Have you ever wanted to create a dish that’s both visually stunning and absolutely delicious? Baked Stuffed Zucchini Roll: A Delightful and Impressive Dish is exactly what you need! This vibrant zucchini roll, filled with creamy cheese and optional ham or vegetables, makes for the perfect appetizer, main course, or even a side dish. It’s easy to prepare, nutritious, and bound to impress anyone at the table. Let’s explore how you can bring this culinary masterpiece to life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This zucchini roll is versatile, nutritious, and visually stunning. The tender zucchini base provides a fresh, light flavor, while the creamy cheese filling adds richness and texture. Whether you keep it vegetarian or add savory cooked ham, this recipe can adapt to suit any occasion. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients for Baked Stuffed Zucchini Roll
Here’s what you’ll need to create this impressive zucchini roll:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zucchini Base: | |
| Zucchini (medium-sized) | 3 |
| Eggs | 5 |
| Parmigiano (Parmesan cheese) | 5 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | For greasing |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | To taste |
| Filling: | |
| Philadelphia or cream cheese | 250 g |
| Cooked ham (optional) | 200 g |
| Other vegetables or thinly sliced tomatoes (for a vegetarian version) | As desired |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing the Zucchini
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with extra virgin olive oil.
- Grate the Zucchini: Use a box grater or food processor to grate the zucchini. Place the grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle it with a pinch of salt, and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Remove Moisture: After 10 minutes, squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or your hands. This step ensures the base won’t be soggy.
2. Making the Zucchini Base
- Beat the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt, and chopped parsley to the eggs. Mix thoroughly to ensure the zucchini is evenly coated.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it into an even rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the base is set and slightly golden.
3. Preparing the Filling
- Mix the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese with a pinch of salt and some chopped parsley. Stir until smooth.
- Optional Ham or Vegetables: If you’re using cooked ham, slice it thinly. For a vegetarian version, prepare thin slices of tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, or other vegetables.
4. Assembling the Roll
- Cool the Base: Once the zucchini base is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Carefully transfer it to a clean sheet of parchment paper or a flat surface.
- Spread the Filling: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled zucchini base.
- Add Optional Toppings: Layer the cooked ham or sliced vegetables over the cream cheese for additional flavor and texture.
5. Rolling the Zucchini
- Start Rolling: Starting at one end, use the parchment paper to help you roll the zucchini base into a tight log. Roll slowly and carefully to ensure it stays intact.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Place the rolled zucchini log into a lightly greased baking dish.
6. Final Baking
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brush the outside of the roll with extra virgin olive oil for a golden finish.
- Bake Again: Return the zucchini roll to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the roll is heated through and lightly golden.
7. Serving the Zucchini Roll
- Cool Slightly: Let the zucchini roll cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Slice and Garnish: Slice the roll into even pieces and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve Warm: Serve your baked zucchini roll warm, as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe achieves a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The zucchini base is light but sturdy enough to hold the filling, while the cream cheese adds a creamy richness. Adding ham or vegetables enhances the dish with bursts of flavor, making it satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a weeknight dinner, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Rolls
- Squeeze Out Moisture: Removing excess liquid from the zucchini is key to avoiding a soggy base.
- Cool Before Rolling: Allow the zucchini base to cool slightly before adding the filling to prevent tearing.
- Customize the Filling: Experiment with different fillings, like ricotta cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted peppers.
- Slice Gently: Use a sharp knife to slice the roll cleanly, especially if serving for guests.
- Pair with Sauces: Serve with marinara sauce, pesto, or balsamic glaze for added flavor.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
FAQs About Baked Stuffed Zucchini Roll
1. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and roll the zucchini base in advance. Simply bake it just before serving for the best results.
2. How do I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
3. Can I freeze the zucchini roll?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked zucchini roll. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
4. What other fillings can I use?
This recipe is flexible! Try fillings like ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, or sautéed spinach for a different flavor profile.
5. What should I serve alongside the zucchini roll?
Serve it with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
6. Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese with ricotta, goat cheese, or even a soft herb cheese for added flavor.
Why You’ll Love Making This Recipe
Baked Stuffed Zucchini Roll is more than just a recipe—it’s a way to impress your family and guests with minimal effort. The combination of fresh zucchini, creamy filling, and customizable toppings makes it versatile, flavorful, and visually stunning. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this dish is approachable and rewarding to make.
Conclusion: Ready to Roll?
Now that you’ve learned how to create Baked Stuffed Zucchini Roll: A Delightful and Impressive Dish, it’s time to get started! This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, enjoying a family meal, or preparing a healthy yet indulgent treat for yourself.
Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and roll into culinary perfection today!
Print
Baked Stuffed Zucchini Roll: A Delightful and Impressive Dish
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Elevate your meal with this baked stuffed zucchini roll! This stunning dish features a light zucchini base filled with creamy cheese and optional ham or vegetables, rolled into an elegant log and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or side dish, it’s versatile, nutritious, and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Base:
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 5 eggs
- 5 tablespoons Parmigiano (Parmesan cheese)
- Salt, to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil, for greasing
- Fresh parsley, chopped
For the Filling:
- 250 g Philadelphia or cream cheese
- 200 g cooked ham (optional)
- Other vegetables or thinly sliced tomatoes (for a vegetarian version)
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Prepare the Zucchini Base:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with extra virgin olive oil.
- Grate the zucchini and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or your hands.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs, then add the grated zucchini, Parmesan cheese, salt, and parsley. Mix thoroughly.
- Spread the mixture evenly onto the baking sheet, forming a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the base is set and slightly golden.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, salt, and parsley. Mix until smooth.
- If using cooked ham, slice it thinly. For a vegetarian version, prepare thin slices of tomatoes or roasted vegetables.
3. Assemble the Roll:
- Let the baked zucchini base cool slightly, then transfer it to a clean sheet of parchment paper or surface.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the base.
- Add the cooked ham or vegetables as a layer on top of the cream cheese.
4. Roll the Zucchini:
- Using the parchment paper to guide you, roll the zucchini base tightly into a log.
- Place the roll into a greased baking dish.
5. Bake Again:
- Brush the outside of the roll with extra virgin olive oil.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and golden.
6. Serve:
- Let the roll cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Customize the Filling: Use ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, or roasted vegetables for a twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the roll for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the zucchini roll in advance and bake it just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
