A cheerful twist on the classic lasagna, Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups offer the same warm, cheesy goodness but with a refreshing, healthy spin. This recipe replaces traditional pasta sheets with thin slices of zucchini, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a lighter, gluten-free, or low-carb options. Who says comfort food can't be nutritious?
This recipe uses zucchini in place of traditional lasagna noodles. While zucchini is generally easily found in supermarkets, select firm zucchinis that are heavy for their size and have a dark green, shiny skin. Avoid any with blemishes. The recipe also calls for ricotta, a creamy Italian cheese, and freshly grated parmesan - both of which can usually be found in the dairy or deli sections of most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
Zucchini: A type of summer squash that's versatile and mild in flavor.
Olive oil: Used both for roasting the zucchini and in the tomato sauce, it adds a rich, fruity flavor.
Garlic: A key flavoring agent in the tomato sauce.
Peeled tomatoes: The base for the tomato sauce.
Basil leaves: Adds a sweet, peppery flavor to the sauce and filling.
Ricotta: A milky, mild cheese that makes up the bulk of the filling.
Parmesan: A hard, salty cheese, grated into the filling and sprinkled on top.
Egg: Helps to bind the ricotta filling together.
Nutmeg: A warm, subtly sweet spice that enhances the flavor of the ricotta filling.
Pepper: Used in both the zucchini roasting and in the ricotta filling for an added kick.
Parsley: A vibrant, slightly bitter herb that balances out the richness of the cheeses.
One reader, Carina Dowdy says:
This zucchini lasagna roll-ups recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so rich and satisfying, and the zucchini adds a light and fresh twist. It's a healthier take on traditional lasagna, and the presentation is beautiful. I highly recommend trying this recipe for a delicious and guilt-free meal.
Mastering the Techniques for Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
How to prepare zucchini: Cut the zucchini into thin slices, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake until softened and pliable.
How to make tomato sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil, then add whole peeled tomatoes, salt, sugar, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then stir in basil leaves.
How to make ricotta filling: Combine ricotta, parmesan, egg, nutmeg, pepper, and parsley in a bowl, and mix until well combined.
How to assemble zucchini roll-ups: Spread tomato sauce in a baking dish, place ricotta filling and basil leaves on zucchini slices, roll them into cylinders, and place them in the baking dish. Top with more tomato sauce and parmesan.
How to bake zucchini roll-ups: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles. Let the zucchini rolls rest before serving.
How To Make Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
These flavorful lasagna roll-ups trade actual pasta for baked zucchini slices. They’re packed with ricotta and cooked over seasoned tomatoes.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Zucchini:
- 3lbsfat zucchini,(3 large)
- 2tbspolive oil,or olive oil spray
- ¼tspsalt
- ⅛tsppepper
Fot Sauce:
- 2tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 1largegarlic clove,thinly sliced
- 28ozwhole peeled tomatoes,(1 can), crushed in a bowl by hand
- ½tspsalt
- ½tspsugar
- ⅛tspfreshly ground black pepper
- 3large basil leaves,torn into pieces
For Filling:
- 1cupfresh ricotta
- ¾cupfreshly grated Parmesan,plus more for the topping
- 1large egg
- pinch of nutmeg
- pinch of freshly ground black pepper
- 2tbspparsley,chopped
- 30basil leaves
Instructions
Zucchini:
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line 2 sheet pans with parchment paper and coat lightly with cooking spray or oil.
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Cut a half-inch or so off of each end of the zucchini. Then cut a long, thin vertical slice from one side. The goal is to have a flat surface so the zucchini will be stable while slicing. Lay the zucchini cut-side down.
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Next, trim the peel from both sides, which will make the slices easier to roll up later on. Leave the top peel intact to provide a little color to the dish.
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Finally, cut each zucchini lengthwise into ¼-inch thick slices (a ruler helps) Have 12 slices in total for this dish.
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Lay the slices on the sheet pans. Brush or spray the top of the slices with olive oil, and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
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Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until the slices have softened just enough to be pliable and are slightly transparent. Check the zucchini slices frequently as they bake.
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Remove from the oven and set aside until cooled. Lower the oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
Sauce and Filling:
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In a wide saucepan, combine the olive oil and garlic and set the pan over medium heat.
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Let the garlic sizzle for about 20 seconds and then add the tomatoes, salt, sugar, and pepper. Bring to a boil and adjust the heat to a simmer.
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Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly (precise time will vary depending on the brand of tomatoes used). Taste and add more salt and sugar, if desired. Stir in the basil leaves.
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In a medium bowl, stir the ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, nutmeg, pepper, and parsley together.
To Assemble:
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In a medium (8×10-inch) baking dish, spread about 1 cup of the tomato sauce over the bottom.
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With the zucchini still on the baking sheet, spread about 1 tablespoon of the ricotta filling over each slice. Place a couple of basil leaves on top of the filling.
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Roll the slices into cylinders and set them in the baking dish with the seam sides down. Spoon more tomato sauce on top. Sprinkle with more Parmesan.
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If making these ahead of time, refrigerate them, covered, for up to 1 day.
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Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles. Let the zucchini rolls rest for a few minutes. Use a large spoon to scoop the rolls into shallow bowls for serving.
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Serve with crusty bread and a salad if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 303.73kcal
- Fat: 21.04g
- Saturated Fat: 8.25g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.85g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.71g
- Carbohydrates: 15.13g
- Fiber: 4.05g
- Sugar: 9.82g
- Protein: 16.47g
- Cholesterol: 64.72mg
- Sodium: 618.99mg
- Calcium: 369.72mg
- Potassium: 1000.16mg
- Iron: 1.92mg
- Vitamin A: 192.49µg
- Vitamin C: 61.18mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
When preparing the zucchini for this recipe, it's important to slice it evenly to ensure uniform cooking. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve consistent, thin slices. However, if you don't have a mandoline, a sharp chef's knife will also do the job. Just remember to keep your slices around ¼-inch thick for the best results. Additionally, when rolling the zucchini slices with the ricotta filling, be gentle to prevent the slices from breaking. If the slices are too stiff to roll, they may need a bit more time in the oven to soften.
Time-Saving Hacks for Preparing Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
Prep ahead: Make the tomato sauce and filling a day in advance to cut down on cooking time.
Use a mandoline: Slice the zucchini quickly and evenly using a mandoline for perfect roll-ups.
Double the recipe: Make a larger batch and freeze half for a quick and easy meal later.
Bake in bulk: Prepare multiple batches and freeze them for future use, saving time on meal prep.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe
zucchini - Substitute with eggplant: Eggplant can be used as a substitute for zucchini in lasagna roll-ups as it has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a great alternative for those looking for a different vegetable option.
ricotta - Substitute with cottage cheese: Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta in the filling, providing a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, while also offering a lower fat content for a healthier option.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano can be used as a substitute for Parmesan in the filling, offering a similar salty and tangy flavor profile, adding a delicious twist to the dish.
Presentation Ideas for Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
Elevate the zucchini rolls: Carefully arrange the zucchini rolls on the plate, ensuring they are neatly aligned and presented with precision.
Garnish with fresh basil: Add a touch of vibrant green by garnishing the zucchini rolls with fresh basil leaves, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a pop of color to the dish.
Drizzle with olive oil: Finish the dish with a delicate drizzle of high-quality olive oil, adding a luxurious sheen and enhancing the flavors of the zucchini rolls.
Sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan: Lightly sprinkle the zucchini rolls with freshly grated parmesan, adding a final touch of savory richness to the presentation.
Plate with precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate, ensuring a visually stunning and meticulously presented dish that reflects the artistry of the culinary creation.
Incorporate microgreens: Introduce a touch of elegance by incorporating delicate microgreens as a garnish, adding a subtle yet sophisticated element to the presentation.
Use a minimalistic approach: Embrace a minimalistic plating style, allowing the vibrant colors and textures of the zucchini rolls to take center stage, creating a visually captivating presentation.
Consider the plate shape and color: Select a plate that complements the colors of the dish and consider the shape to create a visually appealing canvas for the zucchini rolls.
Add a touch of edible flowers: Introduce a touch of whimsy and elegance by delicately placing edible flowers on the plate, adding a captivating visual element to the presentation.
Emphasize symmetry and balance: Arrange the zucchini rolls with a focus on symmetry and balance, creating a visually striking presentation that showcases attention to detail.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Oven: Preheat to 425 degrees F and then lower to 400 degrees F as per the recipe.
- Sheet pans: Line with parchment paper and coat lightly with cooking spray or oil.
- Parchment paper: Used to line the sheet pans to prevent sticking.
- Cooking spray or oil: Used to coat the parchment paper on the sheet pans.
- Knife: Used to cut the zucchini into slices.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting the zucchini.
- Brush or spray: Used to apply olive oil to the zucchini slices.
- Wide saucepan: Used to make the tomato sauce.
- Medium bowl: Used to mix the ricotta filling.
- Baking dish: Used to assemble and bake the zucchini roll-ups.
- Ruler: Used to measure the zucchini slices to ensure they are ¼-inch thick.
- Spoon: Used to scoop the zucchini rolls into serving bowls.
- Large spoon: Used to spoon the tomato sauce over the zucchini rolls.
Storing and Freezing Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups for Later
These zucchini lasagna roll-ups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat them in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through before serving.
To freeze the roll-ups, prepare them according to the recipe instructions but do not bake them. Place the assembled roll-ups in a freezer-safe container or on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the roll-ups to a freezer bag or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label the package with the date and contents.
Frozen zucchini lasagna roll-ups can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the roll-ups in the refrigerator overnight and then bake them in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the sauce is bubbly.
If you have leftover baked zucchini lasagna roll-ups, you can also freeze them. Allow the roll-ups to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To reheat, thaw the roll-ups in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Reheating Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups: Tips and Tricks
To reheat leftover zucchini lasagna roll-ups, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the roll-ups in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
For a quicker reheating method, place the zucchini lasagna roll-ups on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the zucchini to become mushy.
If you have extra tomato sauce, spoon a small amount over the roll-ups before reheating in the oven or microwave. This will help keep them moist and add extra flavor.
For a crispy top, after reheating the roll-ups in the oven or microwave, place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
If you have a toaster oven, you can reheat individual zucchini lasagna roll-ups quickly and easily. Place them on the toaster oven tray and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
To maintain the best texture and flavor, avoid reheating the zucchini lasagna roll-ups more than once. If you have a large batch, consider reheating only the portion you plan to eat and storing the rest in the refrigerator.
Fascinating Facts About Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups
The zucchini used in this recipe is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to pasta. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium. Zucchini is also low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy addition to any meal.
Budget-Friendly Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups for Home Cooking
This zucchini lasagna roll-ups recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Zucchini is an affordable and versatile vegetable, and the other ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The use of fresh ingredients like ricotta and tomatoes elevates the dish without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-20, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Zucchini Lasagna Recipe Healthy?
The zucchini lasagna roll-ups recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna. By using zucchini instead of pasta, the dish becomes lower in carbohydrates and calories while providing a good source of fiber and nutrients. The recipe also incorporates nutrient-dense ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, which offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the dish still contains a significant amount of cheese, which can be high in saturated fat and sodium.
To further improve the healthiness of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of cheese used in the filling and topping, or opt for low-fat varieties of ricotta and parmesan
- Add more vegetables to the filling, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to increase the nutrient content and fiber
- Use a homemade tomato sauce with no added sugar and less salt to reduce the overall sugar and sodium content
- Experiment with plant-based ricotta alternatives made from tofu or nuts to decrease the saturated fat content
- Serve the roll-ups with a side salad or roasted vegetables to make the meal more well-rounded and nutrient-dense
Editor's Take: Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe Review
The zucchini lasagna roll-ups recipe is a delightful and innovative twist on traditional lasagna. The use of zucchini as the pasta substitute adds a light and fresh element to the dish, making it a healthier alternative. The combination of the flavorful tomato sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and fragrant basil creates a harmonious blend of flavors. The dish is visually appealing and can be a great option for those looking for a gluten-free or low-carb meal. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and satisfying dining experience.
Why trust this Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups Recipe:
This zucchini lasagna roll-ups recipe offers a healthy twist on a classic dish, using fresh zucchini as a low-carb alternative to traditional lasagna noodles. The use of fresh ricotta and parmesan in the filling ensures a rich and creamy texture, while the homemade tomato sauce brings a burst of vibrant flavor. With carefully selected ingredients and detailed instructions, this recipe promises a delightful and satisfying dining experience. Trust the combination of fresh basil and nutmeg to elevate the flavors, making this recipe a delicious and wholesome choice for any occasion.
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