Cheesy Zucchini Roll-Ups

Cheesy Zucchini Roll-Ups feature thinly sliced zucchini wrapped around a rich, creamy cheese filling and baked in marinara sauce. This savory dish is a delicious way to use up your summer zucchini and is perfect for a low-carb, meatless meal.

There are three simple parts to this recipe: the zucchini slices, the creamy cheese filling, and the cheesy topping.

Ingredients

Zucchini: Two medium zucchinis should yield about 16 slices for rolling up the cheese mixture.

Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.

Filling Ingredients:

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Romano cheese
• Cream cheese
• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh parsley

For the best flavor, it’s recommended to buy blocks of mozzarella, parmesan, and romano cheeses and grate them yourself.

Topping:

• Shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Slice Zucchini

1. Wash each zucchini under cold or lukewarm water.
2. Cut off the ends before slicing the zucchini lengthwise.
3. Use a mandoline slicer for fine, even slices (1/4 inch thick). This tool is particularly useful for slicing firm vegetables like zucchini. If you don’t have a mandoline, carefully slice the zucchini thinly by hand or use a cheese slicer.
4. Lay each slice of zucchini on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Top with more paper towels to absorb excess moisture while you prepare the filling.

How to Make the Five Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, romano cheese, cream cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until well combined.

Variations to Cheesy Zucchini Roll-Ups

These roll-ups are low carb and meatless, but you can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or ground turkey to the filling for a heartier dish. Sauteed mushrooms would also be a delicious addition. You can also experiment with different sauces, such as arrabbiata for a spicy kick or vodka sauce for a creamy variation.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, cut lengthwise into 16 slices (1/4 inch thick / 0.6 centimeters)
• 1 jar (24 ounces / 680 grams) marinara sauce, divided

Filling:

• 1 cup (240 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) romano cheese, grated
• 6 ounces (170 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) fresh parsley, finely diced

Topping:

• 1 cup (120 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pour 1 cup of the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish. Set aside.
3. Place sliced zucchini on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Top with more paper towels to dry up excess moisture. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, romano cheese, cream cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley.
5. Remove paper towels from zucchini strips. Working one strip at a time, spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto each slice of zucchini.
6. Roll the zucchini strip up to completely cover the cheese filling.
7. Set the rolled zucchini seam side down into the baking dish, nestling them into the sauce.
8. Top with remaining marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is hot and bubbly.

Enjoy these Cheesy Zucchini Roll-Ups as a delicious, low-carb, and savory dish perfect for any meal!