Zucchini Rolls with Tomato Sauce & Mozzarella

A light Italian-style baked dish where thin zucchini slices are rolled with a creamy filling, baked in rich tomato sauce, and topped with melted cheese.

🍽️ Serves

2–4 people

🛒 Ingredients

🥒 Zucchini Base

• 2–3 medium zucchini
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & black pepper

🍅 Tomato Sauce

• 2 cups crushed tomato (or canned tomato sauce)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil (or fresh basil at end)
• ½ tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• Salt & black pepper

🧀 Filling

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
• ½ cup ricotta or cream cheese (optional for creaminess)
• 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 tsp dried herbs (oregano or Italian mix)

🌿 Topping

• Extra mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil drizzle

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Zucchini (Key Step)

1. Wash zucchini well.
2. Slice lengthwise into thin strips (3–5 mm thick) using a knife or peeler.
3. Lightly salt the slices and let sit for 10 minutes to release moisture.
4. Pat dry with paper towel.

Light cooking (optional but improves texture):

• Grill or pan-sear slices for 1–2 minutes per side
  👉 This makes them soft and easier to roll without breaking.

2️⃣ Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a pan.
2. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add crushed tomato.
5. Stir in oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar.

Simmer:

• Cook for 10–15 minutes until thickened slightly.
• Add fresh basil at the end if using.

3️⃣ Prepare the Filling

1. In a bowl, mix:
   • mozzarella mozzarella cheese
   • ricotta or cream cheese (if using)
   • Parmesan (optional)
   • salt, pepper, herbs

👉 You want a thick, spreadable filling.

4️⃣ Assemble the Rolls

1. Lay zucchini strips flat.
2. Spread a thin layer of filling on each strip.
3. Roll tightly from one end to the other.

👉 Place seam-side down so they don’t open.

5️⃣ Assemble the Baking Dish

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Spread a layer of tomato sauce at the bottom of baking dish.
3. Place zucchini rolls neatly on top.
4. Spoon remaining sauce over rolls.
5. Top with extra mozzarella cheese.

6️⃣ Bake

• Bake for 20–25 minutes
• Then broil/grill for 2–3 minutes for golden top

👉 Cheese should be melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.

🍽️ Serving

Serve hot with:

• Fresh basil leaves
• Garlic bread or toasted pita
• Light salad on the side

🌿 Flavor Profile

• Soft, tender zucchini
• Rich, tangy tomato sauce
• Creamy melted cheese
• Light herbal Italian notes

💡 Pro Tips

• Slice zucchini evenly so rolls cook uniformly
• Remove excess water from zucchini to avoid watery dish
• Don’t overfill rolls or they’ll open during baking
• Use thick tomato sauce for best texture
• Rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets

🔥 Variations

🥩 Protein Version

Add cooked chicken or minced beef in filling

🥬 Vegetarian Boost

Add spinach or mushrooms inside rolls

🌶️ Spicy Version

Add chili flakes or spicy arrabbiata sauce