Irresistible Eggplant Rollatini – Comforting Recipe Delight

Eggplant Rollatini is a delightful dish that combines the rich, savory flavors of roasted eggplant with a creamy filling that dances on your palate. The moment you take a bite, the melty cheese and vibrant tomato sauce envelop your senses, creating a comforting experience that feels like a warm hug from a loved one. baked broccoli cheese balls savory spinach puffs delicious creamy zucchini sauce.

Picture this: it’s Sunday afternoon, and the aroma of garlic wafts through the kitchen. You gather around the table with family, eager to share stories and laughter while enjoying this delectable Eggplant Rollatini. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. Trust me, your taste buds are going to thank you! For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter green beans recipe.

I once made Eggplant Rollatini for my friends’ game night, and let me tell you—no leftovers were left behind!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Eggplants: Choose firm, glossy eggplants for optimal flavor; they should feel heavy for their size.
• Ricotta Cheese: Use fresh ricotta for creaminess; it enhances the filling’s texture beautifully.
• Shredded Mozzarella: Opt for whole milk mozzarella for a gooey melt that makes every bite irresistible.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds depth; avoid the pre-grated kind if possible.
• Marinara Sauce: Use homemade or high-quality store-bought sauce to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil elevates the dish with its aromatic notes; use generously throughout.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of good olive oil adds richness and helps roast the eggplant perfectly.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add bold flavor; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together harmoniously.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Eggplants: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice eggplants lengthwise into thin strips. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.

Roast the Eggplants: Rinse off excess salt and pat dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and arrange on a baking sheet. Roast until golden brown—about 20 minutes.

Create the Filling: In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Assemble the Rollatini: Lay out each roasted eggplant strip. Spoon filling onto one end and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in a baking dish topped with marinara sauce.

Add Sauce and Cheese: Pour remaining marinara sauce over assembled rollatini. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top for an extra cheesy layer.

Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

And there you have it: delicious Eggplant Rollatini ready to steal the show at dinner! Enjoy every cheesy bite as you relish in your culinary masterpiece. hearty cheesy casserole.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Roast the eggplant slices until tender, then prepare the filling while they cool. Assemble and bake for a perfect blend of flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or toss in some spinach for added nutrition. Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano to personalize the flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for optimal taste.

I remember the first time I served Eggplant Rollatini at a family gathering; my Aunt Maria declared it “the best thing since sliced bread!” It was heartwarming and made me realize how food can bring everyone together.

FAQ

Can I make Eggplant Rollatini ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and bake it just before serving.

What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese or even mascarpone work as delicious alternatives for the filling.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, Eggplant Rollatini is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Eggplant Rollatini

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• Author: Mia Hanry
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Eggplant Rollatini is a deliciously comforting dish that marries tender roasted eggplant with a creamy ricotta filling, all enveloped in a flavorful marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will leave everyone craving more. With its easy preparation and customizable options, Eggplant Rollatini is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Ingredients

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• 2 medium eggplants (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice eggplants lengthwise into thin strips and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
2. Rinse salt from eggplants, pat dry, and brush both sides with olive oil. Arrange on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
3. In a bowl, combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper until mixed well.
4. Lay out each eggplant strip, spoon filling onto one end, and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in a baking dish topped with marinara sauce.
5. Pour remaining marinara sauce over the rollatini and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 rollatini (150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg