Eggplant Rollatini

Eggplant rollatini is an ultra comforting, creamy, cheesy dish that consists of thinly sliced eggplant that has been breaded and fried until golden, then rolled around a ricotta, mozzarella, and parsley filling, and topped with a simple marinara sauce. This is the version you’ll find in pizzerias, delis, and catering halls all over the New York metro area.

Growing up on Long Island, I’ve eaten eggplant rollatini, aka eggplant involtini, so many times.

If you walk into any deli or catering establishment on any given day, you’re likely to find fried eggplant rollatini hanging out, waiting to be eaten. 

Attending a family event like a christening, graduation, or holiday dinner, and you could always count on a tray of eggplant rollatini showing up, perched atop its Sterno rack amidst a sea of other Italian-American favorites, like sausage and peppers, baked ziti, and chicken Francese.

These dishes when present, eggplant rollatini included, usually meant you were surrounded by those you love:  la famiglia.

And every time I make eggplant rollatini for my family, they know something special is in store.

Can I skip the breadcrumbs?

The short answer is yes, and you may find other recipes that omit the breading and frying step for eggplant rollatini. 

Those versions, while tasty in their own right, are not too representative of the eggplant rollatini you will find in most New York establishments.

The New York version is typically breaded and fried before being rolled around the ricotta mixture.

While my recipe for eggplant rollatini doesn’t account for the omission of the breadcrumbs, if you’re looking for a breading-free, no frying recipe that is similar, I recommend checking out my zucchini rollatini, which is gluten-free, and equally fantastic!

How to make eggplant rollatini

Each number corresponds to the numbered written steps below.

1. Begin by slicing 1 large eggplant into thin (about 1/8″ thick) slices.  If you have a wide mandoline, use it, but otherwise, take your time with a sharp knife.  You’ll need 20 slices of eggplant.  If you have extra, save for another purpose or increase the amount of ricotta mixture and sauce below.

2. Place a plate below a colander or leave colander in the sink.  Place 1 layer of eggplant down in colander and sprinkle with salt.  Repeat for each layer.  Set aside for 1 hour.
3. Meanwhile, mix together 1 1/4 pounds ricotta, 1/2 pound shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano, 1/4 cup minced parsley, 1 egg, and a 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Set aside.

4. After 1 hour the eggplant will have released some of its water.  Rinse the eggplant to remove excess salt, then thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. 
5. For the seasoned breadcrumbs mix together 3 cups plain breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup minced parsley, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and a 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.  Set up a plate with the eggplant, a plate of 1 1/2 cups flour, a bowl of 5 beaten eggs, and a large bowl or dish of the seasoned breadcrumbs.   Dredge eggplant into flour and shake off the excess.  Place floured eggplant into the egg, coat on both sides, then place into the breadcrumbs.  Coat the eggplant well on both sides with the seasoned breadcrumbs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Note: If you need another egg, flour, or a bit more breadcrumbs,  just add it right in.  

6. Repeat the process for all the eggplant and begin to set up for frying.  For frying use your largest heavy pan (Dutch oven or cast iron fry pan work well) and fill with a 1/2″ of olive or vegetable oil and heat to 350-360f.  Medium heat should work but use an oil thermometer to be certain the oil is ready for frying.  
7. Fry the eggplant until golden on both sides (about 2 minutes per side) then place on a wire rack or a paper towel lined tray to drain.

8. Repeat for all the eggplant then move on to assembling the rollatini.  At this point preheat the oven to 375f and set the rack to the middle level.
9. Spoon a 1/4″ layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 10 by 15″ baking dish.  Place a few of the eggplant pieces onto a large work surface and spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture into the middle.

10. Roll the eggplant around the ricotta mixture and leave the seam side down.
11. Place the rollatini into the baking dish seam side down and repeat for the remaining pieces.  Spoon more sauce onto the top of each piece (try not to over sauce).  Grate a bit more Pecorino Romano (around 2 tablespoons) on top of the rollatini and bake for 20 minutes until warm all the way through.  If desired, broil for the last 60 seconds, but watch carefully.  Note: You might need two baking dishes.

12. Here is the finished eggplant rollatini.  The sauce will dry out a bit while baking, but it’s better than to the over sauce and bake.  More marinara sauce can be served on the bottom of each plate or on the side.

Top tips

Breaded eggplant rollatini can be a time-consuming dish to make. 

This is not something you whip up quickly on a weeknight.

Rather, eggplant rollatini is something you can make ahead of time and either serve guests by reheating on a Sterno, freeze for a rainy day (up to 3 months), or serve as a vegetarian option with Sunday Sauce and Meatballs.  

That being said, one thing you could do to help speed up the process is to employ the use of a mandoline.

You’ll be able to get uniform slices.  Always use the guard with this special kitchen tool.

This wide Benriner mandoline is my favorite. 

If you don’t have a mandoline, a good sharp knife can be used, and I do use one in my YouTube video.  

I am often asked if the salting process can be skipped.  While it certainly can be, you do so at your own risk. 

If I am taking the time to make eggplant rollatini, I am always going to salt the eggplant to remove the moisture.  It makes the dish so much better.

Lastly, be sure to make enough marinara sauce so you have extra. 

It comes in handy to serve on the side, or on the bottom of individual servings as pictured above.  

The baking process can dry out the eggplant and the extra marinara sauce can be a huge help!

What to serve with eggplant rollatini

All of these light green veggies pair perfectly with the hearty rollatini. 

• Best green salad – Via Carota-style green salad with shallot and sherry vinaigrette.
• Sauteed broccoli rabe – Classic side dish with garlic and olive oil.
• Green beans with garlic and oil – Crisp green beans sauteed.
• Italian style broccoli with garlic and oil – Another simple classic.

Try these other great eggplant recipes

If you like eggplant, you will love these other dishes.  Let us know in the comments below which is your favorite!

• Pasta alla Norma – Eggplant tossed with pasta, ricotta Salata, basil, and tomato sauce.
• Baked eggplant pasta – with roasted eggplant, mozzarella, ricotta, and tomato sauce.
• Eggplant Parmigiana without breadcrumbs – Simplest, lighter version with no breading.
• Eggplant caponata – Sweet and sour eggplant spread with olives, capers, pine nuts, and raisins.
• Pickled eggplant – Perfect for topping sandwiches, or adding to an antipasto platter.
• Eggplant meatballs – A vegetarian “meatball” also known as polpette di melanzane.

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Watch the video below where Jim will show you how to make this recipe with easy-to-follow instructions. 

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