When I was just a little sprout, no taller than a counter stool, my grandma’s kitchen always smelled of possibility. Her garden, a verdant jungle behind her Asheville home, often overflowed with zucchini. One sweltering summer, facing an epic bounty, Grandma declared, “Rosie, we need to get creative!” That day, we embarked on an adventure that led to a dish I’ve cherished ever since: Baked Zucchini Roll Ups.
We carefully sliced the slender green squash, spooned in a creamy, herby filling, and rolled them into perfect spirals. Watching them bubble and brown in the oven, filling the air with a savory aroma, felt like pure magic. These delightful zucchini roll-ups quickly became a family favorite, a testament to turning garden abundance into pure comfort.
Now, years later, as I run Sweet Magnolia, my home bakery, I still find immense joy in crafting these savory baked zucchini rolls, sharing a piece of my culinary history with you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are about to discover your new favorite way to enjoy zucchini, I promise. These Baked Zucchini Roll Ups offer so much more than just a vegetable side. They are incredibly satisfying, light yet hearty, and bursting with fresh, savory flavors.
You create a beautiful, healthy meal that feels gourmet but remains wonderfully simple to prepare. This recipe champions fresh ingredients, transforming humble zucchini into elegant, flavorful parcels. You will love how easily these zucchini roll-ups come together, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive enough for guests.
They are naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to various dietary preferences, truly a versatile star in your kitchen. Plus, you get to enjoy a dish that looks as fantastic as it tastes, with those vibrant green zucchini ribbons cradling a creamy, seasoned filling. Get ready to bake something truly special!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather your fresh ingredients! Using high-quality produce and dairy makes all the difference in these delicious Baked Zucchini Roll Ups. Here is exactly what you need to create this comforting dish:
* 3 medium zucchini (about 1.5 – 2 pounds total), firm and fresh
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 cup marinara sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
* 15 ounces (about 1 ¾ cups) whole milk ricotta cheese
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus ¼ cup for topping
* 4 ounces (about 1 cup) fresh spinach, finely chopped
* ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
* 1 large egg
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* ½ teaspoon dried oregano
* ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Substitutions & Variations
This Baked Zucchini Roll Ups recipe offers a fantastic base for creativity in your kitchen. You can easily adapt it to suit your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor preferences. Do not hesitate to experiment and make these zucchini roll-ups uniquely yours!
Cheese Alternatives: If ricotta is not your favorite, or if you simply do not have it, you can substitute it with cottage cheese (drain it well first!) for a slightly different texture but similar creaminess. For a vegan option, blend soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and a little water to create a creamy “ricotta” substitute. You can also mix in some shredded mozzarella or provolone with the Parmesan for extra meltiness in your baked zucchini rolls.
Vegetable Additions: Boost the nutrition and flavor! Sautéed mushrooms, finely diced bell peppers, or even shredded carrots make excellent additions to the filling. Just ensure you cook any extra vegetables down to remove excess moisture before adding them to your ricotta mixture. You could also layer thin slices of roasted eggplant between your zucchini ribbons for an even heartier vegetable dish.
Protein Power-Ups: For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked, seasoned ground chicken or lean ground beef to the ricotta filling. About ½ cup to 1 cup works perfectly. You could also stir in some crumbled, cooked plant-based sausage for a vegetarian protein boost. These additions transform your simple Baked Zucchini Roll Ups into a truly complete meal.
Spice It Up: Beyond red pepper flakes, you can introduce other spices. A pinch of nutmeg complements spinach wonderfully. A dash of Italian seasoning (in addition to or instead of oregano) enhances the Mediterranean flavors. For a smokier profile, a touch of smoked paprika adds depth.
Sauce Swaps: While marinara is classic for these Baked Zucchini Roll Ups, consider other sauces. A creamy pesto sauce, an arrabbiata for a spicier kick, or even a rosé sauce could create entirely new flavor profiles. You could also use a white béchamel sauce for a richer, more indulgent version of this baked zucchini dish.
Herb Heroes: Fresh basil, thyme, or chives are excellent alternatives or additions to the parsley and oregano. Fresh herbs truly elevate the freshness of your zucchini roll-ups.
Gluten-Free by Design: This recipe is naturally gluten-free! You do not need any special modifications for this aspect.
This Baked Zucchini Roll Ups recipe offers a fantastic base for creativity in your kitchen. To satisfy your culinary creativity, you might also enjoy trying out my Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Baked Potato Casserole for another delicious take on comfort food.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating these beautiful Baked Zucchini Roll Ups is a straightforward process. Follow these steps carefully, and you will achieve perfectly tender, flavorful rolls every time.
1. Prepare the Zucchini: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully wash and trim the ends from your zucchini.
Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips, about ⅛-inch thick. You want them thin enough to be pliable but not so thin they tear easily. Aim for about 12-15 slices per zucchini.
2. Soften the Zucchini: Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on baking sheets. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the zucchini becomes slightly tender and flexible. This step is crucial; it prevents your zucchini roll-ups from being too watery and ensures they roll without cracking. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Filling: While the zucchini cools, prepare your creamy filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh spinach, chopped fresh parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. You want a consistent, creamy mixture for your baked zucchini rolls.
4. Assemble the Roll Ups: Pour about half of your marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Now, assemble your Baked Zucchini Roll Ups.
Lay a softened zucchini slice flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture onto one end of the zucchini strip. Carefully but firmly roll up the zucchini strip, starting from the end with the filling, forming a neat cylinder.
5. Arrange and Sauce: Place each rolled-up zucchini, seam-side down, into the prepared baking dish. Arrange them snugly next to each other.
Continue this process until you have used all the zucchini strips and filling.
6. Top and Bake: Once all the zucchini roll-ups are in the dish, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over them.
Sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
7. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly, the cheese is melted and lightly golden, and the baked zucchini rolls are heated through.
8. Serve: Remove the dish from the oven.
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the rolls to set slightly. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving perfect Baked Zucchini Roll Ups every time involves a few simple tricks. These tips come straight from my Sweet Magnolia kitchen, ensuring your dish turns out beautifully.
* Mandoline Magic: For consistent, thin zucchini slices, a mandoline slicer is your best friend. Even thickness ensures even cooking and easier rolling. If you use a knife, take your time and aim for uniform ⅛-inch slices.
Inconsistent thickness can lead to some rolls being too soft and others too firm.
* Don’t Skip Pre-Baking: Pre-baking the zucchini strips is not optional! It removes excess moisture, preventing your zucchini roll-ups from becoming watery.
More importantly, it makes the zucchini pliable, allowing you to roll them without cracking. You want them tender-crisp, not fully cooked.
* Drain Your Ricotta: Ricotta cheese can hold a lot of water.
If you find yours particularly watery, place it in a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth for 15-20 minutes to drain excess liquid. This prevents a watery filling and helps your baked zucchini rolls hold their shape better.
* Season Generously: Zucchini and ricotta can be quite bland on their own.
Do not be shy with salt, pepper, and herbs in your filling. Taste the filling mixture before adding the egg (raw egg warning!) and adjust seasonings as needed. This ensures your Baked Zucchini Roll Ups burst with flavor.
* Snug Fit: Arrange your rolled zucchini snugly in the baking dish. This helps them stand upright and prevents them from unraveling during baking. A tighter fit also means they will bake more evenly in the sauce.
* Rest Before Serving: Just like lasagna or casseroles, these Baked Zucchini Roll Ups benefit from a short rest after baking. A 5-10 minute rest allows the filling to set and the flavors to meld beautifully, making them easier to serve without falling apart.
* Freeze Leftover Zucchini (Unbaked): If you have extra zucchini strips, you can par-bake them and then freeze them in a single layer.
Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw before assembling your next batch of zucchini roll-ups for a quick meal prep solution.
Achieving perfect Baked Zucchini Roll Ups every time involves a few simple tricks. For additional hearty options that are easy to make, check out my Oven-Baked Cabbage Burgers.
Storage & Reheating Tips
You can easily enjoy these delightful Baked Zucchini Roll Ups for days to come! Proper storage and reheating ensure they taste just as wonderful as they did fresh from the oven.
Storage:
Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover zucchini roll-ups to an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them.
Arrange the cooled rolls in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
* From Refrigerator: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbling. If reheating a whole dish of Baked Zucchini Roll Ups, cover it loosely with foil to prevent drying, and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
* From Freezer (Unthawed): You can reheat frozen Baked Zucchini Roll Ups directly in the oven.
Place them in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-45 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. You might remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to allow the top to crisp slightly. Microwaving frozen portions also works, but might result in a softer texture.
What to Serve With This Recipe
These savory Baked Zucchini Roll Ups are incredibly versatile, fitting beautifully into a variety of meal plans. You can serve them as a light main course or as an impressive side dish. Here are some of my favorite pairings that complement their fresh, cheesy flavor.
* Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or a loaf of artisan bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious marinara sauce. Garlic bread also makes a fantastic addition.
* Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, baked flavors.
Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a bright lemon dressing.
* Roasted Vegetables: Enhance your vegetable intake with additional roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, pairing wonderfully with the zucchini roll-ups.
* Grilled Chicken or Fish: If you want to add more protein, grilled chicken breast or a flaky white fish like cod or tilapia makes a lean and healthy accompaniment. The flavors of these lighter proteins will not overpower your baked zucchini rolls.
* Quinoa or Couscous: A simple side of fluffy quinoa or couscous provides a nice textural contrast and makes the meal even more substantial.
You can even toss it with a little pesto or fresh herbs.
* Tomato and Cucumber Salad: A fresh, vibrant salad with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, red onion, and a touch of fresh mint or parsley offers a Mediterranean flair that perfectly complements your Baked Zucchini Roll Ups.
* White Bean Salad: A hearty white bean salad, dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, provides protein and fiber, making for a truly satisfying vegetarian meal alongside your zucchini roll-ups.
These savory Baked Zucchini Roll Ups are incredibly versatile, fitting beautifully into a variety of meal plans. For a complementary dish, don’t miss my recipe for Baked Salmon with Asparagus, which pairs wonderfully with these roll-ups.
FAQs
Rosie hears many questions about cooking, and these Baked Zucchini Roll Ups often spark curiosity. Here are some of the most common questions, answered directly from my kitchen.
Can I make Baked Zucchini Roll Ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish, including the sauce and cheese topping, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate.
When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Then, bake as directed, possibly adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it starts cold. This makes the zucchini roll-ups perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Why are my zucchini roll-ups watery?
The most common reason for watery Baked Zucchini Roll Ups is not properly preparing the zucchini or the ricotta. Ensure you pre-bake the zucchini slices to release excess moisture. Also, if your ricotta seems very wet, drain it through a fine-mesh sieve for 15-20 minutes before mixing it into the filling. These steps prevent a soggy outcome and result in perfectly firm baked zucchini rolls.
What kind of zucchini works best for this recipe?
Medium-sized zucchini work best for these Baked Zucchini Roll Ups. They have a good flavor, firm texture, and are easier to slice into even strips for rolling. Very large zucchini can be more watery and sometimes have larger seeds, which you might need to scoop out.
Small zucchini might be too narrow to hold enough filling. Look for firm, blemish-free zucchini.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Yes, you certainly can! Adding cooked, seasoned ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even finely crumbled plant-based sausage will make these Baked Zucchini Roll Ups heartier. Cook the meat thoroughly and drain any excess fat before mixing it with the ricotta filling. About ½ cup to 1 cup of cooked meat works well without overpowering the other flavors of the zucchini roll-ups.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is very freezer-friendly! You can freeze the assembled and unbaked zucchini roll-ups for later, or you can freeze the baked leftovers. For unbaked rolls, assemble them in a freezer-safe baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Bake from frozen, allowing extra baking time (around 45-60 minutes). For baked leftovers, refer to the “Storage & Reheating Tips” section above. These Baked Zucchini Roll Ups thaw and reheat beautifully.
Baked Zucchini Roll Ups are a delicious way to enjoy zucchini, a vegetable known for its versatility and health benefits. These tasty rolls can be filled with a variety of ingredients, making them suitable for many diets; for more on zucchini’s nutritional values, visit this resource.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
(Serves 4)
These Baked Zucchini Roll Ups offer a wholesome and nutritious meal. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements of ingredients you use.
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 75mg |
| Sodium | 650mg |
These Baked Zucchini Roll Ups provide a good source of protein, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals, making them a delicious and healthy choice for your table. Enjoy this wonderful dish, knowing you are nourishing your body with fresh, wholesome ingredients.
Print
Baked Zucchini Roll Ups
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked Zucchini Roll Ups are a satisfying, light yet hearty dish bursting with fresh, savory flavors. This simple recipe transforms humble zucchini into elegant parcels, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
3 medium zucchini
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup marinara sauce
15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 ounces fresh spinach, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips
- Arrange the zucchini slices on baking sheets and brush them lightly with olive oil. Bake for 8-10 minutes until slightly tender
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, spinach, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well
- Spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish. Roll each zucchini slice with 1-2 tablespoons of filling. Place seam-side down in the dish
- Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with additional Parmesa
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golde
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving
Notes
For a more substantial meal, consider adding cooked, seasoned ground chicken or meat to the ricotta filling.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll up
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg