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- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin strips (approximately 1/8 inch thick) - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg, lightly beaten - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Zucchini is the star here. It gives a fresh taste and nice texture. I love using it because it holds up well when baked. Choose firm zucchinis for the best results. You will slice them thin to make roll-ups easy to handle. The cheese mix makes the dish rich and creamy. I use ricotta for its soft texture. Mozzarella adds stretch, while Parmesan gives a sharp bite. The egg helps bind everything together. The seasonings are simple but pack a punch. Oregano and garlic powder bring warmth and depth to the filling. - 1 cup marinara sauce I suggest using a good marinara sauce. You can go with your favorite brand. Look for one with natural ingredients. If you want, you can also make your own. Homemade sauce can add a personal touch and extra flavor. - Fresh basil - Additional cheese Garnishes elevate the dish. Fresh basil adds a pop of color and flavor. I also like to sprinkle more cheese on top before baking. This makes the roll-ups look and taste even better. If you want a rich finish, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil. Prepping the zucchinis Start by washing the zucchinis well. Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife to cut them lengthwise into thin strips. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Place these strips on a clean kitchen towel and lightly sprinkle them with salt. This step draws out moisture, helping the zucchini stay firm. Let them rest for 10 to 15 minutes. After this, use paper towels to gently pat the strips dry. Making the cheese filling In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Add in the beaten egg, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well until it becomes a creamy filling. This blend will give your rolls a rich and tasty flavor. Rolling the zucchini strips Take one zucchini strip and place a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end. Roll the strip tightly around the filling. If needed, use a toothpick to keep it in place. Repeat this step with all the zucchini strips. It helps to keep them snug but not too tight, so the filling doesn’t spill out. Placing roll-ups in the baking dish Spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of your baking dish. Carefully arrange the roll-ups seam side down on top of the sauce. Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the top. This adds moisture and flavor during baking. Covering and initial baking Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This steams the roll-ups, making them tender. Uncovering for the finish After 20 minutes, remove the foil. Continue baking for another 15 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and golden brown. Once done, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. The roll-ups will be hot, so be careful. To make perfect Zucchini Dinner Roll Ups, avoid soggy zucchini. Start by salting the zucchini strips. Let them rest for 10-15 minutes. This helps draw out moisture. After that, pat them dry with paper towels. A dry zucchini rolls better and tastes great. Next, ensure your rolls are tight. When you place the cheese mixture at one end, roll it snugly. If the roll is loose, it may fall apart during baking. Use a toothpick if needed to hold the roll together. For flavor enhancements, spices work wonders. I suggest adding crushed red pepper for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can bring brightness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick. If you want more protein, try adding cooked ground turkey or chicken to the cheese mix. This adds protein and makes the dish heartier. You can also use cooked spinach for a veggie boost. When it comes to serving, pair your roll-ups with a light salad. A simple mixed greens salad goes well. You might also serve them with garlic bread for a filling meal. For presentation, arrange the roll-ups on a large platter. Drizzle extra marinara sauce over them. Add fresh basil leaves for color. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes. Enjoy your delightful and healthy meal! {{image_4}} You can get creative with fillings for your zucchini dinner roll ups. For a vegetarian option, try using a mix of roasted vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms work great together. You can also add herbs like basil or parsley for more flavor. If you prefer meat-filled roll-ups, ground turkey or chicken is a tasty choice. Mix it with cheese and some spices for a hearty filling. The sauce you choose can change the whole dish. Instead of marinara, try pesto sauce. Its fresh taste pairs well with zucchini. Alfredo sauce is also a rich option that adds creaminess. For those who need dairy-free options, look for plant-based sauces. You can make a simple cashew cream or use store-bought dairy-free sauces. If you need gluten-free roll-ups, focus on the cheese. Use gluten-free cheeses like almond cheese or coconut cheese. They melt well and taste great. For sauces, check labels to avoid gluten. You can also make a homemade sauce with pureed tomatoes and herbs. This way, you control all the ingredients and ensure they are gluten-free. After you enjoy your Zucchini Dinner Roll Ups, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. They will stay good for about three days. If you want to save them for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each roll-up tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to eat your leftovers, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the roll-ups in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until they are warm. This method helps keep the cheese gooey and the zucchini tender. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just cover the dish to trap steam, and heat in short bursts. You can prepare Zucchini Dinner Roll Ups in advance. Make the filling and slice the zucchini a day before. Store the filling in the fridge and the zucchini strips in water to keep them fresh. On busy weeknights, simply roll them up and bake. This saves time while still delivering a tasty meal. You can also make a big batch and freeze them. Just bake them straight from the freezer. Enjoy a healthy meal anytime! To cut zucchini into strips, I recommend using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. First, wash the zucchini well. Then, slice off both ends. Set the zucchini on a cutting board and cut it lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline will give you even slices, making rolling easier. If using a knife, take your time for even strips. This helps the roll-ups cook evenly. Yes, you can make Zucchini Dinner Roll Ups ahead of time. Prepare the roll-ups but do not bake them. Place them in a baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. They can stay fresh for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, simply remove the wrap and bake as directed in the Full Recipe. This makes meal prep simple and stress-free. For serving, I recommend plating the Zucchini Roll Ups on a large platter. Drizzle extra marinara sauce over the top for added flavor. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. You can also serve them with a side salad or garlic bread. This makes the meal feel special and inviting, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Yes, Zucchini Dinner Roll Ups are quite healthy! Zucchini is low in calories and high in vitamins. The cheeses provide protein and calcium, balancing the dish. By using fresh ingredients, you cut out processed foods. These roll-ups are a great way to enjoy veggies while satisfying your craving for comfort food. Plus, they are a fun way to sneak in more vegetables at dinner. In this blog post, we discussed how to make delicious Zucchini Dinner Roll-Ups. We covered key ingredients like zucchini, cheese, eggs, and marinara. You learned preparation steps, assembly tips, baking instructions, and how to store leftovers. The options for variations and serving suggestions make this dish fun and flexible. In closing, Zucchini Roll-Ups are a tasty way to enjoy healthy veggies. Give them a try for a quick meal that impresses. You’ll love how easy and versatile they are!

Zucchini Dinner Roll Ups

Savor the flavors of zucchini dinner roll-ups with this simple and delicious recipe! Perfect for a healthy meal, these cheesy roll-ups are easy to make with fresh zucchini, ricotta, and marinara sauce. Get the step-by-step instructions that will guide you through crafting these delightful bites. Click through to discover how to bring this tasty dish to your table and impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin strips (approximately 1/8 inch thick)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup marinara sauce

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

    Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, carefully slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips. Arrange the zucchini strips on a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle them lightly with salt. Let the strips rest for 10-15 minutes; this will help draw out excess moisture. Afterward, gently pat the strips with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

      In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a creamy filling.

        On a parchment-lined baking sheet, take one zucchini strip and place a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end. Roll the zucchini strip tightly around the filling, securing it with a toothpick if needed. Repeat the process until all zucchini strips are wrapped with the cheese filling.

          In a baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. Carefully place the assembled roll-ups seam side down on top of the sauce. Drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the top of the roll-ups, ensuring they are well-coated.

            Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is wonderfully bubbly and golden brown.

              Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the roll-ups on a large platter, drizzled with extra marinara sauce and garnished with additional basil leaves for an elegant touch. Enjoy your delightful and healthy meal!