Transform your zucchini into an elegant and nutritious dish with these stunning baked zucchini rolls that will completely change how you view this versatile vegetable. This recipe creates beautiful, protein-rich rolls with a crispy golden exterior and creamy cheese filling that’s more satisfying than any meat dish. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or as an impressive appetizer, these rolls prove that healthy eating can be both delicious and visually stunning.
Ingredients
For the Zucchini Base
- 2 medium zucchini (about 600g / 1¼ lbs), divided – one grated, one sliced
- 3 large eggs
- 50g cheddar cheese (1¾ oz), grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Cheese Filling
- 100g labneh cheese (3½ oz)
- 100g cottage cheese (3½ oz)
- Pinch of salt to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh dill for decoration
Instructions
Preparing the Zucchini Base
- Grate one medium zucchini using a coarse grater and place in a large bowl.
- Add salt to the grated zucchini and mix well, but do not squeeze out the water – leave as is.
- Add 3 eggs to the grated zucchini and whisk thoroughly until well combined.
- Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preference.
- Add the grated cheddar cheese and mix until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Preparing the Zucchini Slices
- Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the second zucchini lengthwise into thin, even strips.
- The slices should be thin enough to be flexible but not paper-thin, as they need to hold their shape when rolling.
Baking the Base
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pour the grated zucchini and egg mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread evenly.
- Arrange the zucchini slices in overlapping rows on top of the egg mixture, creating an attractive pattern.
- Sprinkle a light layer of salt over the zucchini slices.
- Bake on the bottom rack of the oven for 10 minutes, then move to the center rack.
- Continue baking until both the top and bottom are golden brown and fully cooked (about 15-20 minutes total).
Making the Cheese Filling
- While the zucchini base is baking, combine labneh and cottage cheese in a bowl.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Add a pinch of salt to taste and mix again.
Assembling the Rolls
- Remove the baked zucchini from the oven and allow to cool completely (about 10 minutes).
- Place another sheet of parchment paper on top and carefully flip the entire sheet.
- Remove the original parchment paper from what is now the top.
- Spread the cheese filling evenly across the cooled zucchini base.
- Starting from one end, carefully roll the zucchini sheet into a tight log, ensuring the sliced zucchini pattern remains on the outside.
- Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Serving
- Using a sharp knife, slice the chilled roll into 2cm (¾ inch) thick rounds.
- Arrange on a serving platter and garnish with fresh dill if desired.
- Serve immediately or store covered in the refrigerator.
Time and Serving
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Storage: 3-4 days refrigerated in airtight container
Nutrition (Per Slice)
- Calories: 85
- Protein: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Calcium: 120mg
Why This Recipe is Good and Healthy
These baked zucchini rolls offer an exceptional nutritional profile while delivering incredible flavor and satisfaction. Zucchini is extremely low in calories but rich in essential nutrients including vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like beta-carotene and lutein, which support eye health and immune function. The vegetable also provides significant amounts of water and fiber, promoting hydration and digestive health.
The protein-rich cheese filling provides complete amino acids essential for muscle maintenance and repair, while the eggs contribute high-quality protein, vitamin D, and choline for brain health. This combination creates a satisfying meal that helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and provides sustained energy without the heaviness associated with fried foods.
By baking instead of frying, this recipe eliminates unnecessary oils and reduces overall calorie content while preserving all the nutritional benefits. The cooking method also allows the natural flavors of the zucchini to shine through, creating a more complex and satisfying taste experience than traditional fried preparations.
The cheese varieties used provide beneficial probiotics that support gut health and improve nutrient absorption. The recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted for various dietary preferences, making it suitable for those following low-carb, keto, or Mediterranean-style eating plans while still being incredibly satisfying and nutritious.