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.

White plate with one eggplant rollatini, basil leaves, and fork.

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!

Ingredients shown: breadcrumbs, eggplant, eggs, marinara sauce, ricotta, parsley, Pecorino Romano, and mozzarella.

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.

Eggplant rollatini recipe process shot collage group number one.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Recipe process shot collage group number two.

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.  

Recipe process shot collage group number three.

  1. 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.  
  2. 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.

Recipe process shot collage group number four.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Recipe process shot collage group number five.

  1. Roll the eggplant around the ricotta mixture and leave the seam side down.
  2. 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.

Eggplant rollatini recipe process shot collage group number six.

  1. 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!

Close up shot fried eggplant rollatini with ricotta cheese oozing out.

What to serve with eggplant rollatini

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

Spatula holding one piece of eggplant rollatini with steam showing.

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!

If you’ve enjoyed this eggplant rollatini recipe or any recipe on this site, give it a 5-star rating and leave a review.

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

Some people learn by watching.  If you’re that type of person, you can find most of our recipes on YouTube and our Facebook Page.

Eggplant Rollatini

5 from 39 votes
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
salting time: 1 hour
Total: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Crispy fried eggplant slices wrapped around a creamy ricotta mixture, and topped with marinara and more cheese.

Ingredients 

  • 1 large eggplant sliced 1/8" thick, (or 20 pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt for salting eggplant
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour for dredging
  • 5 large eggs beaten
  • olive oil for frying
  • 4 cups marinara sauce see notes below
  • 2 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano

For the filling (mix together)

  • 1 1/4 pounds ricotta drained
  • 1/2 pound shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano
  • 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf Italian parsley
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the seasoned breadcrumbs (mix together)

  • 3 cups plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup minced flat-leaf Italian parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions 

  • Peel and slice eggplant into ⅛” thick pieces. A mandoline really helps! Salt eggplant pieces in a colander with kosher salt in layers. Do this for 1 hour, then rinse eggplant to remove excess salt. Thoroughly pat dry the eggplant pieces.
  • Next, dip eggplant pieces into flour and shake off excess. Then dip into egg and shake off, and finally the seasoned breadcrumbs. Place breaded eggplant pieces on a parchment paper lined tray and prepare oil for frying.
  • Add a 1/2" olive or vegetable oil to a large heavy pan and heat to 350f. Fry eggplant pieces until golden on both sides (about 2 minutes per side) and place on a wire rack or paper towel lined tray. At this point, preheat the oven to 375f and set a rack to the middle level.
  • Place a 1/4" of marinara sauce into the bottom of a 10 by 15" baking dish.
  • Place 2-3 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture into the middle of each eggplant piece and roll. Place all the filled eggplant rollatini seam side down into the baking dish.
  • Spoon a bit more sauce on top of each piece of rollatini (don't completely cover) and grate 2 tablespoons of Pecorino Romano on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until hot. Serve eggplant rollatini with remaining sauce. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Makes 4 large or 6 moderate-sized servings.
  • Use this marinara sauce.  Or make your own or use a store-bought version.
  • Use 2 baking dishes if required to fit all of the rollatini.
  • The exact oil amount will vary.  You will need enough to fill your pan a 1/2" high.
  • A mandoline speeds up and makes the slicing process far easier for this recipe, but a sharp knife can 100% be used with success.
  • Salting the eggplant can be skipped, but removing the water from the eggplant helps with achieving a better fry, taste, and texture.
  • Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven at 325f until warm or in the microwave.
  • Extra marinara sauce is helpful to serve on the side or on the bottom of individual plates since the eggplant rollatini can get dry from the baking process.

Nutrition

Calories: 985kcal | Carbohydrates: 91.4g | Protein: 39.6g | Fat: 52.3g | Saturated Fat: 15.7g | Cholesterol: 259mg | Sodium: 1460mg | Potassium: 1228mg | Fiber: 11.8g | Sugar: 24.3g | Calcium: 633mg | Iron: 7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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5 from 39 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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100 Comments

  1. Claudia says:

    5 stars
    I made this dish for the first time and it is an excellent recipe. I did skip dredging in flour and just used bread crumbs and the eggplant fried up very well. I staged the preparations and cleaned up (my small kitchen) as I worked, so assembling and baking was the easiest at the end.

    1. Tara says:

      We’re so happy you enjoyed it, Claudia!

  2. Linda says:

    5 stars
    The addition of nutmeg to the filling takes this dish to the next level!

  3. Marge says:

    Love all your recipes! I know you lose some flavor, but was wondering what you think about baking the eggplant slices rather frying them?

    1. Tara says:

      Hi Marge, we haven’t tested this recipe with the breading and baking so we can’t say for sure how it would turn out. You could definitely give it a try though. If you want to avoid frying, you may want to look at Jim’s zucchini rollatini recipe – he doesn’t bread or fry the zucchini in this one.

  4. Nancy Ware says:

    making it now….I have a lot so wanted to freeze a casserole for another day — do you have to bake it before you freeze it or can you freeze it without cooking the filling (egg and cheese) and thaw it and just cook it when you uses it

    1. Tara says:

      Hi Nancy, you can do it either way!

  5. jaquelyne says:

    I am making this for dinner plus your Italian sausage meatballs tonight for the first time. So I can’t comment to the flavor yet. But based on all the raving comments, the delicious looking recipe/ingredients, and your loyal following, I can’t imagine a world where this would fall below a 5 star review!

    I have a few questions, in the hopes that you’re able to answer before my first try later today:
    1. Which of your 2 sauces do you recommend for the rollatini: the classic marinara, or the Sunday sauce?
    2. And why? Or better question might be what is the difference in the flavors?

    My initial plan was to make the Sunday sauce with your Italian sausage meatballs (as opposed to the meatballs described in the Sunday sauce recipe), dividing the sauce in half prior to adding the meatballs so the sauce on the rollatini won’t have a meaty flavor. However as I’m reading your recipes along with the comments, it looks like you use the classic marinara for both. I can’t imagine either choice being bad. But really hope you can explain the difference in flavors? Thank you in advance for your help, I can’t wait for dinner tonight ๐Ÿ˜‹๐Ÿ˜Š

    1. Tara says:

      Hi Jacquelyne, Jim recommends using the marinara here but you certainly can use the Sunday sauce if you’d like. The marinara is lighter in flavor while the Sunday sauce is deep and rich. Overall the marinara is a better complement to the eggplant rollatini. Hope you enjoy.

      1. jaquelyne says:

        Oh wow, thank you so much for your fast reply and for the explanation!!! I’m heading to the store now for date-night dinner with the hubs tonight! I can’t wait ๐Ÿ˜Š๐Ÿ˜Š

  6. Jerry Homola says:

    5 stars
    Very good and light.

    1. Tara says:

      Thanks for the comment, Jerry, and we’re happy you enjoyed!

  7. Kim says:

    5 stars
    Great recipe, for a healthier version I bake the eggplant slices on greased pan , in 425 oven for 20 min.
    Nice and crisp yet easy to roll!

    1. Tara says:

      We’re happy you enjoyed the recipe, Kim!

  8. Tricia Boardman says:

    5 stars
    I want to make this but I donโ€™t know when eggplants are in season. I got a special leather journal to keep the Sip and Feast recipes in. Every recipe Ive made of yours has been absolutely delicious and my family raves! You two are amazing!

    1. Tara says:

      Thank you, Tricia! We’re so happy you’re enjoying the recipes! You can usually find eggplants in grocery stores all year round but they are in season mid-late summer.

  9. Elaine Cipriano says:

    Love your recipes. Your food is just like what my mom cooked.

  10. June Amato says:

    Absolutely love your recipes. Tried 80% so far and they were scrumptious. Thank you!

    1. Tara says:

      We’re so happy you’re enjoying the recipes, June! Thanks for the comment!

  11. Sandra Gladstone says:

    5 stars
    Mine came out great. Thank you for the recipe.