This Italian Eggplant Rollatini Recipe is a Vegetarian’s Comfort food dream! Crispy breaded slices of eggplant are rolled around a ricotta cheese blend and topped with zesty marinara sauce.
Do you like eggplant?
I have to be honest. I never used to be a fan, however it’s recipes like Eggplant Rollatini and Eggplant Parmesan that changed my mind.
There was a period of my life when I tried out being a vegetarian. (It did not last long) Eggplant Parmesan was one of my favorite dishes to order out though because it’s so hearty. That made it my meat replacement meal of choice.
Even now that I do eat meat, Eggplant Parmesan is still a favorite meal of mine.
How do you make Eggplant Rollatini?
This Eggplant Rollatini Recipe is basically Eggplant Parmesan on steroids.
Thinly sliced eggplant is breaded are fried to create a crisp coating. Then it’s rolled up around a ricotta cheese blend and topped with a zesty marinara sauce. Finally, mozzarella and parmesan cheese is placed on top and it’s baked.
Can I make this Epplant Rollatini Recipe without the breading?
You don’t have to bread your Eggplant Rollatini. I just prefer it that way. If you want to make a lighter version of this recipe or you just need to save time you can grill your eggplant slices or fry them without the breading.
Italian Eggplant Rollatini Recipe
Ingredients
For the Eggplant Rollatini
- 2 medium Eggplant .about 2 1/2 pounds total
- 1 1/2 Cups Seasoned Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 Cup Shredded parmesan cheese
- 5 Large Eggs ,seperated
- 1 Cup Flour
- 1 ,15 ounce container Ricotta Cheese,
- 1 ,15 ounce container Cottage Cheese
- 2 Cups Shredded mozzarella cheese ,seperated
- 20 Leaves Fresh Basil ,chiffonade
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 Cup Olive oil ,to sautee eggplant
For the Marinara Sauce
- 1 Small Onion ,chopped
- 2 Cloves Garlic ,minced
- 1 Large Carrot ,chopped
- 2 ,32 ounce cans Ground peeled tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes ,optional
- 2-3 Tablespoons Olive oil ,to sautee with
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
For the Marinara Sauce
- In a large deep pot heat 1 Tablespoon of Olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, and carrot and sautee for 5-7 minutes until onions are translucent. Add garlic and sautee for one minute.
- Add ground peeled tomatoes, dried basil and red pepper flakes. Once it begins to bubble reduce heat and cook for at least one hour.
- Pour sauce into a blender or food processor and blend on high for 1-2 minutes. Pour back into pot and keep on low heat.
For the Eggplant Rollatini
- Prepare Eggplant by removing skin and slicing length wise into 1/4 inch strips.
- Add salt and pepper to both sides of eggplant strips.
- Place flour in a shallow dish or plate
- Mix bread crumbs and parmesan cheese together and place in shallow dish or plate.
- Crack 3 of your eggs in a shallow bowl and scramble.
- Dip one slice of eggplant first in the flour and coat both sides then dip in egg mixture and finally breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with all slices.
- Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet at a time on medium high heat. Place about 3-4 eggplant slices in the skillet at a time. (depending on skillet size and how many you can fit without overcrowding.) Cook for 2-3 minutes per side and remove to a dish lined with a paper towel.
- Continue until all eggplant are cooked. Set aside.
- In a large bowl beat eggs until lightly scrambled.Mix in ricotta cheese, cottage cheese and mozzarella.
- Gently fold in basil.
- Prepare a large casserole (about 13 x 9 inch) dish with about 1-2 cups of marinara sauce spread in the bottom.
- To make rollatini, add 1-2 Tablespoons of ricotta cheese mixture to the center of eggplant and roll it up to enclose the mixture. Place seam side down in a casserole dish.
- Continue to fill all of the eggplant and place side by side to fill casserole.
- Top with more marinara sauce. Then sprinkle with about 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese.
- At this point you can either place casserole in the fridge or bake right away. It will stay fresh in the fridge cover with plastic wrap for 2-3 days. When ready to bake preheat oven to 375 Degrees F. Bake Rollatini for 15-20 minutes. If its coming out of the fridge it may need a bit longer.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Giada De Laurentiis
How do you serve this Eggplant Rollatini Recipe?
Eggplant Rollatini can be served either as a meal or as an appetizer. If you’re serving it as a meal you can either serve it with pasta as a side or salad.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a hearty meal for your Meatless Monday tradition Eggplant Rollatini will keep everyone’s belly happy!
Craving more Italian inspired dishes? Try some of these!
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