Eggplant Rollatini: A Classic Italian Comfort Dish

Introduction

Eggplant Rollatini is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and elegant at the same time. It’s a perfect blend of tender, savory eggplant, creamy ricotta cheese, flavorful marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella—a true classic of Italian-American cuisine. If you’re looking for a dish that will impress your family and friends without requiring hours in the kitchen, look no further than this delightful rollatini. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, Eggplant Rollatini never disappoints.

I first discovered Eggplant Rollatini during a family gathering when my aunt brought it to our holiday dinner. The delicate rolls of eggplant stuffed with a rich cheese filling were an instant hit, and I couldn’t believe how delicious and comforting it was. Since then, it’s become one of my go-to dishes for any occasion. It’s perfect for vegetarians, but even meat lovers will find it utterly satisfying. Plus, it’s a dish that’s easily customizable to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.

In this guide, I’m going to show you how to make the perfect Eggplant Rollatini—from the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, tips for customization, and suggestions for pairing with sides and beverages. Let’s get started and dive into why this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Comfort
Eggplant Rollatini is the ultimate comfort food. It combines soft, tender eggplant with a rich, cheesy filling and savory marinara sauce—what’s not to love? The combination of flavors and textures is satisfying in all the right ways.

Vegetarian-Friendly
This dish is a great option for vegetarians or anyone looking to cut down on meat. The creamy ricotta filling and savory sauce make it incredibly hearty, while the eggplant provides a lovely earthy flavor.

Make-Ahead Friendly
Eggplant Rollatini is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the dish in advance, refrigerate it, and bake it just before serving. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting a dinner party and don’t want to spend all your time in the kitchen.

Easily Customizable
Eggplant Rollatini is incredibly versatile. You can tweak the filling with your favorite herbs, spices, or cheeses. You can also swap out the marinara sauce for a white sauce or pesto if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Impressive Presentation
While this dish is simple to make, the result is impressive. The golden-brown, cheesy rolls arranged neatly on a platter will make a beautiful presentation on your dinner table.

Preparation Time and Servings

Total Time: 1 hour (20 minutes prep, 40 minutes cooking)
Servings: 4-6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
Calories: 350
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 8g

Ingredients

To make your Eggplant Rollatini, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Eggplant:

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick slices (skin-on or skin-off depending on your preference): The eggplant serves as the vessel for your cheese filling and is the star of the dish.
• Olive oil: For drizzling and brushing the eggplant slices before roasting or grilling.
• Salt: To draw out excess moisture from the eggplant and ensure it’s tender.

For the Cheese Filling:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese (full-fat or part-skim): Ricotta provides a creamy base for the filling.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a gooey, cheesy texture.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the ricotta and mozzarella.
• 1 egg: Acts as a binder for the cheese mixture.
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped: Adds freshness and a burst of flavor to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that pairs beautifully with the cheese and eggplant.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning.

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade): You can use your favorite marinara sauce or make a quick homemade version with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and onion (if you’re making homemade sauce).
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: For aromatic depth and flavor.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds savory sweetness to the sauce.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat to balance out the richness.
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional): For extra freshness and flavor.

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For a gooey, golden topping.
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish: Adds color and freshness when serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1: PREPARE THE EGGPLANT

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re grilling the eggplant instead of roasting, preheat your grill to medium heat.

To prepare the eggplant, slice it into 1/4-inch thick slices. Lay the slices on a baking sheet lined with paper towels, and sprinkle each side with salt. Allow them to sit for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, blot the slices dry with a paper towel to remove the moisture and excess salt.

Next, brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and lay them on a baking sheet (or directly on the grill grates, if you’re grilling). Roast the eggplant slices in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden and tender. If you’re grilling, cook the slices for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re soft and grill marks appear.

STEP 2: MAKE THE CHEESE FILLING

While the eggplant is roasting or grilling, prepare the cheese filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Stir in the fresh basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until smooth and well-combined.

STEP 3: MAKE THE MARINARA SAUCE

If you’re making homemade marinara sauce, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Add the tomato sauce (or crushed tomatoes), red pepper flakes (if using), and fresh basil to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

If you’re using store-bought marinara, simply heat it in a pot on the stove.

STEP 4: ASSEMBLE THE ROLLATINI

Once the eggplant slices are ready and slightly cooled, you can begin assembling the rollatini. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto the wide end of each eggplant slice. Gently roll the eggplant slice up around the cheese mixture, securing the filling inside.

Place the rolled eggplants seam-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Continue rolling the rest of the eggplant slices until the dish is filled.

STEP 5: ASSEMBLE AND BAKE

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the eggplant rolls, ensuring each one is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

STEP 6: GARNISH AND SERVE

Once the Eggplant Rollatini is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and an extra touch of freshness.

How to Serve

With Garlic Bread
Serve the Eggplant Rollatini with garlic bread for the perfect Italian meal. The bread is great for sopping up any extra marinara sauce, making it a satisfying addition to your meal.

With a Simple Salad
Pair it with a fresh green salad—arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the rollatini beautifully.

With Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables like zucchini, brussels sprouts, or bell peppers provide a perfect balance to the richness of the cheese and sauce.

With a Side of Pasta
If you want to make the meal even heartier, serve the Eggplant Rollatini with a side of spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. It will soak up the extra marinara sauce for a truly indulgent meal.

Additional Tips

1. Choose the Right Eggplant: Look for firm eggplants with smooth, shiny skin. Avoid those with soft spots or wrinkles.
2. Pre-salt the Eggplant: Salting the eggplant helps to remove excess moisture and bitterness. This step ensures that your eggplant slices are tender and that the dish isn’t too watery.
3. Use Fresh Mozzarella: If possible, use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture. However, pre-shredded mozzarella works fine if you’re short on time.
4. Make Ahead: You can assemble the dish a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
5. Add a Meat Option: If you prefer a non-vegetarian version, you can add ground meat such as turkey or beef to the marinara sauce.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, but always check that your marinara sauce and any store-bought ingredients are gluten-free.

Low-Carb: For a low-carb version, substitute the eggplant with thin slices of zucchini or another vegetable of your choice.

Add Spices: Experiment with adding your favorite spices to the ricotta filling, like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Eggplant Rollatini freezes well. To freeze, assemble the dish (without baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

Conclusion

Eggplant Rollatini is a wonderful dish that combines the heartiness of eggplant with the richness of a cheesy filling and tangy marinara sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a dinner party, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy. With its simple ingredients, customizable flavors, and impressive presentation, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of Eggplant Rollatini. Don’t forget to share your creations with me—I’d love to hear how it turns out! Enjoy!

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