Discover the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Eggplant Involtini recipe, a harmonious blend of tender grilled eggplant rolls stuffed with a creamy ricotta and cheese mixture, all nestled in a bed of rich marinara sauce. Perfect for vegetarians and perfecting weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, this dish combines the smoky sweetness of eggplant with the fresh vibrancy of basil, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Each roll is stuffed, rolled, and baked to perfection, topped with bubbling, golden cheese and a hint of garlic for an extra layer of flavor. Easy to make yet impressively elegant, this recipe is a prime example of simple Italian-inspired cooking at its finest. Serve alongside a crisp salad or warm crusty bread for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the eggplants lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Lightly salt the slices and place them on a paper towel to remove excess moisture for about 15 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking.
Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil. Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium heat and cook each slice for about 2 minutes per side, until tender and slightly golden. Set aside to cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, basil, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cheese filling onto the wider end of each eggplant slice, then roll it up tightly. Place the rolled slices seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the eggplant rolls. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and mozzarella on top for added flavor.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired.
Calories |
1562 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 107.8 g | 138% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.4 g | 207% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 418 mg | 139% | |
| Sodium | 4015 mg | 175% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 91.7 g | 33% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 32.5 g | 116% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.4 g | ||
| Protein | 77.2 g | 154% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 2039 mg | 157% | |
| Iron | 5.7 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 2544 mg | 54% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.