Zucchini Roll with Cheese, Bell Pepper, Onion, and Bacon Filling

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This Zucchini Roll is a delightful dish that combines the fresh flavors of zucchini with a savory filling of cheese, bell peppers, onions, and crispy bacon. It’s an ideal meal for those looking for a low-carb, yet indulgent option. The zucchini is thinly sliced and rolled with a delicious filling, then baked to perfection. This dish can serve as a light dinner, a satisfying appetizer, or a side dish for a larger meal.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Low-Carb

Ingredients:

For the Zucchini Roll:

  • 2 zucchini (550-600 g)
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup (100 g) yellow cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), grated
  • ½ tsp salt

For the Filling:

  • 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions:

Prepare the Zucchini:

  1. Slice the Zucchini:
    Using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick. The zucchini will act as the base for your roll, so it’s important that the slices are even.

  2. Prepare the Zucchini for Baking:
    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Lay the zucchini slices flat on the prepared baking sheet, overlapping them slightly to fit the shape of your pan.

  3. Season and Cook the Zucchini:
    Sprinkle the zucchini slices with salt and bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, just to soften them slightly and remove excess moisture. After baking, set them aside to cool.

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Cook the Bacon:
    In a skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    In the same skillet, add the chopped bell pepper and onion. Sauté them until soft and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly.

  3. Mix the Filling:
    In a medium bowl, combine the grated cheese, sautéed vegetables, and crumbled bacon. Stir well to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Assemble the Zucchini Roll:

  1. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
    In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. Add a pinch of salt to the egg mixture.

  2. Roll the Zucchini:
    Take one zucchini slice and place a spoonful of the filling mixture at one end. Carefully roll the zucchini slice around the filling, making sure the filling is tightly enclosed. Repeat this process for all of the zucchini slices.

  3. Place in a Baking Dish:
    Arrange the zucchini rolls in a greased baking dish, standing them upright if possible. Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the rolls, ensuring they are all coated.

Bake the Zucchini Roll:

  1. Bake the Rolls:
    Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rolls are golden and the eggs have fully set. The cheese should be melted and bubbly, and the zucchini should be tender.

Serve:

  1. Let the Rolls Cool Slightly:
    Allow the zucchini rolls to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and makes them easier to handle.

  2. Serve Warm:
    Serve the zucchini rolls warm as a main course, appetizer, or side dish. They pair wonderfully with a light salad or some fresh bread.

Serving Suggestions:

  1. Pair with a Salad:
    Serve these zucchini rolls alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to balance out the richness of the cheese and bacon.

  2. As a Side Dish:
    These rolls make a great side dish to complement grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a vegetable-heavy entrée.

  3. Enjoy with a Dip:
    For added flavor, serve these zucchini rolls with a creamy dip like ranch or tzatziki.

Cooking Tips:

  1. Use a Mandolin for Even Slicing:
    If you want your zucchini slices to be uniform, a mandolin slicer is the best tool to get thin, even strips.

  2. Pre-bake the Zucchini:
    Be sure to pre-bake the zucchini slices to remove excess moisture. This prevents the rolls from becoming soggy during the baking process.

  3. Experiment with Fillings:
    You can adjust the filling based on your preferences. Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or different types of cheese for a variety of flavors.

  4. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish:
    Make sure the zucchini rolls are arranged with enough space in between. This will ensure that they bake evenly and crisp up nicely.

  5. Allow Cooling Time:
    Let the zucchini rolls cool slightly before serving. This will make them easier to slice and handle.

Variations to Try:

  1. Vegetarian Zucchini Rolls:
    Skip the bacon and use more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and roasted red peppers. This makes the dish completely vegetarian without compromising on flavor.

  2. Spicy Zucchini Rolls:
    Add a pinch of chili powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper to the filling mixture for an added kick of spice.

  3. Cheese Variety:
    Use a mix of cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or ricotta for a creamier filling. This will give the rolls a slightly different flavor and texture.

  4. Add Herbs:
    Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can be added to the filling to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Conclusion:

Zucchini Rolls with cheese, bell pepper, onion, and bacon filling are a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a low-carb main course or a flavorful side. The combination of tender zucchini and savory filling wrapped in a cheesy egg mixture makes this dish both satisfying and healthy. Whether you are hosting a dinner party, enjoying a family meal, or looking for a simple yet delicious recipe, these zucchini rolls will surely impress everyone at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

  1. Can I prepare these zucchini rolls ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the rolls a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them when you’re ready to serve.

  2. Can I use a different kind of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use any cheese you prefer, such as feta, ricotta, or gouda.

  3. How do I make these rolls vegetarian? Simply skip the bacon and use vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes for a delicious vegetarian filling.

  4. Can I freeze these zucchini rolls? Yes, you can freeze the assembled rolls before baking. When ready to bake, cook from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.

  5. How can I prevent the zucchini from being too watery? Pre-baking the zucchini slices helps to remove excess moisture and prevent sogginess.

  6. Can I use store-bought cheese for the filling? Yes, pre-grated cheese is a convenient option, but fresh, block cheese tends to melt better and has a richer flavor.

  7. How do I store leftover zucchini rolls? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

  8. Can I use different fillings for these rolls? Yes, you can experiment with various fillings like cooked chicken, spinach, or roasted vegetables.

  9. Do I need to peel the zucchini before slicing? No, you don’t need to peel the zucchini. The skin adds color and nutrients to the dish.

  10. Can I serve these rolls cold? While they are best served warm, you can enjoy them at room temperature as well. Just make sure to store them properly to maintain their texture.

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