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To make Cheesy Eggplant Rollatini, you need a few key items. Here’s what you should gather: - 2 medium-sized eggplants, sliced lengthwise into thin sheets - 2 cups ricotta cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cups marinara sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil) - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for brushing These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy dish. The eggplant serves as a healthy wrap for the tasty cheese filling. You can add some optional ingredients for an extra flavor boost. Here are some ideas: - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat - Spinach or kale for added nutrition - Fresh herbs like parsley for garnish - A splash of lemon juice for brightness These additions can make your dish even more exciting. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. If you need to adjust the recipe for dietary needs, there are many options. Here are some substitutions you can try: - Use vegan cheese for a plant-based version. - Swap eggplant for zucchini if you prefer. - Choose gluten-free marinara sauce if needed. - Use tofu instead of ricotta for a lower-calorie option. These swaps will let everyone enjoy Cheesy Eggplant Rollatini, no matter their diet. You can find the Full Recipe to help guide your cooking! First, we need to prep the eggplant slices. Start by slicing two medium-sized eggplants lengthwise into thin sheets. This gives us the perfect shape for rolling. Next, lightly sprinkle salt on the slices. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This step helps draw out moisture and reduces bitterness. Rinse the slices under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, brush both sides with olive oil. Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. While the eggplants bake, we can make the cheese filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add one large egg, two cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of fresh basil (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until it is well blended and creamy. This filling adds a rich flavor to our rollatini. Now, it's time to assemble the rollatini. First, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Take a baked eggplant slice and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture at one end. Carefully roll the eggplant around the filling, making sure it is tight. Place the rollatini seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat this process for all the eggplant slices. Once all the rollatini are in the dish, cover them with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To cook eggplants well, start by salting them. Sprinkle salt on the slices and let them sit for 15 minutes. This draws out moisture and helps reduce bitterness. Rinse the slices and pat them dry. Then, brush both sides with olive oil. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Tender, slightly golden eggplants roll up better. For a great cheese filling, use fresh ingredients. Combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Add one large egg for creaminess. Mix in minced garlic, oregano, and chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is smooth and creamy. This mixture gives a rich flavor and a nice texture. To bake your rollatini perfectly, start with a layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish. This keeps the bottom moist. After rolling the eggplant, place them seam side down. Cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 25 minutes. This helps steam the rollatini. For the final 10-15 minutes, uncover the dish to brown the cheese. Enjoy the bubbly, golden top! You can find the full recipe to guide you through these steps. {{image_2}} If you want a gluten-free meal, you can still enjoy Cheesy Eggplant Rollatini. The main ingredient, eggplant, is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that your marinara sauce does not contain gluten. Many brands make gluten-free sauces. Double-check the label to be sure. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch. This way, you still get a tasty dish without the gluten. For a twist on the classic recipe, add spinach or meat to the filling. Spinach adds nutrients and a pop of color. Just sauté fresh spinach in a pan until wilted, then mix it into the cheese filling. If you prefer meat, ground beef or turkey works well. Cook it first with some garlic and onion for flavor. Combine it with the cheese for a rich filling. Both options make the dish more hearty and satisfying. You can easily make a vegan version of this dish. Replace the ricotta cheese with a mix of blended tofu and nutritional yeast. This gives you a creamy texture and cheesy flavor. For the egg, use a flaxseed meal mix instead. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. With these swaps, you can enjoy a delicious vegan rollatini that everyone will love. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. Store any leftover rollatini in an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy the dish again without losing flavor. For the best taste, reheat leftover rollatini in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the rollatini in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps them moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you want a crispy top, uncover for the last 5 minutes. You can freeze rollatini for later use. Let them cool completely before freezing. Wrap each rollatini in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best results. For the full recipe, check out the details I shared earlier. You can serve Cheesy Eggplant Rollatini with a fresh salad. A simple green salad pairs well. You might also enjoy garlic bread on the side. This adds a nice crunch and flavor. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with roasted vegetables. They add color and nutrients to your plate. A light red wine can complement the dish too. To reduce bitterness, slice the eggplant and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture and bitterness. After that, rinse the slices well and pat them dry. This makes the eggplant taste better and easier to roll. Choosing young eggplants can also help, as they are less bitter. Yes, you can prepare Cheesy Eggplant Rollatini in advance. Assemble all the rollatini in your baking dish. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. You can bake it the next day. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you save time on busy days. Enjoy your delicious dish with fresh flavors! Cheesy Eggplant Rollatini is a fun dish to make. We explored key ingredients and offered great substitutions. The step-by-step guide helps with prepping, cooking, and assembling. I shared tips to make your eggplant soft and cheese rich. Various options fit different diets, so everyone can enjoy it. Remember to store leftovers properly for best flavor. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Try these ideas and enjoy your cooking journey!

Cheesy Eggplant Rollatini

Discover the delicious flavor of Cheesy Eggplant Rollatini with this easy recipe! This dish features tender eggplant rolled around a creamy cheese filling, all baked to perfection in marinara sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, these rollatini are both satisfying and nutritious. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this delightful Italian classic!

Ingredients
  

2 medium-sized eggplants, sliced lengthwise into thin sheets

2 cups ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

2 cups marinara sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil)

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil for brushing

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Lightly sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This helps reduce bitterness and makes them easier to roll. Rinse and pat them dry with a paper towel.

      Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and slightly golden.

        While the eggplants are baking, prepare the cheese filling. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended and creamy.

          In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.

            Take a baked eggplant slice and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture at one end. Roll the eggplant slice tightly around the filling and place it seam side down in the baking dish. Repeat for all the eggplant slices.

              Once all the rollatini are in the baking dish, cover them with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.

                Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                  Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

                    - Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4-6