Grilled Eggplant Rollups with Herbed Ricotta
Roll into Flavor with Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups!
Ever get stuck wondering what to serve at your next Dinner Party Appetizers ? Oh my gosh, I have! These Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta are seriously the answer.
They're packed with creamy, herby goodness and have that lovely smoky Grilled Eggplant taste. Honestly, these are a crowd pleaser that won't leave you slaving in the kitchen all day.
These aren't just any Roll Ups ; they're Ricotta rollatini with Italian flair! This recipe draws inspiration from classic Italian appetizer recipes , offering a delightful twist on tradition.
They are also considered as Vegetarian appetizers . While the exact origin is debated, similar dishes have been enjoyed across the Mediterranean for generations.
They are easy to make. From start to finish, you're looking at about 45 minutes. This recipe makes about 4-6 servings!
Why You'll Obsess Over These Eggplant Rolls
These aren't just delicious; they're kinda good for you too. Eggplant is low in calories and packed with fiber. Plus, the ricotta adds a boost of protein.
They're perfect as Impressive Appetizers for your next gathering. Or, you can make them for a light lunch. What makes these Grilled Eggplant Recipes so special? The combo of smoky eggplant and creamy filling.
It's a flavor explosion!
The Secret Weapon: Salting Your Eggplant
Listen, I used to skip the salting step. Big mistake! It draws out the moisture and prevents soggy eggplant. Trust me; it's a game changer.
This simple step makes all the difference in getting perfectly grilled eggplant. These are the Easy appetizer recipes you should be making! Now that you know why you’re going to love these, let's get to the ingredients, shall we?
Let's Talk Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's dive into what you need to whip up these Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta . Trust me, even if you're not a pro chef, you can totally nail this! These Eggplant Rolls are a crowd pleaser for Dinner Party Appetizers .
Honestly, they are one of my favorite Italian appetizer recipes . Plus, it is so Easy appetizer recipes .
Main Ingredients Lowdown
Here's the breakdown, measurements and all.
- Eggplant: You'll need 2 large eggplants (about 2 lbs / 900g ). Look for firm, shiny ones. No blemishes, yeah? Slice them lengthwise, about ¼-inch (6mm) thick.
- Salt: 2 tablespoons kosher salt. Don't skip this step. This is key for awesome Grilled Eggplant .
- Olive Oil: ¼ cup (60 ml) . Extra virgin is the way to go.
- Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces (425g) of whole milk ricotta. Make sure it's well drained!
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (50g) , grated. Go for the good stuff.
- Fresh Herbs: ¼ cup (15g) chopped fresh basil and ¼ cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley. Fresh is best for this Ricotta rollatini .
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced. More if you're feeling extra.
- Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten. This helps bind the filling.
- Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg. Adds a lovely warmth.
- Marinara Sauce (Optional): About 1/2 cup . Your favorite store-bought or homemade works!
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
The ricotta filling is where the magic happens. You've got your classic Italian combo: basil, parsley, and garlic. Nutmeg gives it a little something extra.
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Not a fan of nutmeg? A little lemon zest brightens things up.
These Roll Ups can be Vegetarian appetizers but also Impressive Appetizers .
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need fancy gear for this. Just the basics.
- A grill (gas or charcoal) or a grill pan.
- A large mixing bowl.
- A baking sheet (for salting the eggplant).
- Paper towels (lots of them!).
- Tongs.
- A 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish (if baking after grilling). This Grilled eggplant recipes is a must.
Honestly, you can use a frying pan instead of a grill if you're in a pinch. Just make sure it's nice and hot!
Mastering the Art of Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta
Oh my gosh, let me tell you about Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta ! These are seriously amazing dinner party appetizers .
Honestly, they look super fancy. But shhh...they're secretly easy! Think of them as sophisticated eggplant rolls , and these Impressive Appetizers will make you look like a star.
I even surprised myself the first time I made them. I thought, "Did I really make this?"
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
Before we even think about turning on the grill, let's get our mise en place sorted. That basically means having everything prepped and ready to go.
Chop your herbs, measure out your cheese. Trust me, it makes life so much easier. For these Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta , you’ll need:
- 2 large eggplants
- 15 ounces ricotta
- Parmesan
- Fresh basil and parsley
- Garlic
- Egg
- Nutmeg
A little organization up front will save you time and stress later. This includes lining your baking sheet with paper towels to remove the moisture, so your Grilled Eggplant won't be soggy.
Rolling into Action: step-by-step
Ready to get rolling, literally? Here's how we make these delicious Ricotta rollatini :
- Salt eggplant slices. Let sit for 30 minutes on paper towels to draw out moisture.
- Mix ricotta, Parmesan, herbs, garlic, egg, and nutmeg.
- Preheat grill to medium high heat . Brush with oil.
- Brush eggplant with oil and grill 2- 3 minutes per side.
- Spread ricotta filling on each slice.
- Roll up tightly.
- Bake the Roll Ups to your serving platter.
That's it! Seven simple steps to Vegetarian appetizers perfection. These are also delicious Italian appetizer recipes
Killer Tips for Grilled Eggplant Glory
Want to take these Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta to the next level? Here are some of my secret weapons for nailing these easy appetizer recipes and impress with this Italian appetizer recipes .
- Don't skip salting the eggplant! Seriously, it's key to preventing soggy results. Nobody wants soggy.
- If you're baking them, a little marinara sauce at the bottom of the dish adds a nice touch.
- Make the ricotta filling ahead of time. It’s a great time saver!
Recipe Notes for Epic Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta
Alright, let's talk recipe specifics. I love this Italian appetizer recipe and you will too. These notes will help you nail these Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta every time! Honestly, these tips are the difference between "meh" and "OMG!".
It really is one of my favorite easy appetizer recipes .
Serving Up Style: Plating and Presentation Ideas
Okay, so picture this: you’ve got these gorgeous eggplant rolls fresh off the grill. Plating matters, right? I like to arrange them on a rustic wooden board.
Maybe drizzle a tiny bit of balsamic glaze for a fancy touch. Some fresh basil leaves scattered about also work wonders.
If you are making these for Dinner Party Appetizers , consider these Impressive Appetizers as a starter. Oh, and a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio? Chef's kiss!
Storage Like a Pro
So, you've got leftovers? Score! Keep them happy in the fridge for up to 3 days . Pop them in an airtight container.
If you want to freeze them, do it before baking them. Thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat them in a moderate oven (around 350° F or 175° C ) until they're warmed through.
Honestly? They're almost as good as fresh!
Remix Time: Variations
Let's spice things up! Wanna make it dairy-free? Use a cashew based ricotta. Seriously, there are some amazing options out there.
Want a little kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta filling. For a seasonal twist, use roasted red peppers instead of marinara in the fall.
You know? Get creative!
Nutri Facts (The Easy Version)
Each serving is roughly around 250-300 calories. You are getting a good hit of protein (around 15-18g) and healthy fats.
Plus, eggplant is packed with antioxidants. This recipe is more than just tasty. It's actually good for you!
So, there you have it! My super simple guide to Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta . This Vegetarian appetizers is so easy and fun to make.
Go on, give it a try. You won't regret it. Let me know how your Ricotta rollatini turns out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta are soggy! What did I do wrong?
Soggy eggplant is a common woe! The key is to salt the eggplant slices beforehand. This draws out excess moisture. Think of it like giving the eggplant a spa day it's essential! After salting for about 30 minutes, pat the slices dry with paper towels before grilling.
This will allow them to char nicely instead of steaming.
Can I make these Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta ahead of time? I'm planning a dinner party, and I'm channeling my inner Nigella Lawson, trying to be as prepped as possible.
Absolutely! You can assemble the roll ups a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and store them in the fridge. If you plan to bake them, add that step just before serving. They might need a couple of extra minutes in the oven to heat through.
Just remember that the longer they sit, the more the ricotta might soften the eggplant slightly, so don't make them too far ahead.
I don't have a grill. Can I still make these Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta?
No worries, mate! You can definitely still make them. A grill pan on the stovetop works a treat. Alternatively, you can roast the eggplant slices in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and slightly browned.
It won't have that perfect grilled char, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese in the Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups? I'm not a huge fan.
If ricotta isn't your cup of tea, try using goat cheese or a blend of cream cheese and Parmesan. These offer a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the eggplant. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, try a cashew based ricotta.
The great thing about this dish is that you can easily adjust it to your liking.
How do I store leftover Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them on low power in 30 second intervals. Be mindful that the eggplant might soften slightly upon reheating. They're still tasty, though!
Are Grilled Eggplant Roll Ups with Ricotta healthy?
This dish offers a good balance! Eggplant is low in calories and a good source of fiber. Ricotta provides protein and calcium. However, be mindful of the amount of Parmesan cheese, as it's higher in sodium and fat. Using part skim ricotta is one way to keep it lighter. All things in moderation, eh?
Grilled Eggplant Rollups With Herbed Ricotta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 300 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
