A flavorful and creamy vegetarian dish made with eggplant, ricotta cheese, and pesto, baked to perfection.
Author:Caroline Jones
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 5 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Slice eggplants lengthwise into thin strips. Brush both sides with olive oil and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes until softened and easy to roll without breaking.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, egg, basil, and garlic powder until creamy and well combined.
Spread a spoonful of ricotta filling onto each eggplant slice, then roll tightly and place seam-side down in a baking dish layered with marinara sauce.
Top the rollatini with remaining marinara sauce, dollops of basil pesto, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges.
Finish with fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan before serving hot and cheesy straight from the oven.
Notes
Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or pasta for a cozy Italian-inspired dinner.
Use low-fat ricotta and mozzarella for a lighter option.
Add spinach to the ricotta filling for extra nutrients.
Swap marinara for spicy arrabbiata sauce for more heat.