A light Italian-style baked dish where thin zucchini slices are rolled with a creamy filling, baked in rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted cheese.
🍽️ Serves
2–4 people
🛒 Ingredients
🥒 Zucchini Base
- 2–3 medium zucchini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper
🍅 Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups crushed tomato (or canned tomato sauce)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil (or fresh basil at end)
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- Salt & black pepper
🧀 Filling
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
- ½ cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional for creaminess)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried herbs (oregano or Italian mix)
🌿 Topping
- Extra mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil drizzle
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Zucchini (Key Step)
- Wash zucchini well.
- Slice lengthwise into thin strips (3–5 mm thick) using a knife or peeler.
- Lightly salt the slices and let sit for 10 minutes to release moisture.
- Pat dry with paper towel.
Light cooking (optional but improves texture):
- Grill or pan-sear slices for 1–2 minutes per side
👉 This makes them soft and easier to roll without breaking.
2️⃣ Make the Tomato Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pan.
- Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add crushed tomato.
- Stir in oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar.
Simmer:
- Cook for 10–15 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Add fresh basil at the end if using.
3️⃣ Prepare the Filling
- In a bowl, mix:
- mozzarella mozzarella cheese
- ricotta or cream cheese (if using)
- Parmesan (optional)
- salt, pepper, herbs
👉 You want a thick, spreadable filling.
4️⃣ Assemble the Rolls
- Lay zucchini strips flat.
- Spread a thin layer of filling on each strip.
- Roll tightly from one end to the other.
👉 Place seam-side down so they don’t open.
5️⃣ Assemble the Baking Dish
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread a layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of baking dish.
- Place zucchini rolls neatly on top.
- Spoon remaining sauce over rolls.
- Top with extra mozzarella cheese.
6️⃣ Bake
- Bake for 20–25 minutes
- Then broil/grill for 2–3 minutes for golden top
👉 Cheese should be melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
🍽️ Serving
Serve hot with:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Garlic bread or toasted pita
- Light salad on the side
🌿 Flavor Profile
- Soft, tender zucchini
- Rich, tangy tomato sauce
- Creamy melted cheese
- Light herbal Italian notes
💡 Pro Tips
- Slice zucchini evenly so rolls cook uniformly
- Remove excess water from zucchini to avoid watery dish
- Don’t overfill rolls or they’ll open during baking
- Use thick tomato sauce for best texture
- Rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets
🔥 Variations
🥩 Protein Version
Add cooked chicken or minced beef in filling
🥬 Vegetarian Boost
Add spinach or mushrooms inside rolls
🌶️ Spicy Version
Add chili flakes or spicy arrabbiata sauce