Imagine a dish that combines the rich, creamy goodness of melted cheese with the tender, smoky flavor of perfectly roasted eggplant - a Mediterranean masterpiece that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched Italian kitchen. These Cheesy Eggplant Roll Ups are not just a recipe; they're a culinary adventure that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice eggplants lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips. Lightly salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Brush eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill or roast the eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are tender and slightly charred.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place a spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end of each eggplant slice and carefully roll up, creating a neat cylinder.
- Arrange the rolled eggplant pieces seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the rolls, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips
- Salt and drain your eggplant slices to remove excess moisture, ensuring they're tender and not soggy.
- Use a grill pan or broiler for extra char and smoky flavor when cooking eggplant slices.
- Make sure to pat the eggplant dry completely before rolling to prevent watery rolls.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can add an extra layer of flavor to your cheese mixture.
- Allow the rolls to rest for a few minutes after baking to help them set and make serving easier.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure your marinara sauce is certified gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 95mg
