Crafting delectable cheesy eggplant rolls can turn an ordinary dinner into a Mediterranean culinary adventure.
Slicing thin eggplant strips creates a canvas for creamy cheese and aromatic herbs.
Each roll promises a burst of flavor that dances across your palate.
Soft, melted cheese nestles between tender eggplant layers, promising a comforting experience.
Packed with simple ingredients, this dish brings elegance to your table without complicated techniques.
Fresh herbs and quality cheese make these rolls a standout appetizer or main course.
Come explore a recipe that transforms humble vegetables into something truly extraordinary.
Cheesy Eggplant Rolls Full of Savory Satisfaction
Transform simple eggplant into a gourmet dish with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
Packed with vegetables and protein-rich cheeses, these rolls offer a delicious way to enjoy a balanced, satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
Prepare these cheesy eggplant rolls in under an hour, providing a speedy solution for busy families craving a homemade, restaurant-quality dinner without complicated techniques.
Easily adaptable for meatless meals, this recipe works great as a main course or appetizer, suitable for dinner parties, family gatherings, or casual weeknight dining.
What Goes Into Cheesy Eggplant Rolls
Main Ingredients:
Eggplant: A versatile vegetable that serves as the base for these delicious rolls and provides a tender, flavorful foundation.
Ricotta Cheese: A creamy, soft cheese that creates a smooth and rich filling for the eggplant rolls.
Mozzarella Cheese: A mild, stretchy cheese that adds melty goodness and extra cheesiness to the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that brings a sharp and nutty flavor to the cheese mixture.
Herb and Seasoning Group:
Basil, Garlic Powder, Oregano: Aromatic herbs and spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the cheese filling.
Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the ingredients.
Binding and Sauce Group:
Egg: A binding ingredient that helps hold the cheese mixture together and provides structure.
Olive Oil: Used to brush the eggplant slices, helping them roast evenly and develop a golden color.
Marinara Sauce: An optional topping that adds a tangy and rich tomato flavor to the dish.
Easy Steps for Cheesy Eggplant Rolls
Step 1: Fire Up the Oven
Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), getting ready for some serious baking magic.
Step 2: Prep the Eggplant Canvas
Slice eggplants into delicate rounds, roughly 1/4-inch thick
Sprinkle salt generously on both sides
Let them rest for 10-15 minutes to release excess moisture
Gently blot away wetness with paper towels
Step 3: Roast to Golden Perfection
Drizzle olive oil over eggplant slices
Spread them on a baking sheet
Roast for 15-20 minutes, flipping midway
Look for tender, lightly browned edges
Step 4: Create Cheese Wonderland
In a mixing bowl, combine:
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Egg
Fresh basil
Garlic powder
Oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Whisk everything into a creamy, dreamy mixture
Step 5: Roll and Stuff
Wait for eggplant slices to cool slightly
Spoon cheese mixture onto one end of each slice
Gently roll each slice into a cute little bundle
Step 6: Arrange and Sauce
Place rolls in a baking dish, seam-side down
Optional: Pour marinara sauce over the rolls
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese transforms into a melty, golden masterpiece.
Smart Tips for Cheesy Eggplant Rolls
Salt eggplant slices before roasting to draw out excess water, ensuring a crispy texture and preventing soggy rolls.
Use a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich, complex taste that complements the eggplant's earthy notes.
Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and roast at high heat, flipping midway to achieve even browning and tender texture.
Swap dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives for a vegan version, or use gluten-free marinara sauce for those with dietary restrictions.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add color and a subtle kick of heat.
Keep Cheesy Eggplant Rolls Tasting Fresh
Store leftover eggplant rolls in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
Place rolls on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between cycles. Stir sauce if present to distribute heat evenly.
Preheat oven to 350F. Place rolls in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy edges.
Sides That Match Cheesy Eggplant Rolls
Pair with Robust Red Wine: A full-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese perfectly complements the rich, cheesy eggplant rolls, cutting through the creamy cheese and enhancing the savory marinara sauce.
Serve with Crisp Arugula Salad: Toss fresh arugula with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to provide a peppery, bright contrast to the warm, heavy eggplant rolls, balancing the dish's richness.
Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted Italian bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil offers a perfect crunchy accompaniment, helping to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and cheese.
Recommend Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing, light beverage that cleanses the palate between bites, cutting through the richness of the cheese and providing a zesty, palate-cleansing finish.
Fun Twists on Cheesy Eggplant Rolls
Vegan Veggie Rolls: Replace dairy cheese with cashew ricotta or tofu-based cheese, using nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Add roasted bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
Keto-Friendly Version: Swap ricotta with cream cheese and mozzarella. Use low-carb marinara sauce or skip sauce entirely. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth.
Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use homemade or store-bought gluten-free marinara sauce. Consider adding ground almonds or almond flour for additional texture.
Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate feta cheese instead of mozzarella. Add chopped kalamata olives and fresh mint to the filling. Sprinkle za'atar spice blend on top before baking for authentic Middle Eastern flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, you can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or goat cheese for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Do I need to salt the eggplant before cooking?
Salting helps remove excess moisture and bitterness from eggplant, making the texture more tender and improving the overall taste of the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This cheesy eggplant roll recipe is completely vegetarian and packed with protein from the cheese and rich flavors from the herbs and spices.
Can I prepare these eggplant rolls in advance?
You can prepare the rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Savory cheesy eggplant rolls promise a Mediterranean culinary journey with rich, layered flavors. Crispy eggplant embraces creamy cheese and herbs, delivering a delightful experience that will transport you straight to a rustic Italian kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
2 medium eggplants, sliced into 0.25 inches (0.64 centimeters) rounds
Prepare the oven by heating it to 375F (190C), creating an ideal roasting environment.
Transform eggplants into delicate rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick, then generously season with salt to extract excess moisture. Allow the slices to rest for 10-15 minutes before thoroughly dabbing them dry with paper towels.
Coat eggplant rounds with a light layer of olive oil, then transfer to a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes, rotating midway to ensure even caramelization and tenderness.
Create a luxurious cheese blend by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, fragrant basil, garlic powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.
After the eggplant slices cool slightly, carefully spread the cheese mixture along one edge of each slice, then gently roll into compact cylinders.
Position the rolled eggplant parcels seam-side down in a baking dish, optionally draping them with a rich marinara sauce for added depth of flavor.
Bake the assembled rolls for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust, signaling their delectable readiness.
Notes
Sweat eggplant slices with salt to remove excess moisture, preventing soggy rolls and ensuring a crisp texture.
Choose firmer, medium-sized eggplants for more consistent and easier-to-roll slices that hold their shape perfectly.
Experiment with alternative cheeses like goat cheese or vegan cheese alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and restrictions.
For a low-carb version, skip marinara sauce and replace with a light herb-infused olive oil drizzle to keep the dish lighter and more diet-friendly.
Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens
Education
New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT) Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.
Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.
Jack Sullivan
Founder & Culinary Storyteller
Expertise
Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens
Education
New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.
Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.