presentation.
• Pat zucchini strips dry with paper towels to prevent excess water from making the rolls soggy and losing their crisp texture.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to personalize the flavor profile and match your taste preferences.
• Replace traditional marinara with a homemade low-carb tomato sauce to make this dish keto-friendly and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Add pine nuts or chopped spinach to the ricotta mixture for extra nutrition and a delightful texture variation.

Zucchini Ricotta Rolls Stay Intact With This Trick

• Store leftover zucchini rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Warm rolls at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Reheat rolls on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even heating and prevent overcooking.

Side Matches for Zucchini Ricotta Rolls

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the zucchini rolls' light, fresh flavors. The wine's acidity cuts through the creamy ricotta and balances the tangy marinara sauce.
• Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast to the rich, cheesy zucchini rolls. The peppery greens enhance the dish's delicate herbal notes.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, rustic Italian bread to soak up extra marinara sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft, melted cheese rolls. Drizzle olive oil on the bread for extra flavor.
• Enhance with Grilled Protein: Add a side of light grilled chicken or fish to transform this appetizer into a complete meal. The protein adds substance without overwhelming the zucchini rolls' delicate flavor profile.

Zucchini Lasagna Twists

• Keto-Friendly Rolls: Replace zucchini strips with thin eggplant slices and swap marinara sauce for a low-carb tomato sauce. Use full-fat ricotta and add extra herbs for flavor.
• Vegan Alternative: Substitute ricotta with tofu or cashew cheese. Use plant-based mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of traditional cheese. Replace egg with ground flaxseed mixed with water.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Select marinara sauce without wheat-based additives. Verify cheese brands do not contain gluten fillers.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives to the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle za'atar seasoning on top before baking for an authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture. Each cheese will slightly alter the flavor profile of the dish.

• How do I prevent my zucchini from being watery?

Salt the zucchini strips and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before assembling. Then pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps prevent soggy rolls.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe as written is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your marinara sauce does not contain any gluten-containing ingredients, and you’ll have a completely gluten-free meal.

• Can I make these rolls ahead of time?

You can prepare the rolls and assemble them in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if preparing from cold.

Zucchini Ricotta Rolls That Feel Light But Indulgent

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these zucchini rolls in under 45 minutes with minimal kitchen skills needed, making it perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Low-Carb Lifestyle Friendly: Swap traditional pasta for zucchini strips, creating a nutritious, gluten-free alternative that satisfies comfort food cravings while keeping your health goals on track.
• Versatile Dinner Option: Serve as a mouthwatering appetizer, light main course, or side dish that impresses guests and family alike with its elegant presentation and rich, cheesy flavors.
• Ingredient Flexibility: Customize the recipe by using different herbs, switching cheese types, or adding protein like ground turkey for a personalized twist that keeps meal time exciting.

Zucchini Ricotta Rolls Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful zucchini ricotta rolls bring Mediterranean charm to your table, blending fresh summer vegetables with creamy Italian cheese. Light and elegant, these rolls offer a perfect balance of flavor and texture for elegant appetizers or wholesome side dishes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 small zucchini or 3 larger zucchini
• 15 ounces (425 grams) whole milk ricotta cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 egg, whisked
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) garlic, minced
• 1/8 cup (30 milliliters) fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh basil, finely chopped (for topping)
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) salt
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 milliliters) black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) dried oregano

Sauce Ingredient:

• 1 (24-ounce/680 grams) jar of marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring optimal cooking temperature for the zucchini rolls.
2. Transform zucchini into delicate ribbons using a mandoline or precision knife, creating uniform, thin lengthwise strips for rolling.
3. Craft a luxurious filling by amalgamating ricotta with whisked egg, incorporating mozzarella, minced garlic, chopped basil, seasoning with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano into a harmonious blend.
4. Create a foundational layer in the baking dish by spreading a gossamer coat of marinara sauce to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
5. Meticulously lay out zucchini strips, depositing a generous dollop of herbed ricotta mixture along each strip’s surface.
6. Gently roll each zucchini strip into elegant cylindrical shapes, positioning them carefully seam-side down within the prepared baking vessel.
7. Lavish the rolls with remaining marinara sauce, ensuring complete coverage, then generously crown with additional mozzarella cheese.
8. Transfer to the preheated oven, allowing the rolls to bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
9. Elevate the presentation by scattering fresh basil leaves and delicately grating Parmigiano Reggiano over the top moments before serving.

Notes

• Master precise zucchini slicing by ensuring uniform thickness for even cooking and elegant presentation.
• Prevent watery rolls by lightly salting zucchini strips and letting them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture before assembling.
• Transform this recipe into a low-carb or keto-friendly option by using full-fat ricotta and replacing marinara with a homemade low-sugar tomato sauce.
• Experiment with herb variations like adding fresh oregano, thyme, or switching to Italian parsley for different flavor profiles while maintaining the dish’s Mediterranean essence.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 830 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg