Description
Eggplant Involtini is a delicious Italian appetizer featuring tender eggplant slices rolled with a creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese filling, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This flavorful dish is perfect as a comforting starter or a light vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant Rolls
- 2 eggplants
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Topping
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the involtini.
- Slice the eggplants: Cut the eggplants lengthwise into 1/4 inch thick slices to create even pieces suitable for rolling.
- Prepare the cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, beaten egg, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Assemble the rolls: Spread a spoonful of the cheese mixture evenly on each eggplant slice, then carefully roll them up.
- Arrange in baking dish: Place each rolled eggplant seam side down in a baking dish to keep them secure during baking.
- Add sauce and cheese: Pour marinara sauce over all the eggplant rolls and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top for a melty, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh basil for extra aroma and color.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh mozzarella for shredded mozzarella if preferred for a creamier texture.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm that the marinara sauce contains no added gluten.
- To make it vegan, replace ricotta and mozzarella with plant-based cheese alternatives and omit the egg or use an egg substitute.
- If eggplants are large, peeling them can reduce bitterness, but it’s optional.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
