Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for three cheese zucchini rollatini! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. Imagine tender zucchini strips rolled up with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan, all nestled in a rich marinara sauce. The combination of flavors and textures is just heavenly! It’s cheesy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it’s a fantastic vegetarian option that even the meat lovers in your life will adore. I love making this for family dinners or when I have friends over—everyone always asks for seconds! Trust me, once you try this delicious rollatini, it will become a staple in your kitchen, and you’ll be counting the days until you can make it again. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Three Cheese Zucchini Rollatini
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin strips. This will be the star of our dish, so choose firm zucchinis for the best texture.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, for that creamy, dreamy filling that holds everything together.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded. I just love the gooey texture it adds when melted—trust me, it’s a must!
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated. This brings a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the other cheeses.
- 1 egg, to bind the cheese mixture and give it a lovely richness.
- 2 cups marinara sauce, for soaking the rollatini in all that delicious tomato goodness. You can use homemade or your favorite store-bought variety!
- Salt and pepper to taste, because we need to season our filling to perfection.
- Olive oil for drizzling, adding a touch of richness and helping everything bake up beautifully.
How to Prepare Three Cheese Zucchini Rollatini
Okay, let’s get down to the fun part—making these delicious three cheese zucchini rollatini! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds, and the end result is totally worth it. Follow along, and you’ll have a cheesy masterpiece in no time!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that our rollatini cooks evenly and gets that lovely bubbly cheese on top. So, go ahead and set that temperature while we prepare everything else!
Prepare the Zucchini
Now for the zucchinis! Slice them lengthwise into thin strips. I like to use a mandoline for this—it’s a game changer! It gives you those perfectly even slices, which not only look great but also cook evenly. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick so they’re pliable enough to roll without breaking. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife will do just fine—just take your time!
Make the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and that egg we set aside earlier. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. I love to give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and creamy. The aroma of the cheeses together is just divine—trust me, you’ll want to sneak a taste!
Assemble the Rollatini
Now comes the fun part—assembling! Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish to keep everything moist. Then, take a zucchini strip, scoop a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end, and roll it up tightly. Place the rolled zucchini seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat this until all your zucchini strips are filled and nestled in the sauce. It’s like a little zucchini party!
Bake the Dish
Once all the rollatini are lined up, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Drizzle a bit of olive oil all over for that extra flavor boost. Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Your kitchen is going to smell AMAZING, and you’ll know it’s almost time to dig in!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of things! Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying with your delicious three cheese zucchini rollatini.
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 12g
So, as you can see, it’s a satisfying dish that packs a cheesy punch while still being a great vegetarian option. Enjoy every bite without any guilt!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your three cheese zucchini rollatini turns out absolutely perfect! First, don’t skip on salting the zucchini strips after slicing them. This helps to draw out excess moisture, preventing sogginess in your dish. If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping in some fresh herbs like basil or oregano into your cheese mixture for an extra flavor boost. And for a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can work wonders!
If you want to mix things up, you can also substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version, or even throw in some sautéed spinach for added nutrition. Remember, letting the dish cool for a few minutes before serving helps the rollatini set up nicely, making it easier to serve. Trust me, taking these few extra steps will elevate your dish to a whole new level!
Variations of Three Cheese Zucchini Rollatini
If you’re anything like me, you love to get creative in the kitchen! One of the best things about three cheese zucchini rollatini is how versatile it can be. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up and keep your taste buds excited!
- Herb Infusion: Try adding fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley to the cheese mixture. It adds a fresh pop of flavor that really brightens up the dish!
- Spinach and Ricotta: Fold in some sautéed spinach or chopped kale into the cheese filling for an extra nutrient boost and a lovely green color. It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the cheese mixture. It’ll give your rollatini a zesty twist that’s sure to impress!
- Mushroom Medley: Add finely chopped sautéed mushrooms to the filling for a hearty and earthy flavor. It complements the cheeses beautifully!
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and a lovely tang. They add a delightful richness that pairs perfectly with the cheeses.
- Different Cheeses: Don’t be afraid to mix up the cheeses! Swap out the mozzarella for gouda or use feta instead of parmesan for a different flavor profile that’s just as delicious.
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to experiment and make this dish your own. Each twist will give you a new way to enjoy this classic recipe!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful three cheese zucchini rollatini, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to create a truly memorable meal! Trust me, the right sides can elevate your dish to a whole new level.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a crispy, buttery garlic bread! It’s perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce left on your plate. Plus, who doesn’t love a little carbs with their cheesy goodness?
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette is a fantastic way to balance the richness of the rollatini. The freshness of the salad pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Consider serving some roasted veggies—like asparagus, bell peppers, or broccoli. They add a wonderful texture and a pop of color to your dinner table!
- Garlic Parmesan Knots: These little bites are not only delicious but also a fun finger food that everyone will love. Plus, they’re perfect for dipping into that marinara sauce!
- Italian Antipasto Platter: Create a beautiful antipasto platter with cured meats, olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables. It adds a touch of elegance and is great for sharing before the main event.
With these serving suggestions, your three cheese zucchini rollatini will shine even brighter on the dinner table. Enjoy every bite and the smiles that come with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers of your three cheese zucchini rollatini! First off, make sure to let the dish cool completely before you store it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the rollatini soggy. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days, so you can enjoy this cheesy goodness multiple times!
Now, if you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the rollatini! Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then pop them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For reheating, I recommend using the oven to keep that cheesy texture intact. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the rollatini in a baking dish, and cover it with some foil to prevent drying out. Heat them for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re warmed through. If you want that bubbly, melty cheese effect, uncover the foil for the last 5-10 minutes. Yum! You’ll have a dish that tastes just as good as when you first made it. Enjoy every bite!
Three Cheese Zucchini Rollatini: 5 Steps to Cheesy Delight
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious and cheesy dish featuring rolled zucchini filled with three types of cheese.
Ingrédients
- 2 large zucchinis
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Take a zucchini strip, place a spoonful of cheese mixture at one end, and roll it up.
- Place the rolled zucchini in the baking dish seam side down.
- Repeat until all zucchini strips are filled.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the rolls.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for even zucchini slices.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Can be served with garlic bread.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 roll
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 400mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 8g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 4g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 12g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 12g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: three cheese zucchini rollatini
