Eggplant Rollatini | Easy Vegetarian Eggplant Bake

If you're a fan of Italian cuisine and looking for a delicious vegetarian dish, then eggplant rollatini is an excellent choice. This classic Italian recipe features tender slices of eggplant rolled up with a flavorful filling, smothered in marinara sauce, and baked to perfection. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, eggplant rollatini is sure to impress.

Why You'll Love This Vegetarian Dish

• Gluten Free.
• Delicious.
• Vegetarian.
• Low Carb.

Eggplant rollatini is a fantastic vegetarian dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. The combination of tender eggplant, creamy cheese filling, and tangy marinara sauce creates a harmonious flavor profile that will satisfy your cravings.

What Is The Difference Between Eggplant Parmesan And Eggplant Rollatini?

Eggplant Parmesan emphasizes crispy fried eggplant rounds layered with sauce and cheese, while Eggplant Rollatini highlights tender eggplant slices rolled up with a filling and topped with sauce and cheese.

The former is served in a layered casserole style, while the latter is presented as individual rolled slices. The texture of Eggplant Parmesan leans towards crispy, while Eggplant Rollatini offers a softer and more moist experience.

Ultimately, both dishes celebrate the wonderful flavors and versatility of eggplant in Italian cuisine.

Is Eggplant Rollatini High In Carbs?

The carb content of Eggplant Rollatini can vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation method used.

This recipe uses my homemade low carb marinara sauce. This is where a majority of the carbs in the traditional version of the dish come from, so it is a low carb dish.

What Is Eggplant Rollatini Made Of?

• Eggplant
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Basil
• Egg
• Garlic
• Marinara sauce

How To Make Eggplant Rollatini

1. Prepare the Eggplant
   • Preheat your oven to 400F.
   • Slice the eggplants lengthwise into thin, even slices, about 1/4-inch thick.
   • Lay the eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
   • Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the eggplant slices are tender and slightly golden. Set aside to cool.
2. Make the Filling
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, minced garlic, and the egg.
   • Season the mixture with salt and pepper, and stir until well combined.
3. Assemble the Rollatini
   • Spoon a generous amount of the cheese filling onto each eggplant slice.
   • Roll up the slices tightly, starting from one end, to create neat and compact rolls.
   • Place the eggplant rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
4. Bake the Rollatini
   • Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the eggplant rolls in the baking dish.
   • Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden.
   • Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes to allow the cheese to slightly brown.
5. Serve It
   • Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch.
   • Serve the eggplant rollatini hot, accompanied by a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Tips And Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect Eggplant Rollatini every time:

• Choose the Right Eggplant- Look for firm, glossy eggplants with smooth skin. Avoid ones with bruises or blemishes. Younger eggplants tend to have fewer seeds and a milder flavor.
• Slice the Eggplant Uniformly- To ensure even cooking and easy rolling, slice the eggplant into thin, uniform strips. Aim for slices about ¼ inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife can help achieve consistent thickness.
• Use Toothpicks Strategically- Insert toothpicks through the sides of the rolled eggplant slices to help them hold their shape during baking. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.

Variations

Love the flavors of this eggplant rollatini recipe but want to switch them up a little bit to fit your palate? Try one of these variations next time you whip up this dish:

• Mediterranean Style- Give your Eggplant Rollatini a Mediterranean flair by adding chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the filling. The salty and tangy flavors work wonderfully with the eggplant.
• Meaty Filling- For meat lovers, incorporate cooked ground meat such as beef, sausage, or turkey into the filling. Brown the meat with onions and garlic, season it well, and mix it with the cheese and herbs.
• Caprese Rollatini- For a Caprese-inspired version, use slices of fresh mozzarella instead of the ricotta filling. Layer the mozzarella slices with tomato slices and fresh basil leaves, then roll them up in the eggplant. Top with marinara sauce and additional mozzarella before baking.

What To Serve With It

Eggplant Rollatini is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as part of a larger meal. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Eggplant Rollatini:

• Side Salad- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a great accompaniment to this dish. It provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. Consider a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Garlic Bread- A side of warm, crusty garlic bread is a classic choice to serve with Eggplant Rollatini. The combination of the flavors and textures works well together. You can make homemade garlic bread or opt for store-bought varieties.
• Pasta- Serve it alongside a small portion of pasta for a more substantial meal. Choose your favorite type of pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and toss it with a light marinara or olive oil-based sauce. This combination adds heartiness to the meal.

How Long Does It Last?

Eggplant Rollatini can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.

Allow the Eggplant Rollatini to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate promptly and keep it stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator.

Can You Freeze It?

If you anticipate not consuming the Eggplant Rollatini within a few days, you can freeze it for longer-term storage. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It's best to label the container with the date for easy reference.

When ready to eat, thaw the frozen Eggplant Rollatini in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.

More Vegetarian Recipes

• Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Squash
• Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
• Palak Paneer
• Instant Pot Mushroom Stroganoff
• Instant Pot Rajma

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Don't forget to check out my other Keto cookbooks.

Keto Instant Pot, Keto Fat Bombs, Sweets, & Treats, and Easy keto in 30 minutes.