Description
Need a delicious meatless dinner that looks fancy but is secretly easy? These Eggplant Roll-Ups with Creamy Ricotta and Spinach are your next go-to! With tender roasted eggplant slices filled with herby ricotta and spinach, all nestled in tangy marinara and topped with Parmesan, this dish brings pure comfort with minimal effort. It’s perfect for quick dinners, elegant gatherings, or weekly meal prep. Whether you’re into healthy snack options, looking for vegetarian dinner ideas, or need something cozy and satisfying, this easy recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity.
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
1 clove garlic, minced
1 large egg
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
Extra Parmesan for topping (optional)
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Slice eggplants lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and pliable.
3. In a skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta, cooked spinach, egg, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
5. Spread 1 cup of marinara in a baking dish.
6. Add a spoonful of ricotta mixture to each eggplant slice and roll tightly.
7. Place each roll seam-side down in the dish.
8. Top with remaining marinara and extra Parmesan.
9. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
10. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Salt the eggplant slices beforehand and let sit for 10 minutes, then blot to reduce bitterness.
You can prep this dish a day ahead and bake when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 roll-ups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: easy dinner, vegetarian meal, healthy comfort food, baked eggplant, ricotta recipes