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Easy Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Roll-Ups Without Noodles

zucchini lasagna roll-ups - featured image

A comforting and lighter twist on classic lasagna using zucchini slices instead of noodles, filled with a rich cheesy mixture and baked to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 to 4 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin strips (about 810 inches long)
  • 1 cup (250 g) whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 150 g), part-skim
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (about 16 fl oz or 480 ml), store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice the zucchini lengthwise into 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick strips using a mandoline or sharp knife. Aim for uniform thickness to roll easily and cook evenly. You should get about 12-15 strips total.
  2. Optional: Lay the zucchini slices on paper towels, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes. Then blot excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
  3. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper until combined and creamy.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  5. Lay a zucchini slice flat, spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture evenly along its length, leaving a small border. Carefully roll up the zucchini starting from one end, making a tight roll. Place seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat with remaining slices.
  6. Pour marinara sauce evenly over the roll-ups. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella on top.
  7. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. The zucchini should be tender but still hold its shape.
  8. Let the roll-ups sit for 5 minutes out of the oven before serving to help the filling set.

Notes

Salting zucchini slices before assembling helps remove excess moisture and prevents sogginess. Do not overfill the rolls to avoid bursting during baking. Cover with foil for most of the baking time to retain moisture, then uncover to brown the cheese. You can prepare roll-ups ahead and refrigerate before baking. For dairy-free, substitute cheeses with plant-based alternatives. Freeze unbaked roll-ups on a tray before storing in a container; bake from frozen adding 15 minutes to baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini lasagna, zucchini roll-ups, cheesy zucchini recipe, noodle-free lasagna, low-carb lasagna, gluten-free lasagna, vegetarian lasagna