Zucchini Roll Ups are thin slices of zucchini that. Are filled with a mixture of ricotta cheese, Italian sausage, spinach, and mushrooms. The rolls are baked in a homemade tomato sauce and they are topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
This dish is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still being very delicious.
Why I Love This Recipe?
I love Zucchini Roll Ups because they are my favorite way to enjoy a healthy meal. The creamy ricotta with spicy sausage are all wrapped in zucchini slices. This creates the perfect mix of texture and taste.
The first time I made Zucchini rollups they quickly became my favorite. They are perfect as an appetizer, side dish or a light main course. Plus, they look as good as they taste and they are always a hit at any table!
Key Ingredients
Zucchini: I recommend using medium zucchinis for easy rolling and great flavor. Use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to cut them so they can be thin and even. This makes the rolling them up so much easier.
Ricotta Cheese: I love using whole milk ricotta because it makes the filling super creamy. If you want a lighter option you can also use part-skim ricotta
Italian Sausage: I love to use spicy Italian sausage but You can choose mild sausage if you prefer something subtle. I even tried it with turkey sausage and it was still delicious.
Spinach: Fresh spinach works the best, but frozen spinach is a great option too. Just make sure to squeeze out all the water first.
Mushrooms (Shiitake): These give the filling a delicious flavor. If you don’t have shiitake, you can use button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms!
Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses make the best combo! I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste!
San Marzano Tomatoes: These are my favorite for making tomato sauce because they’re sweet and flavorful. If you can’t find them, use good-quality canned tomato.
Expert Tips
- Uniform Slicing: Use a mandolin to slice the zucchini evenly. This ensures that all the roll ups cook at the same rate.
- Draining Ricotta: Drain the ricotta cheese if it’s too wet. This helps prevent the filling from being too watery.
- Pre-Cooking Zucchini: Lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry before rolling.
- Seasoning the Filling: Taste the filling mixture before assembling the roll ups and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Tomato Sauce: Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the best flavor in the tomato sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and add more mushrooms or other vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant.
- Cheese Alternatives: Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a vegan ricotta for a dairy-free version.
- Different Meats: Replace the Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or beef.
- Herb Mix: Experiment with different herbs like oregano, thyme, or basil in the filling and sauce for varied flavors.
- Sauce: Use a store-bought marinara sauce if you’re short on time.
How to Store?
If You have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also freeze the roll ups before baking.
Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
How to Serve?
Serve Zucchini Roll Ups hot, topped with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. They pair well with a simple green salad or crusty bread. I like to sprinklethem a little fresh basil or parsley on top before serving—it makes them look so fancy!
This dish also makes a great side for meats like this Italian Pork Milanese or as part of a larger Italian meal.
Print
Zucchini Roll Ups Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Italian Zucchini Rollups are light, fresh, and full of flavor! Made with thin zucchini slices, creamy cheese, Italian sausage and savory herbs, this recipe is perfect as an appetizer or a tasty side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced thinly lengthwise
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 can (28 ounces) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Zucchini: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice zucchini into thin strips using a mandolin.
- Make Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cooked sausage, spinach, and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Assemble Roll Ups: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture on one end of a zucchini slice, roll up, and place in the dish. Repeat with remaining zucchini slices.
- Top with Cheese: Pour remaining tomato sauce over the roll ups. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For uniform zucchini slices, use a mandolin.
Taste and adjust the seasoning of the filling before rolling.
Use high-quality San Marzano tomatoes for the best sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 18g
Nutrition information
This website gives estimated nutritional information, which might change depending on the ingredients used.
FAQ
Can I make Zucchini Roll Ups ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the roll ups and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Add extra baking time if cooking from chilled.
How do I prevent the zucchini from being watery?
Lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat them dry before rolling.
Can I freeze Zucchini Roll Ups?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled roll ups before baking. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
What other vegetables can I use for roll ups?
You can use eggplant, bell peppers, or even large spinach leaves as an alternative to zucchini for the roll ups.
