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Zucchini Roll Stuffed With Ham And Cheese

Zucchini Roll Stuffed with Roasted Vegetables and Cheese

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The Zucchini Roll Stuffed with Roasted Vegetables and Cheese is a perfect dish for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy yet flavorful meal. Zucchini, known for its mild flavor and versatility, makes an ideal base for this roll, while the roasted vegetables and creamy cheese filling create a satisfying and nutritious dish. Whether you are following a vegetarian or gluten-free diet, this recipe provides an excellent option for lunch, dinner, or even a side dish at gatherings.

In this recipe, the zucchini roll is baked, cooled, filled with a delicious cream cheese and roasted vegetable mixture, then chilled to form a perfect roll that can be sliced into bite-sized pieces. The best part? You can customize the filling with your favorite vegetables and cheeses. Read on to learn how to make this tasty dish and discover tips for success, ingredient substitutions, and more!

Ingredients

Zucchini Roll Base:

  • 3 medium zucchinis – Provides the foundation of the roll, with a mild flavor and tender texture.
  • 5 eggs – Essential for binding the zucchini mixture and providing structure to the roll.
  • 5 tablespoons Parmesan cheese – Adds savory depth and helps hold the roll together.
  • Salt, to taste – Enhances the flavor of the zucchini and cheese.
  • Extra virgin olive oil (for greasing) – Ensures the roll doesn’t stick to the baking tray.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a fresh flavor and color to the dish.

Roasted Vegetable Filling:

  • 250g (about 1 cup) Philadelphia or other cream cheese – The creamy base for the filling, making it rich and smooth.
  • 200g (about 7 oz) roasted vegetables – A variety of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, eggplant, mushrooms, or zucchini can be used for a flavorful filling.

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini

  1. Preheat the Oven
    Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when you’re ready to bake.
  2. Grate the Zucchini
    Wash and grate the zucchinis using a large-hole grater. The grated zucchini will form the base of the roll.
  3. Drain the Zucchini
    Sprinkle salt over the grated zucchini, mix, and let it sit in a colander for about 10 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture, ensuring the roll doesn’t become soggy.

Make the Egg Mixture

  1. Beat the Eggs
    In a bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until fully combined.
  2. Add Parmesan Cheese
    Stir in the Parmesan cheese into the beaten eggs for flavor and structure.
  3. Add Fresh Parsley
    Chop the fresh parsley and add it to the egg mixture for added flavor and color.

Combine Ingredients

  1. Squeeze Out Excess Liquid
    After the zucchini has drained, squeeze out any remaining liquid to prevent the roll from becoming too wet.
  2. Mix Zucchini with Egg Mixture
    Add the drained zucchini to the egg mixture, stirring until evenly combined.

Bake the Zucchini Roll

  1. Prepare the Baking Tray
    Line a 30 x 40 cm baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it with extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Spread the Zucchini Mixture
    Pour the zucchini and egg mixture into the tray and spread it evenly using a spatula.
  3. Bake the Zucchini Roll
    Bake the mixture in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the roll is firm and slightly golden around the edges.

Prepare the Filling

  1. Cool the Zucchini Roll
    Once baked, remove the roll from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes.
  2. Transfer to Plastic Wrap
    Place a sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface and transfer the baked zucchini layer onto it.
  3. Spread the Cream Cheese
    Spread cream cheese evenly over the baked zucchini.
  4. Add Roasted Vegetables
    Top the cream cheese layer with the roasted vegetables of your choice.
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Roll and Chill

  1. Roll the Zucchini
    Carefully roll the zucchini layer using the plastic wrap to help keep it tight.
  2. Seal the Roll
    Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to seal the roll tightly.
  3. Chill the Roll
    Place the roll in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 2 hours.

Serve the Zucchini Roll

  1. Remove the Plastic Wrap
    Once chilled, remove the plastic wrap.
  2. Slice and Serve
    Slice the roll into 1-2 cm pieces and arrange them on a platter for serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve as an appetizer, a light main course, or a side dish alongside a fresh green salad.
  • Pair with a garlic bread or crusty bread for a more filling meal.
  • Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a tangy finish.

Cooking Tips

  • Drain Zucchini Thoroughly: Make sure to drain the zucchini thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the roll.
  • Customize the Filling: You can customize the filling by adding other roasted vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or spinach.
  • Use a Sharp Knife: When slicing the roll, use a sharp knife to prevent squashing the roll and ensure clean slices.
  • Cool Before Rolling: Let the zucchini layer cool completely before spreading the filling and rolling to avoid tearing the zucchini.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Zucchini: Low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. It’s also rich in vitamins A and C.
  • Eggs: A great source of high-quality protein, as well as vitamins B12 and D, essential for healthy muscle function and bone health.
  • Cream Cheese: Provides a creamy texture, while also offering calcium and protein.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, roasted vegetables are a nutrient-dense addition to any meal.

Dietary Information

  • Gluten-Free: This recipe contains no gluten, making it a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.
  • Low-Carb: With its base of zucchini and egg, this dish is ideal for those on low-carb or keto diets.
  • Vegetarian: The dish is vegetarian-friendly, and you can further customize it with different vegetables or add extra cheeses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other vegetables in the filling?

Yes, you can use a variety of vegetables in the filling. Roasted carrots, spinach, tomatoes, or eggplant are all excellent options. Just ensure that the vegetables are roasted to enhance their flavor.

Can I prepare the zucchini roll ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the zucchini roll up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for a hassle-free dinner party.

What is the best way to slice the roll?

To ensure clean slices, use a sharp knife and cut the roll into 1-2 cm thick slices. A sharp knife will prevent squashing the roll, keeping each slice intact and presentable.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free by substituting the cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese alternative, and using a dairy-free cheese substitute in place of Parmesan.

Conclusion

The Zucchini Roll Stuffed with Roasted Vegetables and Cheese is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course, it’s a delightful option for a variety of dietary preferences. With its customizable filling and easy preparation, this dish can easily become a staple in your recipe collection. Serve it for a family dinner, party, or casual meal, and enjoy the delicious flavors that come together in each bite.

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