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4. Prepare the Gratin Topping
Now it’s time to make the crunchy topping that will give the zucchini rolls their irresistible texture. In a small bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will create a savory, crispy crust when baked, complementing the soft zucchini and creamy filling.
5. Arrange and Bake the Rolls
Lightly grease a baking dish with a small amount of olive oil or use cooking spray to keep the rolls from sticking. Place the zucchini rolls seam-side down in the dish, arranging them in a single layer. Once all the rolls are in place, sprinkle the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of the rolls.
To help the topping brown beautifully, drizzle a tiny amount of olive oil over the rolls, or better yet, use an olive oil spray to evenly coat the top without adding too much fat.
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), then bake the dish for 10-15 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping turns golden and crisps up. Watch closely in the last few minutes to prevent burning.
6. Serve the Zucchini Rolls
Once the rolls are baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These zucchini rolls are best enjoyed warm, allowing the flavors of the creamy tuna filling and crunchy topping to shine. You can serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course with a light salad on the side.
Helpful Tips:
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with other herbs to change the flavor profile. Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme would all work beautifully in this recipe.
Add Some Heat: If you like a little kick in your food, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or topping for some spice.
Lighter Version: To make this recipe even lighter, you can omit the Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast instead. Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor without the fat or calories of traditional cheese.
Tuna Substitution: If you’re not a fan of tuna, you can easily swap it out for cooked chicken breast or even a plant-based protein like mashed chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.
