A delicious, crispy, cheesy appetizer or light meal made with thin zucchini slices rolled around a creamy cheese filling, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and baked until golden brown.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

Servings

4 (8 roll-ups)

Ingredients

For the Zucchini

2 large zucchini
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Filling

4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For the Crispy Coating

¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Optional Garnish

Fresh parsley
Marinara sauce for dipping
Fresh basil
Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, slice zucchini lengthwise into thin strips about ⅛-inch thick.

Lightly sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.

Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a bowl combine:

Cream cheese
Mozzarella
Parmesan
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Italian seasoning
Parsley

Mix until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble

Spread about 1 tablespoon of filling on one end of each zucchini strip.

Roll tightly.

Repeat with remaining slices.

Step 4: Coat

Mix together:

Panko breadcrumbs
Parmesan
Paprika
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning

Lightly brush each zucchini roll with olive oil.

Roll in breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Arrange roll-ups seam-side down.

Spray lightly with cooking spray.

Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with:

Marinara sauce
Garlic aioli
Ranch dressing
Greek yogurt herb dip

Tips for Perfect Roll-Ups

Use large zucchini for longer slices.
Pat zucchini dry to prevent sogginess.
Chill the filling for 10 minutes if it becomes too soft.
Turn halfway through baking for even crispiness.
Broil for the last 2 minutes for extra golden tops.

Variations

Spicy

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

High Protein

Mix in cooked shredded chicken.

Vegetarian Deluxe

Add chopped spinach and mushrooms.

Low-Carb

Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

Mediterranean

Add feta cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze before baking for up to 2 months.

Bake directly from frozen, adding 8–10 extra minutes.

Reheating

Oven: 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes
Air Fryer: 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes
Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the coating crispy.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 245
Protein: 11 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fat: 17 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 470 mg
Cholesterol: 35 mg
Calcium: 220 mg
Potassium: 420 mg
Vitamin A: 10% DV
Vitamin C: 25% DV
Iron: 6% DV

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Allergen Information

Contains:

Milk (cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan)
Wheat (panko breadcrumbs)

May Contain:

Eggs (depending on breadcrumb brand)
Soy (some cheeses and breadcrumb brands)

Gluten-Free Option:

Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Dairy-Free Option:

Use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives.

Nut-Free:

Yes, when made with standard ingredients that are processed in nut-free facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the roll-ups up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

2. Why are my zucchini roll-ups watery?
Zucchini contains a lot of moisture. Salting and patting the slices dry before assembling helps prevent excess water.

3. Can I air fry these instead of baking?
Yes. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.

4. What dipping sauce goes best with these?
Marinara, garlic aioli, ranch, spicy mayo, or a Greek yogurt herb dip all pair well.

5. Can I add meat to the filling?
Yes. Cooked shredded chicken, turkey, or crumbled bacon are great additions.

6. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes. Yellow squash works similarly and offers a slightly sweeter flavor.

7. How do I keep the coating crispy?
Use panko breadcrumbs, spray lightly with oil, and bake on a parchment-lined tray with space between each roll-up.

8. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, freeze in an airtight container, and reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.

Crispy Baked Zucchini Roll-Ups