These Cheesy Eggplant Rolls are a delightful dish that perfectly combines savory and creamy flavors. With tender roasted eggplant slices rolled around a rich cheese filling, this recipe stands out as an elegant appetizer or a wholesome main course. It’s ideal for various occasions, from family dinners to festive gatherings, ensuring everyone enjoys a taste of cheesy goodness.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides a rich taste that complements the eggplant beautifully.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, these rolls can be made without fuss, making it perfect for any home cook.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer or pair with a salad for a filling meal; the choice is yours!
Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and protein-rich cheeses, these rolls are not only tasty but also nutritious.
Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week—perfect for busy days!

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your Cheesy Eggplant Rolls, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife
Cutting board
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Baking sheet: Essential for roasting the eggplant slices evenly.
Mixing bowl: Needed to combine the cheese filling seamlessly.
Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for slicing the eggplants into uniform rounds.

Ingredients

These Eggplant Rolls Stuffed with Cheese are the perfect balance of savory and creamy. Tender roasted eggplant slices are rolled up with a flavorful cheese filling and baked to perfection. This dish makes an elegant appetizer or a satisfying main course, packed with delicious cheesy goodness.

For the Eggplant Rolls

2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Olive oil, for brushing

For the Cheese Filling

1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tbsp fresh basil (or 1 tbsp dried), chopped
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Topping

1/2 cup marinara sauce

How to Make Cheesy Eggplant Rolls

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the eggplants.

Step 2: Prepare the Eggplants

Slice eggplants into thin rounds (about 1/4-inch thick).
Salt both sides of the slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture.
Pat dry with paper towels before proceeding.

Step 3: Roast the Eggplants

Brush each eggplant slice lightly with olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are tender and lightly browned.

Step 4: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
– ricotta cheese
– shredded mozzarella
– grated Parmesan
– egg
– basil
– garlic powder
– oregano
– salt and pepper

Stir until well mixed.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Once the eggplant slices are cool enough to handle:
1. Spoon some cheese mixture onto one end of each slice.
2. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish.

Step 6: Bake Your Rolls

If desired, cover your rolls with marinara sauce. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Enjoy these delightful Cheesy Eggplant Rolls as part of your next meal!

How to Serve Cheesy Eggplant Rolls

Cheesy Eggplant Rolls are versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

Serve warm with toothpicks for easy eating. The cheesy filling makes each bite irresistible.

With Marinara Sauce

Drizzle extra marinara sauce on top before serving. This adds a tangy flavor that complements the cheesy rolls nicely.

On a Bed of Greens

Place the rolls on a fresh salad. Use arugula or spinach to add a peppery flavor and crunchy texture.

Paired with Garlic Bread

Serve alongside warm garlic bread. The crunchy bread is perfect for dipping into any leftover sauce.

Accompanied by a Light Wine

Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio. This enhances the flavors and adds a sophisticated touch to your meal.

How to Perfect Cheesy Eggplant Rolls

To ensure your Cheesy Eggplant Rolls turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Choose the right eggplants: Look for firm, shiny eggplants without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
Salt the eggplants properly: Salting helps draw out moisture and bitterness. Don’t skip this step for better results.
Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil elevates the dish’s flavor profile compared to dried herbs.
Don’t overstuff: Keep cheese filling moderate to prevent spills during baking. A little goes a long way!
Let them cool slightly: Allow rolls to cool for a few minutes after baking; they will firm up and be easier to serve.
Experiment with cheeses: Try different cheese combinations, like adding goat cheese or feta, for unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Eggplant Rolls

Cheesy Eggplant Rolls pair beautifully with various side dishes that complement their rich flavors. Here are some great options:

Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with garlic complements the creamy rolls perfectly.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers offers a refreshing contrast.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze enhance the meal’s Italian flair.
Grilled Zucchini: Lightly grilled zucchini rounds add a smoky flavor that pairs well with the eggplant rolls.
Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs provides a hearty side without overpowering the main dish.
Lemon Asparagus: Sautéed asparagus with lemon brings brightness and crunch, balancing the richness of the rolls.
Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty baguette or ciabatta is perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce on your plate.
Simple Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans tossed in olive oil offer color and nutrition alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cheesy Eggplant Rolls can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

Under-seasoning the filling: Failing to season your cheese mixture properly can lead to bland rolls. Always taste your filling and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Not salting the eggplant: Skipping the salting step allows excess moisture to remain in the eggplant, which can make your rolls soggy. Salting helps draw out moisture and enhances flavor.
Overcooking or undercooking: It’s important to roast the eggplant just enough so it’s tender and pliable but not mushy. Keep an eye on them in the oven and check for doneness.
Using cold ingredients: If your cheese mixture is cold, it can be difficult to spread. Allowing it to come to room temperature makes it easier to work with.
Ignoring the resting time: Not letting the assembled rolls rest can make them fall apart when baking. Give them a few minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Cheesy Eggplant Rolls in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cheesy Eggplant Rolls

You can freeze these rolls before or after baking.
Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag.
They will keep well for up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Cheesy Eggplant Rolls

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water and covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Eggplant Rolls.

Can I make Cheesy Eggplant Rolls ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and assemble the rolls in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

What cheeses work best for Cheesy Eggplant Rolls?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are all great choices. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like feta or goat cheese for added flavor.

Are Cheesy Eggplant Rolls vegetarian?

Absolutely! These rolls are filled with cheese and herbs, making them a perfect vegetarian dish that even meat lovers will enjoy.

How do I customize my Cheesy Eggplant Rolls?

You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the cheese filling. For extra protein, consider adding cooked ground meat or beans.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Eggplant Rolls offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that everyone will love. They are versatile enough to serve as an impressive appetizer or a hearty main course. Feel free to customize these rolls with your favorite ingredients for an even more personal touch!

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Cheesy Eggplant Rolls

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: Serves 6 (12 rolls) 1x

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Description

Cheesy Eggplant Rolls are a heavenly fusion of tender roasted eggplant and a creamy cheese filling that promises to delight your taste buds. This versatile dish can serve as an elegant appetizer or a hearty main course, making it perfect for family gatherings or festive occasions. With a rich blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses wrapped in perfectly roasted eggplant slices, each bite is an indulgent experience. Plus, this recipe is straightforward to prepare, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you enjoy them on their own or paired with a fresh salad, these Cheesy Eggplant Rolls are sure to impress everyone at your table!

Ingredients

Scale

2 medium eggplants
Olive oil
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Fresh basil
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch rounds and salt both sides. Let sit for 10-15 minutes, then pat dry.
Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and roast for 15-20 minutes until tender.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, basil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Spoon cheese mixture onto one end of each eggplant slice and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in a baking dish.
Optionally cover with marinara sauce and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian