Zesty Zucchini and Ricotta Rolls Recipe for Fresh Summer Plates

Culinary magic happens when zucchini and ricotta rolls dance on your plate with unexpected charm.

Slicing vegetables thin creates delicate ribbons perfect for rolling.

Summer’s bounty transforms into an elegant appetizer that surprises and delights.

Italian-inspired techniques make these rolls look sophisticated yet surprisingly simple to craft.

Delicate herbs and creamy cheese complement the mild zucchini’s subtle flavor.

Impressive enough for dinner parties but easy to assemble, these rolls will become your new favorite starter.

You’ll want to explore every delicious bite of this Mediterranean-inspired creation.

What’s Awesome About Zucchini And Ricotta Rolls

• Craft Gourmet Appetizer: Transform simple ingredients into an elegant starter that looks like it's from a high-end restaurant kitchen.
• Boost Nutrition Cleverly: Pack a powerful nutritional punch with zucchini's low-calorie profile and ricotta's protein-rich goodness, making healthy eating deliciously fun.
• Master Impressive Technique: Learn a sophisticated rolling method that turns basic vegetables into a show-stopping dish, boosting your culinary confidence without complex skills.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping herbs, adding spices, or experimenting with different cheese types to match your taste preferences and kitchen creativity.

What You Need For Zucchini And Ricotta Rolls

• Zucchini: Fresh green vegetable that serves as the primary structure and base for the rolls.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and flavor to the ricotta filling.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft Italian cheese that creates a creamy and smooth filling for the rolls.
• Eggs: Binding ingredient that helps hold the zucchini base together and provides protein.

• Dill, Salt, Black Pepper: Fresh herbs and seasonings that enhance the overall taste and provide balanced seasoning to the dish.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for greasing the baking sheet and adding a light richness to the recipe.

Zucchini And Ricotta Rolls Cooking Steps

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grab a baking sheet and generously coat it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Zucchini

• Grate one zucchini into fine shreds
• Slice the remaining two zucchinis into delicate, thin rings

Step 3: Create Egg Base

Whisk eggs until smooth and fluffy. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper, blending thoroughly with a hand mixer for a uniform texture.

Step 4: Bake Zucchini Foundation

Spread the grated zucchini evenly across the oiled baking sheet. Dust with a pinch of salt.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until edges turn crispy and golden.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh dill
• Salt to taste

Mix ingredients until they form a smooth, fragrant blend.

Step 6: Assemble Zucchini Rolls

Once the zucchini base cools, spread the ricotta mixture in an even layer. Arrange zucchini rings artfully across the surface.

Step 7: Roll and Chill

Carefully roll the zucchini sheet, encasing the creamy filling. Transfer to the refrigerator and let it set for one hour to firm up and enhance flavors.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Remove from refrigerator and slice into elegant rounds. Serve chilled for a refreshing appetizer.

Easy Tips For Zucchini And Ricotta Rolls

• Select firm, fresh zucchini for best texture and avoid watery vegetables that might make the rolls soggy.
• Drain ricotta cheese using a cheesecloth to remove excess moisture and create a creamier, more stable filling.
• Pat zucchini slices dry with paper towels before assembling to prevent water release during rolling and baking.
• Experiment with herb variations like basil or mint to add different flavor profiles to the ricotta mixture.
• Allow the roll to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to help it hold its shape and enhance flavor melding.

Ways To Switch Up Zucchini And Ricotta Rolls

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace dill with a blend of fresh basil, oregano, and thyme for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the ricotta mixture and sprinkle red pepper flakes for a fiery kick that elevates the rolls' heat.
• Smoked Salmon Upgrade: Incorporate thin slices of smoked salmon between the zucchini and ricotta layers to introduce a luxurious protein element and rich oceanic taste.
• Veggie Power Boost: Mix roasted red bell peppers and spinach into the ricotta filling for enhanced vegetable nutrition and a vibrant color palette.

Best Pairings For Zucchini And Ricotta Rolls

• Pair Sauvignon Blanc Wine: Select a crisp, light Sauvignon Blanc to complement the zucchini's freshness and ricotta's creamy texture, enhancing the dish's delicate flavors.
• Serve with Mediterranean Salad: Create a light Greek or Italian-style salad with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese to balance the zucchini rolls' richness and add vibrant colors.
• Match with Herbed Crostini: Prepare toasted bread slices spread with herbed olive oil or garlic spread to provide a crunchy contrast to the soft, creamy zucchini rolls.
• Accompany with Chilled Cucumber Soup: Offer a cool, refreshing cucumber soup as a starter to echo the zucchini's light and summery profile, creating a cohesive dining experience.

How To Store Zucchini And Ricotta Rolls Right

• Refrigeration: Store rolls in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and maintain freshness.
• Freezing: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Avoid freezing as filling might separate upon thawing.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 160°C, place rolls on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Technique: Place rolls on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 20-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent overcooking.

Zucchini And Ricotta Rolls Q&A

• Can I use different herbs instead of dill?

Yes, you can substitute dill with fresh basil, parsley, or chives to create your own flavor profile while maintaining the recipe’s essence.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

The recipe is already vegetarian. If you want to add more protein, consider mixing in some pine nuts or toasted almonds into the ricotta filling.

• How thin should I slice the zucchini rings?

Slice the zucchini rings approximately 2-3 mm thick to ensure they’re flexible enough to roll but not so thin that they break during preparation.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make these rolls up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors meld together even more.

Zucchini and Ricotta Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Elegant zucchini and ricotta rolls showcase Mediterranean charm with delicate grilled zucchini ribbons embracing creamy ricotta cheese. Herb-infused filling and light texture invite home cooks to savor this simple yet sophisticated Italian appetizer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 zucchinis
• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 6 eggs

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh dill, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• Olive oil for greasing

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil for even cooking.
2. Grate one zucchini finely to create a vegetable base and slice the remaining two zucchinis into delicate, uniform rings.
3. Whisk eggs thoroughly in a mixing bowl, incorporating salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Distribute the grated zucchini evenly across the prepared baking sheet, adding a light sprinkle of salt, then bake for 20 minutes until the surface turns crispy and golden.
5. Create the filling by blending ricotta cheese with finely minced garlic, freshly chopped dill, and a balanced seasoning of salt.
6. Allow the zucchini base to cool completely, then generously spread the ricotta mixture across the surface.
7. Carefully arrange the zucchini rings on top of the ricotta layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
8. Gently roll the zucchini sheet, encasing the filling within its layers, creating a compact cylindrical shape.
9. Refrigerate the roll for 1 hour to allow the ingredients to meld and the texture to set firmly.
10. Slice the chilled roll into elegant, bite-sized pieces ready for serving.

Notes

• Choose zucchinis that are firm and have a bright green color for the best texture and flavor in your rolls.
• Squeeze out excess moisture from grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel to prevent a soggy base.
• Experiment with different fresh herbs like basil or mint to customize the ricotta filling and add unique flavor profiles.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use alternative herbs as needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 150mg