Oh, let me tell you about these eggplant appetizers roll ups! They’re a delicious Mediterranean treat that never fails to impress at gatherings. I love how versatile they are; you can serve them as a tasty starter, a side dish, or even as a light lunch. The combination of creamy ricotta and fresh spinach rolled up in tender eggplant is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to whip up and can be made ahead of time, so you won’t be stressed when guests arrive. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your appetizer repertoire!
Ingredients List
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into thin strips
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
How to Prepare Eggplant Appetizers Roll Ups
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making these scrumptious eggplant appetizers! I promise, it’s super straightforward, and you’ll have these flavorful rolls ready in no time. Follow my steps, and let’s get cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for getting those eggplant strips nice and soft.
- Slice your large eggplant into thin strips, about a quarter-inch thick. The thinner, the better for rolling!
- Next, grab a brush and lightly coat each eggplant strip with olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also helps them get that lovely golden color.
- Place the strips on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 20 minutes. You want them to be tender but not falling apart.
- While the eggplant is baking, mix your filling! In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until it’s all well blended.
- Once your eggplant is out of the oven and cooled slightly, take a spoonful of that delicious filling and place it on one end of each strip.
- Roll them up tightly, placing the seam side down in a baking dish. This keeps them from unrolling during the next bake.
- Finally, bake the roll ups for an additional 15 minutes. You want them heated through and slightly golden. Wow, the smell will be heavenly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful filling that combines creamy ricotta with fresh spinach for a delightful taste.
- Healthy and vegetarian, making it a great option for all dietary preferences.
- Versatile as an appetizer or a light meal, adaptable for any occasion.
- Can be made ahead of time and reheated, taking the stress out of entertaining.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right eggplant: Go for a large, firm eggplant that’s shiny and free of blemishes. This ensures you get the best texture for rolling.
- Salt the eggplant: If you have a bit more time, sprinkle the eggplant strips with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes before rinsing. This helps draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
- Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs or spices to the filling! A pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh basil can elevate the flavor beautifully.
- Keep it from getting soggy: Make sure to bake the eggplant strips until they’re soft but not overly moist. This helps prevent sogginess when you roll them up.
- Let them cool slightly: After the final bake, let the roll ups cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes them easier to handle.
Variations
These eggplant appetizers roll ups are incredibly versatile, and I love switching things up! Here are a few fun ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Mediterranean Delight: Add some sun-dried tomatoes and black olives to the ricotta filling for a burst of flavor.
- Herbed Twist: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill to give your filling a fresh, aromatic touch.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Cheesy Goodness: Swap the ricotta for goat cheese or feta for a tangy twist.
- Meaty Option: For a heartier version, add cooked ground beef or turkey to the filling mix.
Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination! The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious eggplant appetizers roll ups is super easy! Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through. This helps retain their lovely flavor and texture. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can assemble the roll ups and freeze them before the final bake. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed when you’re ready to serve!
Nutritional Information Section
It’s always good to know what you’re munching on, right? Just keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. Here’s an estimate per serving (which includes 2 roll ups):
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 8g
So, you can enjoy these delicious roll ups without too much guilt! They’re packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a fantastic choice for a snack or appetizer.
FAQ Section
Can I make these eggplant appetizers roll ups ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble them and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or goat cheese. Both add a delightful creaminess to your roll ups!
Are these eggplant appetizers roll ups gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s perfect for those with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check any added ingredients like spices or cheese for hidden gluten.
How can I make these roll ups spicier?
For a spicy kick, you can mix in some chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the filling. It’ll definitely elevate the flavor!
What’s the best way to serve these appetizers?
These roll ups are best served warm as a delightful appetizer. You can drizzle some marinara sauce on top for an extra touch of flavor, or enjoy them as is!
Eggplant Appetizers Roll Ups: 5 Irresistible Variations
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tasty eggplant appetizers rolled up with a flavorful filling.
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the eggplant into thin strips.
- Brush each strip with olive oil.
- Bake for 20 minutes until soft.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place a spoonful of the mixture on each eggplant strip.
- Roll up the strips and place them seam-side down on a baking dish.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes until heated through.
Notes
- Serve warm for best flavor.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Add herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 roll ups
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: eggplant appetizers, roll ups, Mediterranean appetizers
