Meet your new favorite family-friendly recipe: eggplant lasagna rollups that are as nourishing as they are fun to eat. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, these rollups sneak in a hearty dose of fiber and nutrients while still tasting indulgent and comforting. Creamy ricotta filling, tender roasted eggplant, fresh herbs like basil and oregano, and a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano come together in a dish that even picky eaters will love. Every bite is packed with flavor, color, and wholesome ingredients, proving that meals that are good for the body can also be crowd-pleasing and delicious. The kids will love helping assemble them, and the whole family will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients for Eggplant Lasagna Rollups:
Eggplant- This vegetable brings a silky, tender texture to these lasagna rollups, soaking up every bit of flavor while adding fiber and antioxidants to make this comforting dish feel extra nourishing.
Ricotta Cheese- Layered into these rollups, ricotta delivers creaminess and essential nutrients like protein and calcium. This type of cheese is naturally high in fat as well as calorie dense, therefore choosing part-skim, low-sodium, or lactose-free options is a great way to enjoy the creamy, protein-rich benefits without potential downsides.
Lemon- A squeeze of lemon elevates the ricotta filling, bringing brightness, subtle acidity, and a gentle dose of vitamin C.
Parmigiano Reggiano- This cheese adds rich, savory flavor and a satisfying umami kick. It’s packed with protein, calcium, and phosphorus to support bones and muscles, but it’s also high in sodium and saturated fat, so a little goes a long way.
Basil Leaves- I pick these straight off my basil plant and add them delicately to each plate that’s served. Fresh basil in the ricotta filling, lifts the dish with its fragrant aroma and provides plant-powered nutrients, including antioxidants and vitamins, making each bite both flavorful and nourishing.
Oregano- A sprinkle of oregano adds a comforting, savory note along with plant-powered antioxidants that help support your body. Healthy and delicious!
Marinara Sauce- I used a lovely authentic Italian marinara sauce from Costco, but any marinara sauce will do. If you end up making it from scratch, you get extra points!
Ingredients:
- 1 Eggplant (large, finely sliced lengthwise)
- 1 tsp Sea Salt
- 1 1/2 cups Ricotta Cheese
- 1/2 Lemon (juiced)
- 1/2 cup Parmigiano Reggiano (finely grated, divided)
- 1/2 cup Basil Leaves (chopped)
- 1 1/2 tsps Oregano (dried)
- 3 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce (divided)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle the eggplant with salt and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then pat dry thoroughly.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and cook in the oven for 13 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and lower the oven temperature to 375ºF (190ºC).
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta, lemon juice, half of the parmesan, basil, oregano, oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread 3/4 of the marinara sauce into a baking dish. Scoop about two tablespoons of the ricotta filling onto the larger part of an eggplant slice. Roll to close and place the seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat until all of the eggplant and ricotta is used up.
- Top with the remaining marinara and the remaining parmesan. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through. Divide evenly between plates and enjoy!
Notes:
- Leftovers- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days.
- Serving Size- One serving is approximately three rolls and 1/3 cup of sauce. One large eggplant yields approximately 15 slices. An 8.5 x 11-inch (22 x 28 cm) casserole dish was used to make four servings.
- Make it Vegan- Use blended tofu instead of ricotta.
- Additional Toppings- Chopped basil.
Health Insights:
- Bone Health- This recipe is a good source of calcium and phosphorous, which are essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. The ricotta and parmesan in the recipe are particularly rich in these nutrients.
- Heart Health- This recipe includes ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and eggplant, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits. Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels, while eggplant is a good source of fiber, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Immune System- This recipe contains ingredients like lemon and marinara sauce, which are high in vitamin C. This essential nutrient helps support the immune system and protect the body against common illnesses.
