The Ultimate 5-Ingredient Zucchini Feta Roll-Ups (20-Min Appetizer!)
Imagine a warm, savory bite where a ribbon of tender-crisp zucchini envelops a cube of salty, herbed feta cheese, all broiled to golden, bubbly perfection. That, my friends, is the simple elegance of these Zucchini Feta Roll-Ups, and they are about to become your new go-to appetizer. This is, without a doubt, the fastest and…
Imagine a warm, savory bite where a ribbon of tender-crisp zucchini envelops a cube of salty, herbed feta cheese, all broiled to golden, bubbly perfection. That, my friends, is the simple elegance of these Zucchini Feta Roll-Ups, and they are about to become your new go-to appetizer. This is, without a doubt, the fastest and most impressive appetizer you will make all year.
Here’s the thing about hosting: you need at least one appetizer recipe in your back pocket that is lightning-fast, uses minimal ingredients, and looks incredibly gourmet. I created this recipe for that exact reason—a last-minute get-together where I wanted to serve something special without a trip to the store or an hour of prep. These roll-ups are the brilliant answer.
Get ready to master the art of the effortless appetizer and create a dish that is low-carb, beautiful, and ridiculously delicious.
Why These Zucchini Feta Roll-Ups Are a Must-Make!
You are going to be shocked at how easy it is to make an appetizer this delicious and beautiful. It is a guaranteed winner. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Ready in 20 Minutes Flat: From start to finish, this entire recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, making it the perfect solution for last-minute company.
- Only 5 Core Ingredients: At its heart, this recipe is all about zucchini, feta, olive oil, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning. It’s proof that simple is often best!
- Elegant and Impressive: These little rolls look so sophisticated on a platter. No one will ever guess how little effort they took to prepare.
- A Flavor Powerhouse: The combination of salty feta, zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and a kick of red pepper is perfectly balanced and incredibly addictive.
- Healthy, Low-Carb, and Keto-Friendly: With virtually no carbs, this is a fantastic, guilt-free appetizer that fits beautifully into a low-carb or ketogenic lifestyle.
Recipe Snapshot
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Calories | ~175 kcal per serving |
| Course | Appetizer |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean-Inspired |
| Difficulty/Method | Easy / Broiling |
Your Shopping List for This Quick Bite
This recipe uses a handful of powerful pantry staples to create its amazing flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
→ For the Roll-Ups
- 1 medium zucchini → About 6 ounces. Look for one that is relatively straight to get long, even strips.
- 1 (5-ounce) block feta cheese → Use a firm block of feta packed in brine for the best flavor and cubing ability.
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil → The base of our simple, flavorful marinade.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest → Provides a bright, zesty aroma and flavor that cuts through the rich feta.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning → A perfect, pre-blended shortcut to an herby, aromatic flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder → For a savory depth of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper → Adds a gentle warmth and kick. Adjust to your spice preference!
- Cooking spray → To prevent sticking and help the zucchini brown beautifully.
Let’s Get Rolling! Your Step-by-Step Guide
Ready for the world’s easiest elegant appetizer? This comes together in a flash!
Part 1: Marinate the Feta
- Mix the Marinade: In a medium bowl, stir together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
- Cube and Coat: Cut your block of feta into 16 roughly equal cubes (about 1 to 1.5 inches each). Add the feta cubes to the marinade and gently toss until every piece is evenly coated in the oil and spice mixture.
Part 2: Slice, Roll, and Prep
- Prep Your Pan: Position an oven rack about 4 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler to High. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and give it a light coat of cooking spray.
- Slice the Zucchini: Using a mandoline slicer or a vegetable peeler, carefully slice the zucchini lengthwise into 16 long, thin strips.
- Roll Them Up: Working on a cutting board, place one feta cube at the end of a zucchini strip. Roll it up tightly and place it seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining feta and zucchini until you have 16 beautiful roll-ups. Lightly coat the tops with cooking spray.
Part 3: Broil to Perfection
- Broil and Watch: Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler. Cook for 3 to 6 minutes, rotating the pan once halfway through. They are done when the feta is bubbling and the zucchini is tender and nicely browned in spots. Watch them like a hawk—the broiler works fast!
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve these roll-ups hot, straight from the oven.
5-Ingredient Zucchini-Feta Roll-Ups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Stir olive oil, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper together in a medium bowl. Add the feta cubes and gently toss to coat.
- Position an oven rack 4 inches from the broiler and preheat to High. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil and coat with cooking spray.
- Using a mandoline or vegetable peeler, cut the zucchini lengthwise into 16 thin strips.
- Place one feta cube at one end of a zucchini slice. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining feta and zucchini strips.
- Lightly coat the tops of the zucchini rolls with cooking spray. Broil, rotating the pan once, until browned and bubbling, 3 to 6 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
WiseRecipes’ Top Tips for Perfect Roll-Ups
These simple secrets will help you achieve the best results every single time.
- The Mandoline is Your Best Friend. For uniform, paper-thin zucchini strips that roll up perfectly, a mandoline slicer is the ideal tool. If you don’t have one, a Y-shaped vegetable peeler is the next best thing. Consistency is key!
- Use Block Feta, Not Crumbled. It is essential to buy a solid block of feta cheese (preferably packed in brine) for this recipe. Crumbled feta will not work, as you need to cut the cheese into sturdy cubes.
- Don’t Walk Away From the Broiler. The broiler provides intense, direct heat from above. Your roll-ups can go from perfectly golden to burnt in under 30 seconds. Stay by the oven and keep a close eye on them.
- Seam-Side Down is Crucial. Placing the roll-ups with the end of the zucchini strip tucked underneath (seam-side down) is what keeps them from unraveling as they cook. No toothpicks needed!
- Double or Triple with Ease. This recipe is incredibly easy to scale up for a crowd. Just increase the ingredients proportionally. You may need to use multiple baking sheets and broil in batches.
Keep It Fresh! Storing Your Zucchini Rolls
These bites are at their absolute best when served fresh, hot, and bubbly from the broiler.
- Serving: For the ultimate experience with warm, melty feta and tender zucchini, serve these immediately.
- Make-Ahead Prep: You can assemble the roll-ups completely up to 4 hours ahead of time. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just pop them straight under the broiler!
- Refrigerator: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an air fryer or a hot oven for a few minutes to crisp them back up.
FAQs: Your Zucchini Roll-Up Questions, Answered!
What if I don’t have a mandoline?
A simple Y-shaped vegetable peeler is a great alternative for creating long, thin strips. It may take a little more care to get even slices, but it works well. A sharp knife is not recommended as it’s very difficult to get the strips thin enough to roll without breaking.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! The air fryer is perfect for these. Arrange the roll-ups in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the feta is golden and bubbly.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, but you need a firm cheese that holds its shape when heated. Halloumi would be a fantastic substitute as it gets beautifully golden and won’t melt completely. Cubes of firm goat cheese would also be delicious, though a bit creamier.
Are these gluten-free?
Yes! All of the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a wonderful and safe appetizer option for guests with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Fast Appetizer
There is such a wonderful sense of accomplishment in creating a dish that is stunning, delicious, and shockingly easy. These 5-Ingredient Zucchini-Feta Roll-Ups are the epitome of simple elegance. They are the perfect little bite for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a fancy holiday party. I hope they become a staple in your appetizer rotation. Enjoy!
