This Cheesy Zucchini Roll is a light, flavorful, and nutritious dish that makes a perfect appetizer, snack, or light meal. Made with grated zucchini, eggs, and Parmesan, this roll is baked to perfection, then layered with creamy Philadelphia cheese and ham. It’s low-carb, protein-packed, and gluten-free, making it a healthy yet indulgent option!
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling & Chilling Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 slices
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini, grated
- 5 eggs
- 5 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil, for greasing
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 250g (about 1 cup) cream cheese (Philadelphia or other)
- 200g (about 7 oz) cooked ham (optional; substitute with thinly sliced tomatoes or other vegetables)
Directions
- Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Wash and grate the zucchini using a grater with large holes.
- Sprinkle with salt, mix well, and let sit in a colander for 10 minutes to drain excess moisture.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel.
- Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs.
- Add Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Stir in the drained zucchini and mix until well combined.
- Step 3: Bake the Zucchini Roll
- Line a 30 x 40 cm baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil.
- Pour the zucchini mixture into the tray and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until set and slightly golden.
- Step 4: Cool & Add the Filling
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes.
- Place a layer of plastic wrap on a flat surface and transfer the baked zucchini layer onto it.
- Spread cream cheese evenly over the zucchini layer.
- Lay the ham slices (or alternative vegetables) evenly on top.
- Step 5: Roll & Chill
- Carefully roll up the zucchini layer, using the plastic wrap to help keep the roll tight.
- Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to seal the roll.
- Place in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours.
- Step 6: Slice & Serve
- After chilling, remove the plastic wrap.
- Slice into 1-2 cm pieces and arrange on a serving dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer or light meal with a side salad.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze or pesto for extra flavor.
- Pair with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.
Cooking Tips
- Squeeze the zucchini well to prevent excess moisture in the roll.
- Use a serrated knife to slice cleanly without squishing the roll.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ham with roasted bell peppers or thinly sliced tomatoes.
- To add more flavor, mix herbs like basil or oregano into the egg mixture.
Nutritional Benefits
- Zucchini is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Eggs provide protein and essential nutrients.
- Parmesan and cream cheese add calcium and healthy fats.
Dietary Information
- Low-carb and gluten-free
- Keto-friendly
- Can be made vegetarian (substitute ham with roasted vegetables)
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice)
- Calories: 180-200 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheat: Let thaw and serve chilled, or lightly warm in the oven for 5 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to prepare and visually impressive.
- Creamy, cheesy, and packed with fresh flavors.
- Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or gatherings.
- Low in carbs and high in protein.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Zucchini Roll is a flavorful, nutritious, and satisfying dish that’s great for any occasion. Whether you’re meal prepping, entertaining guests, or just looking for a fresh, delicious snack, this roll is a must-try. Try it today and enjoy a light yet indulgent dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this without cream cheese? Yes! Substitute with ricotta, feta, or Greek yogurt.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Yes! Use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- What can I use instead of ham? Try smoked salmon, turkey, or grilled eggplant.
- Can I add more vegetables? Yes! Spinach, roasted peppers, or mushrooms work well.
- How do I keep the roll from cracking? Let the zucchini layer cool completely before rolling.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Prepare the roll a day in advance and store in the fridge.
- Is this good for meal prep? Absolutely! It keeps well for several days and is easy to slice and serve.
- Can I bake this in a smaller tray? Yes, but the baking time may increase slightly.
- How do I make it crispier? Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until golden brown.
- Can I air fry this? Yes! Bake at 180°C (356°F) for 15-20 minutes.