Description
Savory zucchini ricotta rolls showcase Italian culinary elegance with fresh summer ingredients. Delicate zucchini ribbons wrap creamy ricotta, creating a light appetizer perfect for sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 large zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise (1/8-inch thick)
Binding and Filling Ingredients:
- 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
Seasoning and Flavor Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare zucchini by slicing lengthwise into thin ribbons, creating a uniform thickness for even roasting.
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and arrange zucchini slices on a baking sheet, lightly brushing with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Roast zucchini for 5-7 minutes until softened and pliable, then remove and allow to cool slightly.
- Create ricotta filling by combining ricotta cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly blend filling ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Place a spoonful of ricotta mixture at one end of each zucchini slice and carefully roll into tight cylinders.
- Arrange rolled zucchini seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are closely packed.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the rolls, ensuring complete coverage.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the top of the rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Slice zucchini uniformly to ensure even roasting and easier rolling, using a mandoline or sharp knife for consistent thickness.
- Drain ricotta cheese beforehand to prevent watery filling, using a cheesecloth or paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Experiment with alternative cheese combinations like goat cheese or vegan ricotta for dietary preferences and unique flavor profiles.
- Enhance low-carb or keto diet compatibility by replacing marinara with homemade low-sugar tomato sauce and using full-fat cheeses.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg