Eggplant Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delightful twist on the traditional lasagna, bursting with rich flavors and comforting textures. Imagine layers of savory cheese, vibrant marinara, and tender eggplant, all rolled up like little surprises waiting to be discovered. Greek-style eggplant dish classic tomato lasagna recipe Each bite invites you to relish its warm embrace, making it an ideal dish for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I substitute for eggplant?
- Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
- How can I make these roll-ups vegan?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I made Eggplant Lasagna Roll-Ups; my kitchen smelled like an Italian trattoria on a Sunday afternoon. My friends were skeptical about eggplant, but their faces lit up after the first bite! This dish not only brings joy but also creates unforgettable memories around the dinner table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Eggplant Lasagna Roll-Ups are simple to prepare, making weeknight meals a breeze
- The combination of flavors creates an explosion that will leave your taste buds dancing
- With their stunning presentation, they are perfect for impressing guests or sharing at potlucks
- Plus, they are versatile enough to adapt based on your pantry ingredients
Sharing this recipe at our last family gathering had everyone raving about how delicious it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Eggplant: Look for firm eggplants without blemishes; they should be shiny and smooth for best results.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; opt for whole milk varieties for extra flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Choose fresh mozzarella for a melty texture that stretches perfectly.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought sauce or homemade for an authentic touch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan offers a nutty flavor; freshly grated is always better than pre-packaged.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a burst of freshness; look for vibrant green leaves that feel slightly soft. crispy fried green tomatoes.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil brings depth; use it generously to sauté vegetables.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors throughout the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Eggplant: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the eggplants lengthwise into thin sheets and lay them on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes; this process draws out excess moisture and bitterness.
Sauté the Filling Ingredients: While waiting for the eggplant, heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped spinach, cooking until fragrant and wilted—about 3-4 minutes will do. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
Create the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves (chopped), salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended; this gooey mixture is going to be heavenly!
Assemble Your Roll-Ups: Pat your eggplant slices dry and place a spoonful of cheese mixture at one end of each slice. Carefully roll them up like little burritos; don’t worry if they open slightly—they’re still going to taste amazing!
Add Sauce and Bake: Pour some marinara sauce into a baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Place each roll-up seam-side down in the dish. Top with remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with leftover mozzarella cheese.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Allow cooling slightly before serving—you want those delightful flavors to meld together perfectly!
Enjoy making these Eggplant Lasagna Roll-Ups as much as I do—it’s a journey filled with delicious aromas and joyful anticipation! flavorful enchilada cups.
You Must Know
- These Eggplant Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delightful twist on traditional lasagna
- They’re easy to assemble, bursting with flavors, and perfect for impressing guests
- Just remember, the key is to slice the eggplant thinly for tender rolls
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the eggplant slices until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. While they cool, prepare the filling and sauce to maximize flavors and save time. For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for extra nutrients. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storing & Reheating
Store these roll-ups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano to enhance flavor significantly
- Don’t skimp on salt when seasoning; it elevates all ingredients beautifully
- Lastly, let your roll-ups rest before serving for optimal presentation and flavor melding
It was a rainy Sunday afternoon when I first made these Eggplant Lasagna Roll-Ups. My family couldn’t stop raving about them, and I’ve been making them ever since!
FAQ
What can I substitute for eggplant?
Zucchini works well if you’re looking for a veggie alternative in this recipe.
Can I make these roll-ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them a day before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
How can I make these roll-ups vegan?
Simply replace cheese with tofu or cashew cream for a creamy vegan filling option.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Eggplant Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 (8 roll-ups) 1x
Description
Eggplant Lasagna Roll-Ups are a delectable and lighter twist on classic lasagna that combines tender eggplant with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and rich marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, these roll-ups not only deliver on flavor but also present beautifully on the table. With simple preparation, they bring warmth and joy to any gathering while being adaptable to suit your pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants (sliced lengthwise)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice eggplants lengthwise; sprinkle with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat, add minced garlic and chopped spinach; cook until wilted (about 3-4 minutes).
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, parmesan, basil, salt, and pepper to create a cheese mixture.
- Pat eggplant slices dry, place a spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end of each slice, and roll them up.
- Spread some marinara sauce in a baking dish; arrange roll-ups seam-side down and top with remaining sauce and mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 roll-ups (225g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 50mg