Healthy Eggplant Rollatini is a delicious, wholesome dish that combines tender, roasted eggplant with a creamy ricotta filling and a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting yet lighter meal, this dish is an excellent way to enjoy the flavors of Italian cuisine with a healthy twist. It’s ideal for a satisfying main course or as a hearty side dish.

Healthy Eggplant Rollatini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Healthy Eggplant Rollatini because it’s full of flavor but doesn’t compromise on health. The roasted eggplant provides a satisfying texture while the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese filling adds creaminess and richness. The marinara sauce gives the dish a touch of sweetness and acidity, tying everything together perfectly. It’s a balanced meal that feels indulgent without being too heavy, making it great for any occasion!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 sizable eggplants
2 cups ricotta cheese
A handful of fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Zest of 1 lemon
A splash of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 ½ cups marinara sauce

Directions

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Eggplant Slices

Prepare the Eggplants: Wash and trim away the tops and bottoms of the eggplants. Slice a small piece off the bottom of each eggplant so they sit flat.
Slice the Eggplants: Cut the eggplants lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices.
Season and Bake: Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Arrange the eggplant slices on the tray, drizzle or brush them with olive oil, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Bake the Eggplant: Place the tray in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the eggplant slices are golden brown and tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, ¾ cup of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
Season: Add the lemon zest, salt, and pepper to the mixture and stir everything until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Marinara Base: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a baking dish. This will keep the rolls moist and add flavor during baking.

Step 4: Assemble the Eggplant Rolls

Fill the Eggplant: Once the eggplant slices are baked and slightly cooled, place a spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end of each eggplant slice.
Roll the Eggplant: Carefully roll the eggplant slices from the filled end, forming a neat roll.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Dish

Place the Rolls: Arrange the eggplant rolls seam side down in the prepared baking dish on top of the marinara sauce.
Top with Cheese: If desired, top the rolls with additional mozzarella cheese for extra cheesiness.
Bake: Bake the dish in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let it Cool: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve: Serve the Healthy Eggplant Rollatini warm as a hearty main course or side dish. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 6 servings and takes about 30-45 minutes to prepare and 20-30 minutes to cook, for a total time of 50-75 minutes.

Variations

Vegan Version: For a vegan version, use vegan ricotta and dairy-free mozzarella cheese in place of the dairy products.
Add Protein: For added protein, you can mix ground chicken or turkey into the ricotta filling for a non-vegan option.
Grilled Eggplant: If you prefer a lighter option, grill the eggplant slices instead of baking them for extra smoky flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling or sprinkle on top for a spicy version.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers: Leftover eggplant rollatini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the assembled and unbaked eggplant rollatini for up to 3 months. Just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the eggplant rolls and assemble the dish the day before. Just store it in the refrigerator, then bake it before serving.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute other cheeses like fontina or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe. You can also make your own if you prefer homemade sauce.

Can I add more vegetables to the filling?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I make the eggplant less bitter?

To remove any bitterness from the eggplant, you can sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing. This draws out excess moisture and bitterness.

Conclusion

This Healthy Eggplant Rollatini is a flavorful, nutritious dish that combines the comfort of cheesy Italian flavors with the goodness of roasted eggplant. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian option or simply want to enjoy a lighter, healthier take on a classic. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Healthy Eggplant Rollatini

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Amelia
Total Time: 50-75 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

These healthy eggplant rollatini are stuffed with a creamy ricotta and mozzarella filling, then baked to perfection with marinara sauce. A wholesome, delicious dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for any occasion!

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Eggplant Slices

Prepare the Eggplants: Wash the eggplants and trim away the tops and bottoms. Slice a small piece from the bottom of each eggplant to help them sit flat.

Slice the Eggplants: Slice the eggplants lengthwise into approximately ¼-inch thick slices.

Season the Eggplant: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange the eggplant slices on it. Drizzle or brush a little olive oil on each slice and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.

Bake the Slices: Bake the eggplant slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

Make the Filling: While the eggplant is baking, prepare the filling by combining ricotta cheese, three-quarters of a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl.

Season the Mixture: Add chopped fresh parsley, lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish

Add the Sauce: In a baking dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. This will keep the eggplant rolls moist and add flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Eggplant Rolls

Stuff the Eggplant: Once the eggplant slices are baked and slightly cooled, take each slice and place a spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end. Roll the eggplant slice from the filled end, forming a neat roll.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Dish

Place in the Dish: Place each assembled eggplant roll seam side down in the prepared baking dish on top of the marinara sauce. Arrange them neatly with a little space between each roll.

Add Extra Cheese: Optionally, top the rolls with additional mozzarella cheese for extra cheesiness.

Bake: Bake in the oven until everything is heated through and any added cheese is melted.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Cool Slightly and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. These eggplant rolls make a delicious main course or a hearty side dish!

Notes

Cheese Variations: You can use vegan cheese substitutes to make this recipe dairy-free.

Make Ahead: These eggplant rollatini can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.

Prep Time: 30-45 minutes
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes

Healthy Eggplant Rollatini

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions