There’s nothing quite like the aroma of baked cheesy Eggplant Rollatini wafting through your home. As the rich, savory smell fills the air, you can almost hear your taste buds singing an operatic aria of joy. This delightful dish wraps tender eggplant around a creamy ricotta filling, all topped with marinara sauce and bubbling mozzarella. french onion potato bake cheesy ranch potatoes side dish It’s a culinary hug for your soul, perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging in a cozy night in.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make cheesy Eggplant Rollatini ahead of time?
- What can I substitute for eggplant in this recipe?
- How do I know when my rollatini is done baking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I made cheesy Eggplant Rollatini. My family gathered around the table, eager to dive in, and their faces lit up with delight after the first bite. It became an instant classic in our household, always making an appearance on special occasions and casual weeknights alike. garlic butter shrimp lasagna Now it’s time to gather your ingredients and unleash your inner chef!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] Cheesy Eggplant Rollatini is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor that will make everyone swoon. Its visual appeal is sure to impress at any dinner party or family gathering. You can easily customize the filling based on personal preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile dish for everyone. The warm, cheesy layers create an irresistible comfort food experience that you’ll want to enjoy again and again. [/info_box]
I once served this dish during a family reunion, and let me tell you, my Aunt Carol almost shed tears of joy!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Eggplants: Choose firm, glossy eggplants for the best results; they should feel heavy for their size.
Ricotta Cheese: Opt for whole milk ricotta for creaminess; it makes a world of difference. honey peach grilled cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella for that gooey stretch; it’s essential for true rollatini magic.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan for maximum flavor; it’s worth the extra effort!
Marinara Sauce: Homemade or store-bought; just make sure it’s rich and flavorful to complement the eggplant.
Fresh Basil: Fresh herbs elevate any dish; chop them finely to enhance every bite.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of good olive oil adds depth; don’t skimp on quality here!
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Eggplant: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice eggplants lengthwise into thin sheets; sprinkle with salt and let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
Rinse and Dry: After 20 minutes, rinse off excess salt under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. This step ensures that your eggplant won’t turn out too salty.
Create the Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped basil, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy; this filling should be rich enough to make you swoon.
Assemble the Rollatini: Lay an eggplant slice flat on your work surface. Spoon some filling at one end and roll it tightly into a cylinder. Repeat until all slices are filled.
Add Marinara Sauce : Spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a baking dish. Place each rollatini seam-side down in the dish while dreaming about how delicious they’ll be.
Topping Time!: Pour more marinara sauce over the top of each rollatini and sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese. Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
The aroma will fill your kitchen like someone set off a cheesy love bomb! Don’t forget to let it rest for a few moments before serving—trust me; you’ll want these rollatini at their best!
Enjoy every bite as creamy flavors mingle with tender eggplant—the ultimate comfort food experience awaits! Serve with crusty bread or a simple salad to balance out all that cheesiness (because balance is key). For more inspiration, check out this one pot ravioli soup recipe.
And there you have it—a delightful journey through cheesy Eggplant Rollatini that guarantees smiles around your table! For more inspiration, check out this cheesy chicken parm soup recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Cheesy Eggplant Rollatini packs flavor and creaminess that will impress everyone. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish combines gooey cheese with tender eggplant, creating a comforting meal that feels gourmet without the fuss. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting your eggplant slices to enhance their natural sweetness and eliminate excess moisture before rolling them up with your cheesy filling.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in different cheeses like ricotta or mozzarella, or add fresh herbs like basil for extra flavor and personalization to your rollatini.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through for best results.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Avoid watery rollatini by salting the eggplant before cooking. This technique draws out moisture and enhances flavor. Experiment with different sauces; marinara is classic, but pistachio pesto adds a delightful twist. Remember, presentation matters—arrange beautifully! [/info_box]
Cooking this cheesy Eggplant Rollatini reminds me of the time my family gathered for a surprise birthday dinner. Everyone loved it, and I felt like a kitchen superstar!
FAQ
Can I make cheesy Eggplant Rollatini ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake just before serving.
What can I substitute for eggplant in this recipe?
Zucchini works great as an alternative if you’re looking for a different veggie.
How do I know when my rollatini is done baking?
Bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top, typically about 25 minutes.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cheesy Eggplant Rollatini
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cheesy Eggplant Rollatini, a delightful dish that wraps tender eggplant around a creamy ricotta filling and is topped with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. With its rich taste and visual appeal, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplants lengthwise, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Rinse and pat dry the eggplant slices.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped basil, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Lay an eggplant slice flat, spoon filling at one end, and roll tightly. Repeat for all slices.
- Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place rollatini seam-side down and top with more marinara and mozzarella.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rollatini (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
