Eggplant Rollatini is a delicious Italian dish made with thin slices of eggplant, stuffed with a creamy ricotta filling, and baked in marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted mozzarella. It’s a perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness wrapped in tender roasted eggplant. This dish is ideal for a cozy family dinner or as a vegetarian main for your next dinner party. Whether you’re a fan of eggplant or new to it, this rollatini is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
1. Why You’ll Love Eggplant Rollatini
This dish is comforting, hearty, and full of flavor. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
🍆 Tender, Flavorful Eggplant
The eggplant becomes perfectly tender when roasted or sautéed, absorbing the flavors of the filling and sauce.
🧀 Creamy, Cheesy Filling
The ricotta and mozzarella filling is smooth, creamy, and lightly seasoned, creating the perfect contrast to the eggplant.
🍽️ Vegetarian and Hearty
Eggplant rollatini is a satisfying meal on its own, making it a great vegetarian option that even meat lovers will enjoy.
🍅 Simple, but Impressive
The dish is surprisingly simple to make but looks and tastes gourmet, making it perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
2. Ingredients for Eggplant Rollatini
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish:
🍆 For the Rollatini:
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½-inch thick slices lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🧀 For the Ricotta Filling:
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
🍅 For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
💡 Tip: You can also add spinach or ground meat (like turkey or beef) to the filling for added texture and flavor.
3. How to Make Eggplant Rollatini
This dish is simpler than it seems, with just a few key steps to make it come together perfectly.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Eggplant
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplants lengthwise into ½-inch thick slices. Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 10–15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast the eggplant slices in the oven for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Ricotta Filling
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Assemble the Rollatini
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish (around 9×13 inches).
- Take one roasted eggplant slice, and spread a generous amount of the ricotta mixture on one side.
- Roll the eggplant slice up tightly and place it seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices and ricotta mixture, arranging the rolls in a single layer.
4. Top and Bake
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the eggplant rolls.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
5. Serve
- Let the eggplant rollatini rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or Parmesan, if desired.
4. Why This Dish Works So Well
Eggplant rollatini is a perfect blend of comforting, cheesy goodness and fresh vegetable flavors:
🍆 Eggplant = Tender & Flavorful
Roasting or sautéing the eggplant makes it tender without being soggy, allowing it to hold the ricotta filling and soak up the marinara sauce.
🧀 Cheesy Filling = Creamy Perfection
The ricotta and mozzarella filling is rich and smooth, while the Parmesan adds a bit of nutty sharpness to balance the creaminess.
🍅 Marinara Sauce = Flavor Boost
The marinara sauce gives the dish a bright, tangy contrast to the rich eggplant and cheesy filling.
🍽️ Versatile Meal
Eggplant rollatini is versatile — you can make it gluten-free, add extra veggies or protein, and even adjust the sauce to your liking.
5. Serving Suggestions for Eggplant Rollatini
This dish can stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with these sides:
🥗 Fresh Sides:
- Mixed green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette
- Arugula salad with lemon and olive oil for a peppery contrast
🍞 Bread Options:
- Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the marinara sauce
- Focaccia for extra flavor and texture
🥔 Hearty Sides:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes for a comforting accompaniment
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or green beans
6. Storage and Reheating Tips
Eggplant rollatini stores well and makes excellent leftovers.
🧊 Storing Leftovers:
- Allow the dish to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
❄️ Freezing:
- You can freeze the unbaked rollatini! Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding 15–20 minutes to the baking time.
🔁 Reheating:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2–3 minutes.
✅ FAQs – Eggplant Rollatini
1. Can I make this dish without cheese?
Yes! You can use dairy-free ricotta and cheese alternatives for a vegan version of this dish.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Swap out ricotta for goat cheese, cottage cheese, or cream cheese for a different flavor profile.
3. What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
You can use tomato sauce, pesto, or even a white sauce like béchamel for a different twist.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the rollatini the night before and refrigerate it. Bake it the next day, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if cold from the fridge.
5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Make sure your breadcrumbs and marinara sauce are gluten-free. You can also skip the breadcrumbs for a low-carb version.
6. Can I add meat to the filling?
Yes! You can mix ground beef, turkey, or sausage into the ricotta filling for a heartier version of rollatini.
7. Can I use pre-sliced eggplant?
Yes, pre-sliced eggplant works fine as long as the slices are similar in thickness. Just ensure they are evenly roasted for the best texture.
8. How do I prevent the eggplant from being soggy?
Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This draws out excess moisture. Also, roasting the eggplant instead of frying it will help prevent sogginess.
9. How can I make this dish spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the ricotta filling or marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
10. What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
No worries! You can use any baking dish or casserole dish to assemble the rollatini before baking.
With its creamy ricotta filling, tender eggplant, and rich marinara sauce, Eggplant Rollatini is a comforting, flavorful dish that will become a favorite in your kitchen. Want to try a different variation or make it ahead? Let me know! 🍆🧀🍅