Eggplant Rollatini

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Eggplant Rollatini is a classic Italian dish with baked eggplant stuffed with ricotta cheese, zucchini, and Parmesan and baked with marinara sauce. So good.

324 CAL 30g CARBS 15g FAT 19g PROTEIN 9
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This Stuffed Eggplant Rollatini is a vegetarian dish that's packed with flavor and so comforting. It's one of our favorite ways to enjoy eggplant along with this  Healthy Eggplant Parmesan and these Baked Eggplant Cutlets

When you've had a long day, sometimes all you want at the end of that day is comfort food. When I think of comfort food, I think of carbs, wine, and cheese, in no particular order. I think a lot of people would pick the same foods, at least the cheese and carbs part. Okay and probably also chocolate. A

It turns out though, that there is a reason for this carb attraction and it's that carbs make us feel good. No, really! They help our brains release serotonin, which makes us well all warm and snuggled and hugged and loved. The same can be said for cravings for fattening foods like cheese and chocolate.

Even though my brain might be saying, "Find the carbs, Kristen, and devour them NOW!" I can't just give in and wreck all my healthy eating plans. But, what I can do is trick my brain into thinking it's getting the comfort foods it craves, without letting me sabotage my diet. (Because, if you're anything like me, "one little taste" leads to 10 big tastes and then sometimes, oh well, I'll just add some more cheese and train's on the tracks now...might as well pour a glass of wine...)

It is with this deception in mind that I decided to make the classic Eggplant Rollatini but lightened up. There is no breading, it's baked instead of fried, and then stuffed with extra veggies to fill you up enough that your brain quiets down and accepts that it is comforted, and your pants still button the next day.

In addition, this recipe only uses mozzarella, but if you can easily use ricotta. If you don't like zucchini, you can use spinach as well. Find whatever makes you happy and go that route.

Ingredients for eggplant rollatini on a marble counter.

Side Dishes/Main Dishes to Serve with Eggplant Rollatini

What goes great with Eggplant Rollatini? I'm so glad you asked.

  • I love a nice side salad. Go easy on the cheese and heavy dressing though — aim to keep it light.
  • If you must give in to your carb cravings, try thin slices of sourdough or French bread. Other options I like include sprouted-grain bread and bread or bagel thins and flats.
  • Roasted veggies such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and green beans go great with Italian dishes such as this. Sprinkle with Italian seasonings to make the dish really meld together.
  • I love soup with "pasta" dishes. A cup is enough — just a little extra comfort on top of comfort. Reheat leftovers or make one of these to have on hand to snack on throughout the week.
  • I know this isn't technically a side, but it could be! Try adding meatballs to your Eggplant Rollatini for a little extra protein and to fill you up in a healthy way.

Can you freeze Eggplant Rollatini?

Eggplant Rollatini freezes well. Because of this, I tend to make a double or even triple batch of these so I can freeze some for the next time a comfort food craving strikes. Make this dish as instructed and freeze any extras first on a sheet pan, then transfer to individual air-tight bags or containers for easy portion control.

You can also make this up through assembly, then freeze. When you are ready to eat them, simply thaw, and complete step 7 for baking times and instructions.

Recipe Tips and Ideas for Eggplant Rollatini

  • During summer months, consider making this with grilled eggplant. All you have to do is throw the eggplant slices on the grill for 8-10 minutes instead of baking them in the oven. 
  • To add protein, you can add ground turkey, chicken, beef, or sausage to this dish. A little goes a long way, so you won't need too much. Brown it, season it, and add it to the filling of the eggplant.
  • If eggplant isn't your thing, this will work with zucchini or summer squash as well. Look for larger zucchini for easier rolling and stuffing.
  • To brighten up the flavor, add some lemon zest to your ricotta cheese mixture.
  • If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil or Italian seasoning with the ricotta cheese.
  • For some crunch, add some toasted breadcrumbs on top of casserole.

Eggplant rollatini being stuffed with zucchini and cheese.

How do you sweat eggplant?

Eggplant is a vegetable that contains a lot of water. You'll want to get this off (or "sweat") it before cooking or you'll end up with a watery mess at the bottom of your casserole dish.

It's easy to get the moisture out of the eggplant. Simply salt both sides of the eggplant (after it's cut/sliced) and wait for 15-30 minutes, or until it looks like it's sweat out enough/its extra water. Blot with a paper towel, or run eggplant under water, then dry with a paper towel to make sure it's not still slick with moisture and/or salt.

Do I need to peel eggplant before cooking?

Whether or not you peel your eggplant is up to you. The smaller or younger the eggplant, the less tough and bitter the skin will be and the less need there is for it to be taken off. If you are dealing with a large or older eggplant (or you don't like the skin) then you'll want to peel it before sweating and preparing it. It'll come off easily with a vegetable peeler or small paring knife.

The Recipe
Eggplant rollatini with mozzarella cheese in a casserole dish with fresh basil.

Eggplant Rollatini

324 CAL 30g CARBS 15g FAT 19g PROTEIN 9
PREP TIME: 20 Min
COOK TIME: 45 Min
TOTAL TIME: 1 Hours, 5 Min
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Ingredients

US METRICS
  • 2 eggplants, sliced thinly (about 1/4 inch)
  • 1/2 onion, minced
  • 1 zucchini, grated or thinly chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup part skim ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup basil, chopped
  • 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg white
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced thin

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Instructions

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1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Chop the eggplant lengthwise into planks, about 1/4 inch thick.

Sliced eggplant on a cutting board.
2

Sprinkle the thinly sliced eggplant with salt and let sit for 15 minutes. This helps to remove the moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.

Sliced eggplant being sprinkled with salt.
3

Lay the eggplant out on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Flip over half way through.

Eggplant on a baking sheet.
4

While the eggplant is cooking, spray a saute pan with cooking spray on medium. Add the onion and cook for about 3 minutes. Add the zucchini and garlic and cook for another 5-7 minutes until cooked through.

Zucchini and onions being sauteed in a pan.
5

Place in a bowl and allow to cool for a few minutes. Then add the 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, ricotta, basil, egg white, and Parmesan. Mix together.

Zucchini, onions, mozzarella, and ricotta cheese in a bowl.
6

Cover the bottom of your baking dish with 1 cup of marinara sauce. Then begin assembling the rollatini and placing in the baking dish. To assemble, take one eggplant and place a heaping tablespoon of the zucchini mixture at one end. Roll tightly and continue until all of the eggplant is rolled.

Eggplant rollatini in a dish with marinara saiuce.
7

Cover with the remaining sauce and place the sliced fresh mozzarella on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese and sauce is bubbly.

Baked eggplant rollatini with melted mozzarella cheese in a dish.
Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 3-4 rollatini (561g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 324
Calories from Fat 133
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 15g
23%
Saturated Fat 8g
40%
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
0%
Cholesterol 45mg
15%
Sodium 816mg
35%
Total Carbohydrate 30g
10%
Dietary Fiber 11g
46%
Sugars 16g
Protein 19g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Nutritional Values provided are estimates only and may vary based on the preparation method.

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About the author Meet Kristen McCaffrey
Hi, I’m the cookbook author, recipe developer, and food enthusiast behind Slender Kitchen. I am obsessed with making healthy food that is easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. Meal planning is my secret weapon and I hope I can make meal time easier for you with our tried and tested recipes and foolproof meal plans. Learn More
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