--- title: Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups Recipe | The Woodlands TX Chef description: Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups is a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that's perfect for a light dinner or lunch! canonical: https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/ language: en-US --- Recipe by Chef Ana # Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups is a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that's perfect for a light dinner or lunch! Healthy Appetizer Prep 15 min Cook 40 min Total 55 min Serves 4 [Start cooking](#ingredients) [All recipes](/recipes/) ![Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups](https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups.jpg) Chef Ana Recipe collection Prepare ## Ingredients - **3 medium** zucchini - **2 tbsp** olive oil - some salt and pepper - **1 cup** ricotta cheese - **1/3 cup** grated Parmesan cheese - **1/3 cup** grated Mozzarella cheese - **2** garlic cloves, minced (or 1 large) - **2 tbsp** fresh cilantro, chopped - **1/2 tsp** dry oregano - salt and pepper, to taste - **7 oz** crushed tomatoes - **1 tbsp** olive oil - **1/2 tsp** dry oregano - salt and pepper, to taste - **1/4 cup** grated Cheddar cheese Cook ## Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. Cut off the ends of the zucchini and slice them lengthwise into thin, flat slices. Pat them dry with a paper towel and place them on the oiled and lined baking sheet in a single layer. Brush the slices with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. 3. Roast zucchini slices in the oven for 10 minutes, until soft. Then take them out of the oven and let them rest. 4. For the tomato sauce, in a small saucepan, heat the crushed tomatoes, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dry oregano over medium heat until the sauce is warm. Set aside. 5. For the cheese filling, in a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, dry oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. 6. Spread 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture onto each zucchini slice, then roll up tightly. 7. Pour the tomato sauce into a baking dish, then place the zucchini rolls seam-side down in the dish and spread some more tomato sauce over them. Sprinkle zucchini rolls with grated Cheddar cheese. 8. Bake the zucchini rolls in the oven for 10 minutes so the cheese is lightly golden on top. 9. Remove the zucchini rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy! From the kitchen ## Chef's Tips & Notes - Slice the zucchini lengthwise with a mandoline for perfectly even ribbons. If the slices are too thick, they will not roll easily and the texture will be more like roasted zucchini than a delicate roll-up. - Pat the roasted zucchini slices completely dry with paper towels before filling. Any excess moisture will make the roll-ups watery and prevent the ricotta filling from staying in place. - Place the rolls seam-side down in the baking dish. This keeps them from unraveling during the final bake and gives you a cleaner, more elegant presentation. Read ## Chef Ana's Recipe Notes Baked zucchini ricotta roll-ups are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy zucchini! Made from a mixture of cheese and herbs, they are tender and slightly sweet and can be a tasty and healthy appetizer or snack. Imagine biting into a soft zucchini ribbon wrapped around a warm, creamy ricotta filling — the tangy tomato sauce and melted cheddar on top bring it all together with a savory depth that is hard to resist. The aroma of garlic, oregano, and bubbling cheese fresh from the oven is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen. ![Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups recipe](https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups-1.jpg) ### What are Zucchini Ricotta roll ups made of? Here’s the list of ingredients for the Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll ups recipe and a brief description of each ingredient: - Zucchini: Thinly sliced zucchini is used to create the roll-ups. Zucchini is a low-carb and nutrient-rich vegetable that’s high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. - Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese is a fresh and creamy cheese that’s made from whey protein and milk. It’s low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthier option than some other cheeses. Ricotta cheese is commonly used in Italian dishes such as lasagna and cannoli. - Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a hard and salty cheese that’s made from cow’s milk. It has a rich, nutty flavor and is commonly used in Italian cooking. Parmesan cheese is high in protein and calcium, and adds a savory depth of flavor to the roll-ups. - Mozzarella cheese: The melted mozzarella cheese will add extra creaminess and flavor to the dish. - Herbs and Spices: The filling of the roll-ups is flavored with chopped fresh herbs such as fresh cilantro and dry oregano, along with garlic, salt, and pepper. These ingredients add freshness, aroma, and flavor to the dish. - Tomato Sauce: A simple tomato sauce is made with canned crushed tomatoes, salt, olive oil, and additional herbs and spices such as oregano and black pepper. The tomato sauce provides a tangy and slightly sweet contrast to the creamy ricotta cheese and zucchini. The ingredients in the Baked zucchini ricotta roll-ups create a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a light dinner or lunch. ![Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups recipe ingredients](https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups-2.jpg) ### How to make Zucchini Ricotta roll ups? Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and dry the zucchini, then cut off the ends of the zucchini and slice them lengthwise into thin, flat slices using a mandoline or sharp knife. Pat the zucchini dry with a paper towel and place the slices on the oiled and lined baking sheet in a single layer. Brush them with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. ![Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups recipe](https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups-3.jpg) Roast zucchini slices in the oven for 15 minutes, until soft and mostly dry. This step will help remove some excess moisture and create a slightly more tender texture for the zucchini. When the time is up, take them out of the oven and let them rest. ![Baked zucchini slices](https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups-4.jpg) Meanwhile, let’s make the tomato sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the crushed tomatoes, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dry oregano over medium heat until the sauce is warm. ![tomato sauce for the Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups recipe](https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups-5.jpg) Let’s prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, dry oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. ![filling from ricotta, Parmesan, Mozzarella, garlic, cilantro, oregano](https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups-6.jpg) Spread about 1 teaspoon of the ricotta mixture onto each zucchini slice, then roll up tightly. Pour some tomato sauce into a baking dish, then place the zucchini rolls seam-side down in the dish. ![Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups](https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups-7.jpg) Spread some more tomato sauce over them and sprinkle zucchini rolls with grated Cheddar cheese. ![Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups](https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups-8.jpg) Bake the zucchini rolls in the preheated oven for 10 minutes so the cheese is melted and lightly golden on top. Remove the zucchini rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can serve them as is or sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for garnish. ![Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups recipe](https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups-9.jpg) Enjoy your delicious and healthy Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups! ![Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups recipe](https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups-10.jpg) ### Can you use a cheese slicer for zucchini? Yes, you can use a cheese slicer for zucchini. To use a cheese slicer to slice zucchini for Baked zucchini ricotta roll-ups recipe, follow these steps: 1. Wash and dry the zucchini, and cut off both ends. 2. Hold the zucchini firmly with one hand, and position the cheese slicer blade at one end of the zucchini. 3. Apply gentle pressure and slide the cheese slicer down the length of the zucchini, creating a thin slice. 4. Repeat the process until you have sliced the desired number of zucchini slices. Note that a cheese slicer may not create slices that are as thin or even as a mandoline or a sharp knife, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. ![Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups recipe](https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups-11.jpg) ### Do you peel zucchini before baking? Whether or not to peel zucchini before baking depends on personal preference and the recipe you are following. In the case of Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups, it is not necessary to peel the zucchini before slicing and baking. The zucchini skin is edible and contains nutrients and fiber, so leaving it on can be a good way to maximize the nutritional value of the dish. In fact, keeping the skin on the zucchini can also add some texture and visual interest to the roll-ups, as the green skin contrasts nicely with the creamy white ricotta filling. ![Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups recipe](https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups-12.jpg) ### What can you eat zucchini roll-ups with? Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups can be a tasty and satisfying main course on their own, but if you’re looking for additional dishes to serve with them, here are some ideas: - Grilled or roasted fish: Grilled or roasted fish can be a healthy and flavorful protein for zucchini roll-ups. Here are some recipes which can complement the flavors of the zucchini and ricotta: - [Baked Coconut Crusted Salmon](/recipes/baked-coconut-crusted-salmon/) - [Cashew Crusted Salmon](/recipes/cashew-crusted-salmon/) - [Whole Baked Sea Bass](/recipes/whole-baked-sea-bass/) - [Baked Pomegranate Salmon](/recipes/roasted-pomegranate-salmon/) - Quinoa or rice: A side of quinoa or rice can be a nutritious and filling addition to the meal. Try a simple quinoa pilaf with herbs and garlic, or brown rice with sauteed vegetables and spices. - Salad: A fresh and crisp salad can be a light and refreshing accompaniment to the roll-ups. I have some good pairings which can emphasize the taste of zucchini roll-ups: - [Savory Shrimp Mango Salad](/recipes/shrimp-mango-salad/) - [Green Salad with Grilled Squid](/recipes/squid-salad/) - [Strawberry & Avocado Salad](/recipes/strawberry-avocado-mozzarella-salad/) ### A Note from Chef Ana These Baked Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups are one of the most requested appetizers at private events I cater in The Woodlands and the greater Houston area. The combination of tender roasted zucchini, creamy ricotta, and a bright tomato sauce reminds me of the Italian dishes I fell in love with during my European culinary training. I always use the freshest zucchini I can find at local Texas farms — when the squash is in season, the difference in flavor and texture is remarkable. Whether you are hosting a dinner party, planning a celebration, or simply want a wholesome meal for your family, I would love to bring this recipe — and many more — to your table. Feel free to reach out to learn more about my personal and private chef services in The Woodlands, Spring, Tomball, Conroe, and the greater Houston area. ### Substitutions & Variations As a personal chef who specializes in dietary accommodations, I always encourage my clients to adapt recipes to their individual needs. Here are some practical variations for this recipe: - **Dairy-Free:** Replace the ricotta with a cashew-based ricotta or well-drained firm tofu blended with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and garlic. Skip the Parmesan and mozzarella, and use dairy-free shredded cheese on top. - **Vegan:** Combine the dairy-free ricotta swap above with a simple marinara sauce, and skip the cheddar topping or use a plant-based alternative. The zucchini and tomato sauce carry the dish beautifully on their own. - **Lower Carb:** These roll-ups are already naturally low-carb since zucchini replaces pasta. For an even lighter version, reduce the tomato sauce and increase the fresh herbs in the filling. ### Frequently Asked Questions ****Can I assemble the roll-ups ahead of time?**** Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups, place them in the baking dish with tomato sauce, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add the cheddar on top and bake as directed — you may need an extra 3–5 minutes since they will be cold from the fridge. ****Why are my zucchini roll-ups watery?**** Zucchini has a very high water content, so the two most important steps are roasting the slices first to remove excess moisture and patting them dry with paper towels before filling. Salting the raw slices and letting them sit for 10 minutes can also help draw out extra liquid before roasting. ****Can I use eggplant instead of zucchini?**** Absolutely. Thinly sliced eggplant works beautifully with the same ricotta filling and tomato sauce. Roast the eggplant slices a few minutes longer than zucchini since they are denser, and make sure they are flexible enough to roll without cracking. ### You Might Also Like - [Cheese and Tomatoes Baked Eggplants](/recipes/cheese-and-tomatoes-baked-eggplants/) - [Crispy Zucchini Chips](/recipes/crispy-zucchini-chips/) - [Five Easy Ricotta Crostini](/recipes/five-easy-ricotta-crostini/) **Medical and nutrition note:** Personal Chef Ana does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Meals can be customized based on your preferences and any guidance from your physician, registered dietitian, or healthcare provider. **Allergy note:** Please tell us about allergies, intolerances, and ingredient restrictions before menu planning. While we take your preferences seriously, clients with severe allergies should confirm whether the service environment and workflow are appropriate for their needs. ## Recipe details Course Appetizer Cuisine American Diet Omnivore Published Mar 20, 2023 ![Chef Ana, personal chef in The Woodlands](/images/jpg/chef-ana-the-woodlands.jpg) Meet the chef ## I'm Chef Ana Learn more about my culinary background, cooking approach, and in-home chef services. [About Chef Ana](/about/) [Contact](/contact/) ## Recipe tags - cheese - zucchini Keep exploring ## More Appetizer Recipes Continue exploring recipes from Chef Ana’s collection. [Browse all recipes](/recipes/) Appetizer ### [Pesto Cheese Twists](/recipes/pesto-cheese-twists/) 🧀 Pesto cheese twists are a delicious and flavorful appetizer or snack, made of pastry dough that is filled with pesto sauce and cheese. 25 min 12 Appetizer ### [Tuna Carpaccio](/recipes/tuna-carpaccio/) Tuna carpaccio is an incredibly tasty appetizer when prepared with fresh, high-quality tuna and well-balanced seasonings. 15 min 2 Appetizer ### [Baked Plums With Blue Cheese](/recipes/baked-plums-with-blue-cheese/) Baked plums with blue cheese is a delicious and savory-sweet dish that combines the natural sweetness of plums with the rich, tangy flavor of blue cheese. It's a simple yet impressive appetizer or dessert that you can prepare for a special occasion or as a unique addition to your menu. 30 min 4 ## Love This Recipe? Discover more delicious recipes and consider our personal chef services for fresh, healthy meals prepared in your home. [Hire Chef Ana](/contact/) ### Weekly Meal Prep A complete in-home cooking visit built around your household and menu preferences. - Custom menu planning - Grocery shopping at cost - Cooking and kitchen cleanup **Price:** $750 per visit ## Structured Data ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://personalchefana.com/#website","name":"Personal Chef Ana","url":"https://personalchefana.com/","publisher":{"@id":"https://personalchefana.com/#business"}},{"@type":["LocalBusiness","FoodEstablishment"],"@id":"https://personalchefana.com/#business","name":"Personal Chef Ana","url":"https://personalchefana.com/"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://personalchefana.com/#chef-ana","name":"Chef Ana","url":"https://personalchefana.com/about/"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#webpage","name":"Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups Recipe | The Woodlands TX Chef","description":"Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups is a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that's perfect for a light dinner or lunch!","url":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://personalchefana.com/#website"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#breadcrumb"},"author":{"@id":"https://personalchefana.com/#chef-ana"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://personalchefana.com/#business"},"mainEntity":{"@id":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#recipe"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://personalchefana.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Recipes","item":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups","item":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/"}]},{"@type":"Recipe","@id":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#recipe","name":"Baked Zucchini Ricotta roll-ups","description":"Zucchini Ricotta Roll-Ups is a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that's perfect for a light dinner or lunch!","url":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#webpage"},"image":["https://cdn.personalchefana.com/assets/images/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups.jpg"],"author":{"@id":"https://personalchefana.com/#chef-ana"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://personalchefana.com/#business"},"prepTime":"PT15M","cookTime":"PT40M","totalTime":"PT55M","recipeYield":"4","recipeCategory":"Appetizer","recipeCuisine":"American","keywords":"cheese, zucchini","recipeIngredient":["3 medium zucchini","2 tbsp olive oil","some salt and pepper","1 cup ricotta cheese","1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese","1/3 cup grated Mozzarella cheese","2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 large)","2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped","1/2 tsp dry oregano","salt and pepper, to taste","7 oz crushed tomatoes","1 tbsp olive oil","1/2 tsp dry oregano","salt and pepper, to taste","1/4 cup grated Cheddar cheese"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).","url":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#step-1"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Cut off the ends of the zucchini and slice them lengthwise into thin, flat slices. Pat them dry with a paper towel and place them on the oiled and lined baking sheet in a single layer. Brush the slices with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.","url":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#step-2"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Roast zucchini slices in the oven for 10 minutes, until soft. Then take them out of the oven and let them rest.","url":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#step-3"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"For the tomato sauce, in a small saucepan, heat the crushed tomatoes, olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dry oregano over medium heat until the sauce is warm. Set aside.","url":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#step-4"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"For the cheese filling, in a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan and Mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, dry oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.","url":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#step-5"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Spread 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture onto each zucchini slice, then roll up tightly.","url":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#step-6"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Pour the tomato sauce into a baking dish, then place the zucchini rolls seam-side down in the dish and spread some more tomato sauce over them. Sprinkle zucchini rolls with grated Cheddar cheese.","url":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#step-7"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Bake the zucchini rolls in the oven for 10 minutes so the cheese is lightly golden on top.","url":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#step-8"},{"@type":"HowToStep","text":"Remove the zucchini rolls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!","url":"https://personalchefana.com/recipes/baked-zucchini-ricotta-roll-ups/#step-9"}],"datePublished":"2023-03-20"}]} ``` ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I assemble the roll-ups ahead of time?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, you can assemble the roll-ups, place them in the baking dish with tomato sauce, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, add the cheddar on top and bake as directed — you may need an extra 3–5 minutes since they will be cold from the fridge." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why are my zucchini roll-ups watery?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Zucchini has a very high water content, so the two most important steps are roasting the slices first to remove excess moisture and patting them dry with paper towels before filling. Salting the raw slices and letting them sit for 10 minutes can also help draw out extra liquid before roasting." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Can I use eggplant instead of zucchini?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely. Thinly sliced eggplant works beautifully with the same ricotta filling and tomato sauce. Roast the eggplant slices a few minutes longer than zucchini since they are denser, and make sure they are flexible enough to roll without cracking." } } ] } ```