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- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced thinly lengthwise - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg, lightly beaten Zucchini is the star of this dish. It adds a fresh taste and a nice crunch. Cheese brings creaminess and flavor to every bite. I use ricotta for its smooth texture. Mozzarella adds stretch, while Parmesan gives a sharp taste. The egg helps bind the mixture together, making it perfect for rolling up. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Seasonings are key to making these roll-ups tasty. Dried oregano adds an Italian touch. Garlic powder gives a warm, rich flavor. Salt and pepper bring out the best in all the ingredients. Together, they create a yummy filling that you will love. - 1 cup marinara sauce - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Marinara sauce is a must for this recipe. It adds moisture and a nice tang to the dish. I like to pour half the sauce in the baking dish. After rolling the zucchinis, I cover them with the rest of the sauce. Fresh basil adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. It’s a lovely touch that makes this dish even better. For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy this easy and fun meal! To start, slice the zucchini. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline. Aim for thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick. This thickness helps them roll easily. After slicing, lay the strips on a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle them lightly with salt. This step draws out excess moisture. Let the zucchini sit for about 10-15 minutes. Afterward, pat the strips dry with the towel. This keeps the roll-ups from being too soggy. Next, mix the cheese filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Add the beaten egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a spoon to stir everything until well mixed. The filling should be creamy yet thick. If it feels too runny, add a bit more cheese to thicken it up. Now, it’s time to assemble the roll-ups. Start with one zucchini strip on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end. Roll the strip tightly around the filling. If it’s loose, use a toothpick to hold it together. Repeat this with the remaining strips. Once all the roll-ups are made, spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the roll-ups seam side down on top of the sauce. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the top. For the full recipe, check out the cooking instructions. To make these roll-ups great, avoid excess moisture in zucchini. Start by slicing the zucchini thinly. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife. After slicing, sprinkle salt on the strips. Let them sit on a clean towel for about 10-15 minutes. This step helps to draw out moisture. Once done, pat them dry with a towel. This way, your roll-ups won’t be soggy. For ensuring perfect roll-ups, spread the cheese mixture neatly at one end of each zucchini strip. Roll them tightly to keep the filling inside. If needed, use a toothpick to secure the roll-up. This step prevents the filling from spilling out during cooking. When baking, use a baking dish lined with parchment paper. This helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking. Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom before placing the roll-ups. This adds flavor and moisture. Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This helps the roll-ups cook evenly without drying out. To achieve a golden cheese topping, remove the foil for the last 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to bubble and brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Pair these roll-ups with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A side of steamed veggies also works great. This adds color and nutrition to your plate. For presentation, arrange the roll-ups neatly on a serving platter. Drizzle some marinara sauce over the top. Finish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. This makes your dish look as delicious as it tastes. For the full recipe, you can check the detailed instructions. {{image_2}} You can easily switch out cheeses in this recipe. Use goat cheese for a tangy twist or cottage cheese for a lighter option. Feel free to add other veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, to the filling. You could even mix in some cooked chicken or ground turkey for extra protein. Want to amp up the flavor? Add Italian herbs like basil and thyme. You could also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a kick. These small changes make a big difference in taste and can cater to your spice level. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the cheese mix. For a vegan version, swap the cheeses for cashew cheese and skip the egg. These swaps keep your meal tasty while meeting dietary needs. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Keep the roll-ups in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you can, eat them within this time for the best taste. For long-term storage, you can freeze the roll-ups. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each roll-up in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months. When you want to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. You can make these zucchini roll-ups ahead of time. Prepare them and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days before baking. They are also freezer-friendly. Make a large batch and freeze them. This way, you have a quick meal ready to go! For the full recipe, check back to the ingredients and steps above. Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini? Yes, you can try eggplant or yellow squash. These veggies are great substitutes. They have a similar shape and texture. Just slice them thin like zucchini for best results. You might need to adjust cooking times slightly. Experiment with your favorite vegetables! How can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make it dairy-free, swap the cheeses with vegan options. There are many plant-based cheeses available today. You can also use blended cashews for a creamy texture. Just add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy the roll-ups! What to do if the zucchini is too watery? If your zucchini is watery, sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. After that, pat it dry with a clean towel. This step will help remove excess moisture. You can also bake the zucchini strips for a few minutes before rolling them up. How to fix roll-ups that won’t hold together? If your roll-ups fall apart, try using more filling. A thicker filling helps hold them better. You can also use a toothpick to keep them secure. Another tip is to bake them seam-side down. This way, they will stay together while cooking. Caloric content of zucchini dinner roll-ups Each serving of zucchini dinner roll-ups contains about 250 calories. This is a great option for a light meal or snack. The calories come mainly from cheese and the egg used in the filling. Nutritional benefits of the ingredients used Zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber. It helps keep you full without adding many calories. The cheeses provide protein and calcium. They help build strong bones and muscles. Fresh basil adds antioxidants and flavor, making these roll-ups a healthy choice! This blog post covered everything you need to know about zucchini roll-ups. We discussed the main ingredients, tasty seasonings, and how to assemble the dish. I shared tips to avoid excess moisture and gave methods for perfecting your cooking. With various ingredient swaps and storage ideas, you can make this meal your own. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing your delicious results! Zucchini roll-ups are simple, healthy, and sure to impress.

Zucchini Dinner Roll Ups

Indulge in these delicious Zucchini Dinner Roll Ups that are sure to impress at your next meal! This simple recipe combines fresh zucchini with a cheesy filling, creating a satisfying and healthy dish. Perfect for dinner or entertaining, these roll-ups are easy to make and burst with flavor. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, sliced thinly lengthwise

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup marinara sauce

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the zucchinis into thin strips, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Lay the strips on a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry.

      In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined to create the filling.

        On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, lay down one zucchini strip. Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end of the strip and roll it up tightly, securing with a toothpick if necessary. Repeat this process with the remaining zucchini strips and cheese filling.

          Once all roll-ups are assembled, spread half of the marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place the roll-ups seam side down on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the roll-ups.

            Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

              Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 4