Description
Eggplant Rollatini Recipe made with tender baked eggplant slices filled with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, fresh herbs, and topped with marinara sauce. This comforting Italian style vegetarian dish is easy to prepare, rich in flavor, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Eggplant
2 large eggplants about 1.5 pounds each
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
For the Cheese Filling
2 cups ricotta cheese whole milk preferred
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
1 large egg
1 quarter cup Parmesan cheese
1 half cup fresh parsley chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
For Assembly
1 and one half cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash the eggplants and trim the tops and bottoms. Slice them lengthwise into slices about one quarter inch thick.
- Arrange the eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bake the eggplant slices for about 20 minutes until tender and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl combine ricotta cheese, three quarters cup mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, lemon zest, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Spread one cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end of each eggplant slice and roll it up gently.
- Arrange the rolls seam side down in the baking dish.
- Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the rolls and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese if desired.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Choose firm eggplants with smooth skin for the best texture.
Cut the eggplant slices evenly so they cook at the same rate and roll easily.
For a lighter option, use part skim ricotta and mozzarella while keeping the creamy texture.
You can assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: ITALIAN