Cheesy Zucchini Summer Roll with Ham

This Cheesy Zucchini Summer Roll with Ham is a light yet flavorful dish made with thinly sliced zucchini, melty provolone cheese, and savory cooked ham. Baked and rolled to perfection, it's ideal as a refreshing summer appetizer, lunch, or picnic snack. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this easy recipe will be your go-to for hot-weather entertaining.

What Is a Zucchini Summer Roll?

Unlike traditional Vietnamese-style summer rolls, this zucchini roll is an oven-baked dish made from overlapping zucchini slices, layered with cheese and ham, then rolled up and served warm or at room temperature. It’s a Mediterranean-inspired twist on stuffed vegetable dishes, combining ease with elegant presentation. Think of it as a rolled-up veggie lasagna—without the pasta.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• A low-carb alternative to traditional sandwich rolls.
• Melts beautifully with gooey provolone and savory ham.
• A simple, oven-baked recipe—no stovetop needed.
• Great for warm-weather meals or make-ahead gatherings.
• Easy to customize with your favorite deli meats and cheeses.

Cooking Tips

1. Use a mandoline for even zucchini slices—about ⅛-inch thick.
2. Overlap the slices tightly to prevent the filling from leaking.
3. Don’t skip the resting time—it helps the roll set and slice cleanly.
4. Provolone melts smoothly, but you can substitute with mozzarella or smoked scamorza.
5. Choose low-moisture ham to avoid sogginess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! Prepare and bake the zucchini sheet, roll it, and let it rest. You can refrigerate it for up to 1 day before serving.

What’s the Best Cheese for This Roll?

Provolone is ideal, but mozzarella, scamorza, or even creamier options like robiola work well too.

Can I Make It Vegetarian?

Absolutely—just omit the ham or replace it with grilled peppers or mushrooms.

Is This Roll Served Hot or Cold?

It’s best served warm or at room temperature after resting for about 10 minutes.

Can I Use Round Zucchini?

Yes. Just slice them lengthwise like long zucchini and overlap as needed to create a rectangle.

How to Freeze

Freezing is not recommended, as the zucchini will become watery and lose its structure once thawed.

How to Store

Wrap the zucchini summer roll tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to 2 days. For best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

How To Make Zucchini Summer Roll

Step 1

Step 1

Prep the Zucchini:
Wash and trim the ends. Slice zucchini lengthwise into thin strips, about ⅛ inch thick.

Step 2

Step 2

Prep the Zucchini:
Wash and trim the ends. Slice zucchini lengthwise into thin strips, about ⅛ inch thick.

Form the Zucchini Base:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and a light drizzle of olive oil.

Step 3

Step 3

Assemble the Zucchini Sheet:
Arrange zucchini slices slightly overlapping to form a large rectangle. Sprinkle lightly with salt. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, or until the zucchini is soft and the breadcrumbs are golden.

Add Fillings:
Remove from the oven. While still warm, layer the provolone slices evenly across the surface, then add the ham.

Roll It Up:
Starting from the short side, use the parchment paper to help tightly roll the zucchini into a log. Compress as you go.

Rest:
Twist the ends of the parchment like a candy wrapper to seal. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serve:
Transfer to a serving platter, slice into rounds, and enjoy warm or at room temperature.