Description
Cheesy Eggplant Rolls are a delightful and comforting vegetarian dish featuring tender roasted eggplant slices rolled around a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, herbs, and spices. Baked to bubbly perfection with an optional marinara sauce, these rolls offer a flavorful, gooey, and aromatic meal perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant Rolls
- 2 medium Eggplants (choose firm, smooth ones)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for brushing the eggplant)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Cheese Filling
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (can be swapped for cream cheese or goat cheese)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (for that gooey meltiness)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (brings tangy depth)
- 1 large Egg (use a flax egg for a vegan version)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (or dried)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (for a subtle kick)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (beautifully complements cheese and eggplant)
Optional Sauce
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce (optional but delightful)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the eggplant slices.
- Prepare Eggplant Slices: Slice the eggplants into ¼-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle salt evenly on both sides and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, gently pat the slices dry with a clean towel.
- Roast Eggplant: Brush both sides of the salted eggplant slices with olive oil. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, fresh basil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well blended, creamy, and smooth.
- Assemble Rolls: Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy filling onto one end of each roasted eggplant slice. Carefully roll the slices up, encasing the filling.
- Arrange and Add Sauce: Place the eggplant rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. If desired, pour the marinara sauce over the top to add a flavorful, saucy element.
- Bake Rolls: Bake the assembled rolls in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese filling is melted, bubbly, and the sauce is hot. Your kitchen will be filled with an inviting aroma!
Notes
- For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan cheese alternatives.
- To reduce sodium, adjust the amount of added salt and choose low-sodium cheese options.
- Fresh basil gives the best flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch; use about 1 tablespoon dried if substituting.
- Letting the eggplant slices sit with salt helps remove bitterness and excess water for better texture.
- These rolls can be served as a main vegetarian dish or as an appetizer.
