Amazing Zucchini Roll

This Amazing Zucchini Roll is a show-stopping dish that combines a thin, crispy zucchini base with a savory vegetable filling and creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer, this recipe is packed with flavor and texture. The cheesy, herby goodness rolled into a beautiful presentation makes it a crowd-pleaser!

📋 Ingredients

For the Zucchini Base:

• 2 medium zucchini (approximately 600g / 1.3 lbs)
• 3 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons (40g / 1.4 oz) all-purpose flour
• 150g (5.3 oz) mozzarella cheese , grated
• Salt , to taste
• Black pepper , to taste
• Sweet paprika , to taste

For the Filling:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic , sliced
• 1 small onion , diced
• 200g (7 oz) mushrooms , sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes
• 1 small hot pepper , sliced (optional)
• Salt , to taste
• Provençal herbs (or mixed Italian herbs)
• Black pepper , to taste
• Sweet paprika , to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 200g (7 oz) cream cheese or soft butter cheese
• 3 tablespoons sour cream
• Fresh dill , chopped
• Salt and pepper , to taste

For Assembly:

• 100g (3.5 oz) additional mozzarella or cheese of choice , grated

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Base

1. Grate the zucchini using a coarse grater. Place the grated zucchini in a large bowl and sprinkle generously with salt .
2. Let the zucchini sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
3. Squeeze out the excess liquid by wrapping the salted zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and wringing it tightly.
4. In a large bowl, beat the eggs . Add the drained zucchini, flour , grated mozzarella , black pepper , and sweet paprika . Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 2: Bake the Zucchini Base

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) . Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spread the zucchini mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet in a thin, rectangular layer, approximately 30cm x 40cm (12″ x 16″) .
3. Bake for 25 minutes , or until golden brown and set. The surface should be firm and lightly crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes .

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat . Add the sliced garlic and sauté for 1 minute , until fragrant.
2. Add the hot pepper slices (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds .
3. Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes , until softened and translucent.
4. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes , until they release their moisture and become golden.

Step 4: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Blanch the tomatoes by pouring boiling water over them and letting them stand for 2 minutes . Peel off the loosened skin and dice the tomatoes.
2. Add the diced tomatoes to the mushroom mixture along with salt , Provençal herbs , black pepper , and sweet paprika . Cook for 5–7 minutes , until the tomatoes break down and create a sauce-like consistency. Set aside.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese , sour cream , and chopped dill . Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Assemble the Roll

1. Spread the cheese sauce evenly over the warm zucchini base.
2. Add the vegetable filling in an even layer over the cheese sauce.
3. Carefully roll the zucchini base starting from one short end, using the parchment paper to help guide the rolling process.
4. Sprinkle the additional grated cheese over the top of the rolled zucchini.

Step 7: Final Bake

1. Bake the assembled roll for an additional 10 minutes , or until the cheese on top is melted and golden.

Tips for Success

• Zucchini Prep: Don’t skip the step of salting and draining the zucchini—it’s essential for preventing a soggy base.
• Cheese Variations: Use ricotta or mascarpone instead of cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Herb Substitutions: If Provençal herbs aren’t available, use a mix of dried thyme, oregano, and basil.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days . Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results.
• Freezing: Freeze the unbaked zucchini base and filling separately for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling and baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Amazing Zucchini Roll is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The crispy zucchini base provides a sturdy yet tender foundation, while the savory vegetable filling and creamy cheese sauce add layers of richness. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or slicing it into smaller portions for appetizers, this recipe is sure to impress. Dive into this cheesy, herby masterpiece and let it become a favorite in your kitchen!

⏱ Time

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 15 minutes

🍽 Servings:

6–8 servings

🔥 Calories (Approximate):

~300 kcal per serving (varies based on portion size and ingredients)