Oh my goodness, have you tried zucchini lasagna roll ups yet? They’re like a warm hug on a plate! I absolutely love them because they’re a fantastic, healthy alternative to traditional lasagna. You get all that delicious cheesy goodness but without the heavy carbs from pasta. Plus, they’re packed with fresh flavors, thanks to the ricotta and spinach filling. I remember the first time I made these; I was a little skeptical about how zucchini would hold up, but wow, it turned out to be a game changer! The zucchini strips become wonderfully tender in the oven, making each bite feel indulgent while still being super nutritious. Trust me, once you try these roll ups, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce, packed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
How to Prepare Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your zucchini lasagna roll ups bake evenly and the cheese gets all melty and bubbly. Trust me, nothing beats that bubbling cheese on top!
Prepare the Zucchini
Now, grab your fresh zucchinis—it’s best to use firm, vibrant ones for this recipe. Slice them lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick. I like to use a mandoline for this part, but a sharp knife works just fine too! Fresh zucchini is key here; it holds up beautifully in the oven, so don’t skimp on quality!
Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, egg, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. I love how vibrant the spinach makes the filling! Stir it all together until it’s well combined and creamy. Make sure to taste a little—you want to make sure it’s seasoned just right!
Assemble the Roll Ups
Now it’s assembly time! Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish. Take a zucchini strip, spoon some of that delicious filling onto one end, and roll it up tightly. Place the roll seam-side down in the dish. Repeat this for all your strips, packing them snugly but not too tight—there should be a little room for the sauce to get in. Oops! Just make sure they don’t unroll; a little seam can help keep them together!
Bake the Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups
Finally, top your beautiful roll ups with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is all bubbly and golden. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing, and you won’t be able to wait to dig in!
Nutritional Information Section
Just a quick note before you get cooking: nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just a guideline! Here’s a typical breakdown for one zucchini lasagna roll up:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 15g
This makes for a satisfying, nourishing meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor! Enjoy your delicious creations without the guilt!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a healthy alternative to traditional lasagna, packed with veggies!
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Rich in flavor, with creamy ricotta and fresh spinach that elevate every bite.
- No need for pasta—zucchini keeps it light and gluten-free!
- Customizable—feel free to add in your favorite veggies or spices.
- Perfectly portioned roll ups make serving a breeze!
- Bakes beautifully, with melted cheese that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Leftovers reheat well, making them great for lunch the next day.
- It’s a fun and interactive dish to make with family or friends!
Tips for Success
Ready to make your zucchini lasagna roll ups absolutely perfect? I’ve got some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time!
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, firm zucchinis will hold up better during baking and give you that lovely texture. The fresher your veggies, the tastier the dish!
- Don’t Overstuff: It can be tempting to pile on the filling, but remember, you want to roll them up snugly without bursting at the seams. A tablespoon of filling per strip usually does the trick!
- Layer Wisely: When assembling, make sure to spread that marinara sauce evenly in the baking dish and on top of the roll ups. This helps keep everything moist and flavorful.
- Experiment with Herbs: Don’t be shy with herbs and spices! Fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can take your flavors to the next level.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the roll ups sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely and makes it easier to serve!
- Get Creative: Feel free to add in other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some cooked ground meat if you want a heartier version. The possibilities are endless!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cheese; once it’s bubbly and slightly golden, you know it’s ready to be devoured!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to zucchini lasagna roll up perfection! Enjoy every delicious bite!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these zucchini lasagna roll ups! Let’s get creative and take this dish to new heights!
- Vegetable Medley: Swap in your favorite veggies! Think bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some roasted eggplant for an extra depth of flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely so they fit nicely in the rolls.
- Herb Infusion: Add a fresh twist by incorporating herbs like basil, oregano, or even a pinch of thyme into the ricotta filling. This will elevate the taste and give it that garden-fresh vibe!
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix in different cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or provolone with the ricotta for a unique flavor profile. Each cheese brings its own personality to the dish!
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the filling or use a spicy marinara sauce instead. Wow, your taste buds will thank you!
- Alfredo Sauce: For a creamy twist, try replacing the marinara sauce with a homemade or store-bought alfredo sauce. Trust me, it’s a rich and decadent alternative that will leave you craving more!
- Pesto Delight: Spread a layer of pesto on top of the zucchini before adding the filling. The vibrant flavors of basil and garlic will add a wonderful depth to your roll ups!
- Meat Lover’s Version: For those who want to add protein, mix in some cooked ground turkey or beef with the ricotta. It’s a hearty option that makes these roll ups even more satisfying!
Feel free to experiment and tailor these variations to your taste! The beauty of zucchini lasagna roll ups is that they’re incredibly adaptable, so have fun with it and enjoy the delicious results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a delicious batch of zucchini lasagna roll ups and you’ve got some leftovers—lucky you! Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy them again later.
To store, simply let the roll ups cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each roll up tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label the bag with the date; it helps keep track!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them is super easy. If they’re frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, you can pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re heated through and the cheese is bubbly again. You could also microwave them if you’re in a hurry—just cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm.
Trust me, these zucchini lasagna roll ups taste just as good the next day! Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
Print
Zucchini Lasagna Roll Ups: 7 Simple Steps to Deliciousness
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Zucchini lasagna roll ups are a healthy alternative to traditional lasagna. They are filled with ricotta cheese and spinach, then baked in marinara sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, spinach, egg, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Place a zucchini strip, add filling, and roll it up.
- Repeat for all strips and place them in the dish.
- Top with remaining marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use fresh zucchini for best results.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: zucchini lasagna roll ups, healthy lasagna, vegetarian lasagna
