Cheesy Baked Vegetable Rolls
These Cheesy Baked Vegetable Rolls are everything you want in a comforting Mediterranean-style dish: tender roasted vegetables, gooey melted cheese, and a golden baked finish. They’re non-spicy, family-friendly, and perfect as an appetizer, light dinner, or lunchbox item. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and 100% website-worthy.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Vegetable Rolls
2 medium zucchini
1 medium eggplant
1 large carrot
1 red bell pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Filling
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese
2 tbsp grated parmesan
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil
For Baking
½ cup marinara or simple tomato sauce
Extra mozzarella for topping
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Slice zucchini and eggplant lengthwise into thin strips.
Julienne carrot and slice bell pepper thinly.
Toss vegetables with olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Roast for 10–12 minutes until pliable (not fully soft).
2. Make the Cheese Filling
In a bowl, mix mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, and fresh herbs.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the Rolls
Spoon cheese mixture onto one end of each vegetable slice.
Add carrot and bell pepper strips.
Roll tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish.
4. Bake
Pour marinara sauce around (not over) the rolls.
Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top.
Cover loosely with foil and bake 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips for Perfect Rolls
Slice vegetables evenly for easy rolling.
Pre-roasting prevents soggy rolls.
For crisp edges, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving to set the cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead?
Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I freeze them?
Yes. Freeze unbaked rolls; bake directly from frozen, adding 10 minutes.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts best; add feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Can I make them vegan?
Use dairy-free cheese and cashew ricotta.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~280 kcal
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 4 g