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Healthy Eggplant Rollatini Recipe

Healthy Eggplant Rollatini Recipe

5 from 30 reviews

Healthy Eggplant Rollatini is a delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender baked eggplant slices rolled with a savory mixture of ricotta, parmesan, mozzarella, fresh parsley, and lemon zest. Baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese, this low-fat vegetarian recipe offers a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for a wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Eggplant

  • 2 sizable eggplants
  • A splash of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning

Cheese Mixture

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (from the 1 cup total)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 egg
  • A handful of fresh Italian parsley, chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Other

  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (remaining from 1 cup total) for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Bake the Eggplant Slices: Wash and trim the tops and bottoms of the eggplants. Slice a small piece from the bottom so they sit flat. Cut lengthwise into approximately 1/4 inch thick slices. Arrange slices on a parchment-lined baking tray, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh Italian parsley, lemon zest, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a baking dish as a flavorful base for the rolls.
  4. Assemble the Eggplant Rolls: Once the eggplant slices are cool enough to handle, place a spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end of each slice. Roll up the slice tightly around the filling.
  5. Arrange and Bake: Place each roll seam side down in the prepared baking dish on top of the marinara sauce, leaving some space between each. Optionally sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the rolls for extra cheesiness. Bake in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm as a main dish or a hearty side.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free.
  • Eggplant slices can be salted and drained before baking to reduce bitterness and moisture.
  • Use fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently in the oven to preserve texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Healthy Eggplant Rollatini, Vegetarian, Italian, Low Fat, Baked Eggplant Rolls, Ricotta Cheese Rolls