Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of roasting aubergines filled the air, instantly transporting me to a bustling Italian trattoria. There’s something magical about Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini; it’s a dish that wraps tender, roasted aubergine around a creamy ricotta filling, soaked in savory marinara sauce, and topped with melty mozzarella cheese. Not only is this recipe a delightful twist on traditional Italian cuisine, but it’s also incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for cozy dinners or impressing friends at gatherings. Plus, it’s simple to whip up, letting you enjoy the process without the stress. Who wouldn’t want a comforting meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious? Dive in with me, and let’s explore how to create this beautiful, vibrant dish that promises to become a new favorite at your table! Why is Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini a Must-Try? Hearty, Comforting: This dish is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender aubergine with a rich, creamy filling that satisfies cravings in every bite. Flexibility: With various filling and herb options, you can easily customize this rollatini to suit your taste preferences. Whether you want a spicy kick or a nutritious boost with spinach, the possibilities are endless! Quick Preparation: This recipe saves you time without sacrificing quality. Most of the prep can be done in under an hour—perfect for those busy weeknights. Perfect for Entertaining: Impress your guests with a dish that looks as beautiful as it tastes. With gooey melted cheese and vibrant marinara, it’s sure to be a showstopper at your next gathering. Dish to Share: Sharing this Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini makes every meal special. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or some garlic bread, and you’re set for a delightful dining experience! Experience even more Italian flavors by checking out our guide on Italian cooking essentials. Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini Ingredients For the Rollatini • Aubergines (Eggplants) – Choose firm ones without blemishes for the best texture. • Ricotta Cheese – This adds the creaminess that binds the filling together. • Shredded Mozzarella – Melts beautifully to create a gooey topping. • Fresh Basil – Offers a burst of aromatic freshness in each bite. • Marinara Sauce – Essential for flavor and moisture; use store-bought or homemade copies. For the Filling • Parmesan Cheese – Enhances the depth and savory richness of the filling. • Garlic – Provides an essential aromatic flavor; fresh is best, but garlic powder works too. • Olive Oil – For brushing the aubergines to enhance roasting flavor and prevent sticking. Optional Variations • Chopped Spinach – Fold into the filling for a nutritious boost. • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Add for a spicy kick to elevate the flavors. • Nutritional Yeast – Substitute for Parmesan for a dairy-free option. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare your baking dish. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. This step ensures your Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini bakes evenly, creating that delicious golden-brown top we all crave. Step 2: Prepare the Aubergines Slice the aubergines into thin, even strips, aiming for about 1/4 inch thick. Brush each slice generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt to enhance their flavor. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to ensure even roasting. This preparation helps achieve tender, flavorful slices that will roll beautifully. Step 3: Roast the Aubergines Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the aubergine slices for about 15 minutes. They should be softened but still hold their shape, making them easier to roll. Keep an eye on them until they achieve that perfect tender texture; this step is essential for creating delightful Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini. Step 4: Make the Filling In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir in chopped fresh basil for that aromatic touch. Mix thoroughly until well combined. This creamy filling will provide a rich contrast to the roasted aubergines, making every bite of your rollatini satisfying and delicious. Step 5: Assemble the Rollatini Once the aubergine slices are cool enough to handle, spoon a generous amount of the ricotta filling onto one end of each slice. Carefully roll the slice away from you, tucking in the filling, and place it seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Repeat this process until all slices are filled, creating a beautiful array of rollatini. Step 6: Finish Baking Pour marinara sauce evenly over the assembled rollatini, ensuring each roll is well-coated for maximum flavor and moisture. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt beautifully during baking. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the rollatini are bubbly and golden brown. Enjoy the wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake! What to Serve with Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini As you indulge in the comforting layers of flavors within your rollatini, consider these delightful accompaniments that elevate your meal experience. Garlic Bread: This classic pairing brings a crispy, buttery texture that complements the soft rollatini perfectly, soaking up every delicious sauce drop. Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, vibrant salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty rollatini. Steamed Broccoli: Tender, bright green broccoli not only offers a nutritious boost but also enhances your plate’s color, harmonizing beautifully with the rich flavors of the rollatini. Bruschetta: The crunchy, toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil provides sweetness and acidity, balancing the creamy filling and savory sauce. Italian Wine: A glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio can beautifully enhance your dining experience, with complementary notes that elevate the dish’s rich flavors. Tiramisu: End on a sweet note with this classic Italian dessert! Its creamy layers and coffee flavor will give your meal a lovely, indulgent finale. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies drizzled with olive oil and herbs create a colorful and flavorful side that pairs perfectly with the comforting rollatini. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, serve spiralized zucchini as a light, fresh side, allowing the flavors of the rollatini to shine even brighter. Make Ahead Options These Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts! You can assemble the rollatini up to 24 hours in advance before baking. Simply follow the recipe until the filling is rolled into the aubergine slices, then place them seam-side down in your baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your dish, simply remove the covering, pour marinara sauce on top, sprinkle with mozzarella, and bake as directed (allow an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time if starting from the refrigerator). This way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights! How to Store and Freeze Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini Fridge: Store leftover Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze assembled rollatini before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 2 months. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, approximately 25-30 minutes. Make-Ahead: You can also prepare the rollatini up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours. Just bake when ready for a quick and satisfying meal! Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini Variations Feel free to get creative with this recipe, letting your taste buds take the lead and make your dishes shine! Dairy-Free: Substitute ricotta with a cashew cream blend for a vegan-friendly option. Creamy and rich, this twist keeps the heartwarming essence. Add Greens: Incorporate chopped spinach or kale into the filling for an excellent nutrition boost. Its freshness brightens up every bite and adds a lovely color contrast! Spicy Kick: Mix crushed red pepper flakes into the filling. This will give a delightful heat that brings everything together without overwhelming the other flavors. Herb Variations: Switch fresh basil with fresh oregano or thyme. Each herb brings its unique aroma, making your rollatini feel like a whole new experience. Zucchini Swap: Replace aubergines with thinly sliced zucchini for a lighter version. This variation gives a different texture while still being deliciously satisfying. Wild Mushroom Medley: Add sautéed mushrooms into the filling for an earthy depth of flavor. This twist creates a more complex profile that is simply irresistible! Tomato Burst: Fold in sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of richness. Their concentrated sweetness perfectly complements the savory elements of the dish. For delightful Italian flavors, consider pairing your rollatini with a crisp side salad and a slice of homemade garlic bread—perfect for soaking up that luscious marinara sauce. Discover more about pairing sides with Italian dishes to elevate your experience! Expert Tips for Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini Uniform Slicing: Ensure aubergine slices are uniformly thin (about 1/4 inch) for even cooking and easier rolling. This helps you create the perfect Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini every time. Cool Before Serving: Allow the rollatini to cool slightly before serving; this helps maintain their shape and makes for easier plating. Flavor Boosters: Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or other herbs to the filling for an extra kick. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors! Make Ahead: Assemble your rollatini ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just pop them in the oven when ready for a quick dinner option. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your rollatini while baking—look for a golden-brown top and bubbly sauce to ensure they’re perfectly cooked. Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini Recipe FAQs How do I select the best aubergines for my rollatini? Absolutely! Look for firm aubergines with glossy skin. Avoid those with dark spots or blemishes, as they may be overripe. The firm texture will ensure they hold up well during roasting and rolling. What’s the best way to store leftovers? To keep your Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy the delicious flavors again without fussing over another meal. Can I freeze my rollatini, and how do I do it? Yes, freezing is a great option! After assembling the rollatini but before baking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then cover in foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook them, just move them to the fridge to thaw overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until heated through. What should I do if my aubergine slices are too thick? If you’ve accidentally cut your slices too thick, don’t worry! You can still salvage them. Just bake the slices a little longer until they soften adequately—about 20–25 minutes. This way, they will still become pliable enough for rolling. Are there any dietary options I should be aware of when making this dish? Very! If you’re cooking for someone with a dairy allergy, consider swapping out the ricotta and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or nutritional yeast. Additionally, anyone following a gluten-free diet needs to ensure their marinara sauce and any other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Can I prepare the rollatini in advance? Yes, indeed! You can assemble your Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini up to the baking phase, cover tightly, and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them in the oven and enjoy a stress-free meal! Heavenly Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini You'll Crave Tonight Experience the delightful taste of Vegetarian Aubergine Rollatini, a comforting Italian dish featuring roasted aubergine rolled around creamy filling. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 4 rollatiniCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Rollatini2 medium Aubergines (Eggplants) Choose firm ones without blemishes for the best texture15 oz Ricotta Cheese This adds the creaminess that binds the filling together8 oz Shredded Mozzarella Melts beautifully to create a gooey topping1/4 cup Fresh Basil Offers aromatic freshness in each bite2 cups Marinara Sauce Essential for flavor and moisture; use store-bought or homemadeFor the Filling1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Enhances the depth and savory richness of the filling2 cloves Garlic Provides essential aromatic flavor; fresh is best2 tablespoons Olive Oil For brushing the aubergines to enhance roasting flavorOptional Variations1 cup Chopped Spinach Fold into the filling for a nutritious boost1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Add for a spicy kick1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast Substitute for Parmesan for a dairy-free option Equipment 9x13 inch baking dishBaking sheetMedium bowl Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.Slice the aubergines into thin, even strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.Roast the aubergine slices in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes until softened but still holding their shape.In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir in basil until well combined.Spoon a generous amount of the ricotta filling onto one end of each aubergine slice and roll them seam-side down in the baking dish.Pour marinara sauce over the rollatini and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Nutrition Serving: 1rollatiniCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 15gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg NotesAllow rollatini to cool slightly before serving. You can prepare the rollatini up to the baking stage and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
