Get ready to roll with this delicious recipe for Eggplant Rollatini Appetizer! It’s a dish that’s not only visually stunning but also a flavor bomb in your mouth. Picture this: tender, savory eggplant stuffed with a delightful mixture that will make you forget all about your worries (and maybe even your diet). Whether you’re hosting a party or just want to impress your friends, this is the recipe for you!
Eggplant Rollatini Appetizer
Feast your eyes on this beauty:
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients. You’ll need:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Now that we have our ingredients lined up like a well-rehearsed dance troupe, let’s dive into the instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the time to get those grooves on and warm things up!
- Slice the eggplants lengthwise into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens—during this time, the eggplants will release moisture and become less bitter. Rinse and pat dry afterward.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, basil, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all together until it looks creamy and delicious!
- On a baking sheet, lay the eggplant strips down, brush them lightly with olive oil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes until they’re soft and pliable.
- Now, it’s rolling time! Take a strip of eggplant, add a spoonful of the cheese mixture, and roll it up like a little burrito of joy. Place the rollatini seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Once all rollatini are nestled cozily in the dish, pour marinara sauce over them and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. This is where things get cheesy—literally!
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden, bubbly, and smelling like heaven. You’ll know they’re done when you can’t resist but to dive face-first into the dish!
Let the rollatini cool for a few minutes (if you can wait that long), then serve it up warm. Prepare to win over hearts and taste buds alike with this fabulous appetizer!