Baby Eggplant Rollatini

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This is a must try recipe for Baby Eggplant Rollatini stuffed with ricotta cheese and baked in a simple tomato sauce.

To say I love Eggplant Rollatini is an understatement. It happens to be one of my all time favorite foods.

I’m guessing since you clicked on that link, these breaded eggplant slices that are stuffed with ricotta cheese and baked in a sweet San Marzano tomato sauce, might be one of your favorites too!

Well I’ve got good news!  Today I’m sharing my simple recipe for a traditional Italian-American style Eggplant Rollatini.   

I’m calling this recipe “Baby Eggplant Rollatini” because I prefer to use baby eggplant when making this dish. They have less seeds and tend to be less bitter. The only downside to using the smaller eggplant is that it can be harder to roll up (sometimes).

I promise though, once you get into a rhythm of stuffing and rolling it becomes second nature. If you can’t find baby eggplant don’t get hung up on the size, it really doesn’t matter (wink-wink), you can still slice, roll and bake up your favorite rollatini with a small eggplant too. 

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12/21/2024 09:54 am GMT

SLICE

You will first want to peel the skin from the eggplant and then lay it horizontally on its side. Slice the eggplant into 1/8″ pieces and set aside.  

If anything, getting the eggplant thin is probably the most difficult part to this dish. But like mastering any skill, you must practice, practice, practice.  The more you do it the better you get at it.  

Next, begin to bread the eggplant slices and fry them in Canola oil until golden brown.

Set them aside on a paper towel to cool off.

ROLL

Now that the eggplant are breaded and fried it’s time to prepare the ricotta filling.

Side Note: With this dish I do feel not all ricotta cheeses are created equal.  I prefer a fresh or thicker store bought brand of ricotta cheese (like Galbani or Biazzo).  Some brands tend to retain more water than others and the less water in the filling the better.

Also, to keep the mixture thicker add cubed/diced mozzarella cheese to the filling (rather than shredded).  The diced mozzarella becomes less stringy in the melting process. Add some grated cheese, an egg and fresh chopped Italian parsley, combine well.

Next, dollop the ricotta filling onto the lower portion of the eggplant slice, spread it with the back of a spoon and then roll up 3 times. Place in a baking dish coated with this Simple San Marzano tomato sauce (or other basic sauce), folded side down. Repeat until all the eggplant have been rolled.

BAKE

You’ve sliced and rolled, now let’s bake. This is probably the easiest part.  

Spoon the remaining sauce all over the eggplant roll ups so they are mostly covered. Then, sprinkle grated Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese over the top, cover with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove the foil and shift the pan to the top rack. Remove the baking dish from the oven when the cheese is completely melted and the eggplant are cooked through.  This takes about 12-15 minutes in my oven.  

Let the eggplant cool a few minutes before serving.

Hopefully I’ve made you hungry enough to give this classic Italian American eggplant dish a try. Even though Eggplant Rollatini might look complicated, it’s actually a great weeknight meal.

Even though there are a few steps to this dish, it’s worth putting in a little extra effort towards the things you love!  

You know how much I love hearing from you guys so please share your thoughts, suggestions and tips in the comments below.  

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Mini Eggplant Rollatini

Sliced, breaded baby eggplant rolled with ricotta cheese and baked in simple San Marzano Tomato Sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Italian

Ingredients

  

• 1 Baby Eggplant or small adult eggplant
• 2 cups breadcrumbs seasoned with fresh parsley, salt and pepper
• 3 large eggs divided
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan divided
• 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese diced
• 3 Tbslp Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• 1 Tblsp Flat Leaf Parsley finely chopped
• 3 Cups Tomato Sauce
• canola oil for frying
• 3 Tblsp milk

Instructions

 

• Peel and slice the eggplant into 1/8" pieces. Place breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl with a tablespoon of fresh parsley, salt and pepper to taste. Mix 2 eggs with a few tablespoons of milk in another shallow bowl for egg wash. Dip both sides of eggplant into egg wash and then breadcrumbs and set aside onto a baking sheet lined with parchment/wax paper.
• Heat oil in a large Saute pan; begin frying the eggplant until just golden brown. Place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels until all the eggplant are done.
• In a bowl mix ricotta, most of the Parmesan cheese, and diced mozzarella cheese. Add 1 egg, chopped parsley and mix well. Tip: make sure the mixture is not fluid,it should be a thick filling. Lay eggplant slices out and dollop a tablespoon (or so) of ricotta filling onto the lower third of the slice. Spread out a bit with the back of a spoon and roll up three times. Repeat until all eggplant have been filled.
• Put a cup of tomato sauce on the bottom of an oven safe baking dish with a few tablespoons of water, swirl around. Place the eggplant roll ups, folded side down, into the baking dish. Cover with more sauce, top with more grated parmesan and the shredded mozzarella. Bake in a preheated 400F oven for 20 minutes covered with aluminum foil. Remove the foil and transfer the baking dish to the top rack, continue baking for an additional 12 minutes or until the filling is completely cooked. Let cool a few minutes and then serve.

Notes

Use this Simple San Marzano Tomato Sauce RECIPE in this dish

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!