Zucchini roll ups without ricotta are a tasty and versatile way to introduce everyone to the wonders of zucchinis. Not only are zucchini a great way to incorporate more veggies into our diet, but they are also incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes and cooking styles. Zucchini roll ups without ricotta are the perfect bite-sized snack, appetizer, or side dish and are entirely customizable to suit any palate.
Zucchini Roll Ups Without Ricotta Overview
Zucchini roll ups without ricotta are a quick and tasty way to incorporate more veggies into your meal plan and make everybody smile. Dense and nutty zucchinis are sliced into thin rounds, stuffed with a blend of flavorings like herbs, vegetables, and cheese, rolled up, and baked into bite-sized morsels. Zucchini roll ups without ricotta provide a nice crunch and burst of fresh flavor in a single bite.
Zucchinis can easily be substituted in this recipe to suit any dietary restrictions. For a vegan version, substitute a plant-based cheese or omit the cheese altogether. For a gluten-free option, wrap the rolled zucchini in lettuce for a gluten-free alternative, or substitute any gluten-free breadcrumbs. This recipe also works well with a variety of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, summer squash, and mushrooms.
This simple dish comes together in less than 45 minutes and yields 6 servings, making it the perfect go-to snack or light meal. Each individual serving provides a generous portion of zucchini, light creaminess from the ricotta cheese, and a pop of flavor and texture from the fillings.
Ingredients:
- 3 medium zucchinis
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice zucchinis into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, diced tomato, chives, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place a tablespoon of the ricotta mixture on top of each zucchini round and roll up in a crescent shape. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese over the zucchini rolls.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve zucchini rolls warm.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 112 calories per serving
- Carbs: 4 grams per serving
- Protein: 6 grams per serving
- Fat: 7 grams per serving
Cooking Time & Servings:
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Servings: 6
Equipment:
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Bowl
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a snack or appetizer.
- Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak.
- Add a dollop of pesto or a light sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese to each roll.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs.
Variation Ideas:
- Substitute ricotta cheese with any other cheese of choice.
- Substitute tomato with any other vegetables of choice.
- Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes to kick up the heat.
- Add some bacon for an extra smoky flavor.
- Add a layer of beaten egg and breadcrumb to create a crispier texture.
Substitutions:
- Replace ricotta cheese with vegan cheese or plant-based ricotta for vegan version.
- Replace Parmesan cheese with vegan Parmesan cheese for vegan version.
- Replace regular bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free version.
- Wrap the rolls in lettuce leaves instead of using bread crumbs for gluten-free version.
Storage:
- Store zucchini rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a toaster oven for a few minutes to make them crispy again.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Try to get the thinnest zucchini slices possible.
- Make sure to press the ricotta mixture onto the zucchini slices firmly.
- Mix up the vegetables and herbs to make the rolls even more flavorful.
- Serve with a dollop of marinara sauce or pesto.
Notes:
- If the zucchini slices are too thick, the filling will not stick together and the rolls will not hold their shape.
- To prevent the rolls from turning soggy, remove any excess moisture from the zucchini before rolling it up.
- This recipe is perfect for summer cookouts or potlucks, as it can be served at room temperature.
- To make a complete meal, serve the zucchini roll ups with a light salad and your favorite dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I substitute the ricotta cheese with something else? YYes! Ricotta cheese can be substituted with any kind of cheese, or even a vegan cheese for a vegan version.
- Can I freeze the zucchini roll ups? Yes, the zucchini roll ups can be frozen for up to two months.
- Does this recipe require any special equipment? No, this recipe only requires a few basic kitchen tools like a baking sheet, parchment paper, knife, cutting board, and a small bowl.
- How can I make these zucchini roll recipe healthier? Feel free to substitute regular cheese for part-skim cheese or omit it altogether for a lighter version.
Category:
- Appetizers
- Snacks
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
- Season: Summer
Personal Thoughts
Zucchini roll ups without ricotta are a delicious way to incorporate some zucchini into your meal plan. The blend of flavors and textures makes for an excellent snack or appetizer. Zucchini roll ups can easily be customized to fit any dietary preference or restriction, and make a delicious side dish for any meal. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I did. Feel free to play around with ingredients and find a flavor combination that works for you!
Encourage readers to try the recipe and explore their creativity by making variations or adding their personal touch. With just a few modifications, zucchini roll ups without ricotta can be turned into something completely new.
End with a warm closing statement, inviting readers to share their experiences, feedback, and suggestions. Whether it’s a twist on the recipe or an alternative take, I’d love to hear what you come up with. Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoy preparing and savoring this dish.
“Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.”
~ Alan D. Wolfelt
