![- Eggplant and Cheese Components - 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Eggplant gives this dish its base. I love how it adds a nice texture. The cheeses create a creamy filling that makes each bite satisfying. - Seasonings and Additional Ingredients - 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and black pepper to taste - Olive oil for brushing Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. Garlic powder and basil bring in great flavor. Salt and pepper enhance everything, while olive oil helps the eggplant cook nicely. - Marinara Sauce Options - 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or your favorite store-bought brand) You can use homemade marinara or any brand you love. The sauce ties all the flavors together, making it a key part of the dish. Don't forget to check out the Full Recipe for details on how to put it all together! Baking Eggplant Strips First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the eggplants lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper on each strip. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Flip the slices halfway through. This makes them soft and easy to roll. Making the Cheese Mixture In a bowl, mix 1 cup of ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 cup of finely chopped spinach. Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Combine until it’s smooth and creamy. Rolling the Eggplant Once the eggplant strips are baked, take one strip. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture along its length. Roll it tightly from one end to the other. Place the roll seam-side down in a greased baking dish. Repeat this for all the strips. Arranging in Baking Dish After you roll all the eggplant strips, pour 2 cups of marinara sauce over them. Make sure each roll is well coated. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. This adds a delicious, cheesy layer. Covering and Cooking Time Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. This helps cook the rolls evenly and keeps them moist. Final Touches After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes. This step makes the cheese bubbly and golden. Let the dish cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your eggplant lasagna roll-ups! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Avoiding Soggy Eggplant To keep your eggplant firm, bake the strips first. This helps remove excess moisture. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil and season well. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. Let them cool slightly before rolling. This keeps them from getting soggy. Tips for Even Cooking Make sure all strips are the same thickness. This ensures they cook evenly. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. If some strips break, don’t worry! You can still use them. Just layer them in the dish. They will still taste great. Best Pairings Serve your eggplant roll-ups with a fresh side salad. A light mixed green salad adds crunch. Garlic bread also pairs well, adding a nice touch. For a drink, try a glass of chilled white wine. It complements the flavors beautifully. Presentation Ideas Garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese adds flair. Arrange the roll-ups neatly in the baking dish. This makes them look inviting. Serve them warm for the best flavor. Enjoy the colorful presentation! {{image_4}} For your eggplant lasagna roll-ups, you can switch up the cheese. If you want a vegan option, use cashew cheese or almond ricotta. These alternatives give a creamy texture without dairy. You can also try a blend of vegan mozzarella and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you're not vegan, consider mixing different cheeses. Try goat cheese for a tangy twist. A blend of fontina and mozzarella can create a rich taste. Just remember, each cheese brings its own flavor, so feel free to get creative! You can also enhance your roll-ups by adding more veggies. Spinach is great, but try roasted red peppers or zucchini for extra flavor. Sautéed mushrooms can add a nice earthiness. Just chop them small so they fit well in the roll. For a flavor boost, add fresh herbs like basil or oregano. A pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a kick if you like heat. You can also mix in some black olives for a briny touch. These additions make your dish more colorful and tasty. For more tips and the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Refrigeration Guidelines After enjoying your eggplant lasagna roll ups, let them cool. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to layer parchment paper between the rolls. This helps prevent sticking. Freezing Instructions For longer storage, freeze the roll ups. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Best Methods for Reheating To reheat, use an oven for the best results. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the roll ups in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but this may change the texture. Maintaining Texture and Flavor If you use the oven, the cheese will get bubbly and golden. This keeps the roll ups soft inside. For microwave reheating, add a splash of water before covering. This helps retain moisture and prevents them from drying out. Enjoy every bite! Can I make Eggplant Lasagna Roll Ups ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the roll-ups and place them in a baking dish. Cover them tightly and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to eat, just bake them as directed. This saves time on busy days. What can I substitute for ricotta cheese? If you need a substitute for ricotta, try cottage cheese or a vegan cream cheese. Both can provide a similar texture. Just blend them for a smoother finish. How do I choose the best eggplant? Look for eggplants that are firm and shiny. Their skin should be smooth. Choose smaller ones for better flavor. Avoid any that are bruised or have soft spots. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Yes, using store-bought marinara sauce is a great option. It saves time and adds flavor. Just pick a brand you enjoy. You can also jazz it up with herbs or spices if you like. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, eggplant lasagna roll-ups are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your marinara sauce does not contain gluten. It's a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. How do I make it low-carb? To make this dish low-carb, focus on the eggplant and cheese. Skip any added pasta or bread. You can also use a low-carb marinara sauce to reduce carbs further. Enjoy the flavors without worry! In this post, we covered the ingredients for eggplant lasagna roll-ups, including cheese and sauce options. I explained how to prep the eggplant, make the cheese mixture, and bake the roll-ups. We also shared tips on perfecting the dish and serving it nicely. Lastly, I highlighted variations, storage info, and answered common questions. Now you have all you need to make this tasty dish. Enjoy cooking and impressing your family with your skills!](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5ed7fe3a-dd00-45b5-8f14-b057646e2e1f-250x250.webp)
Eggplant Lasagna Roll Ups
Indulge in the deliciousness of Eggplant Lasagna Roll-Ups! This flavorful recipe combines tender eggplant, creamy ricotta, and rich marinara for a satisfying twist on traditional lasagna. Perfect for weeknight dinners, these roll-ups are easy to make and packed with nutrients. Looking for a new favorite? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game with this tasty dish that everyone will love!