Name: Savory Eggplant Roll-Ups with Creamy Ricotta and Spinach
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into thin strips; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional); 1 1/2 cups crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

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Savory Eggplant Roll-Ups with Creamy Ricotta and Spinach are tender, cheesy, and full of comforting Mediterranean flavor. I love how the thin slices of roasted eggplant act as the perfect wrapper for a creamy, herbed ricotta-spinach filling—all baked in a light tomato sauce until bubbly and golden. It’s a vegetarian dish that feels hearty, wholesome, and totally satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns simple ingredients into something impressive and flavorful. It’s perfect for weeknights, meatless meals, or even dinner parties. The eggplant becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, the ricotta filling is creamy and rich, and the baked tomato layer brings everything together. It’s cozy, healthy-ish, and completely crave-worthy.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Eggplants, sliced lengthwise into thin strips
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Ricotta cheese
Fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Egg (for binding the filling)
Garlic, minced
Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce
Shredded mozzarella (for topping)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet.
I brush the eggplant slices with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast them for about 15–20 minutes until soft and pliable. I let them cool slightly.
While the eggplant roasts, I sauté the spinach with garlic until wilted (or thaw and squeeze out frozen spinach).
I mix the spinach with ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and herbs to make a creamy filling.
I spread a spoonful of ricotta filling on each slice of eggplant and gently roll them up.
In a baking dish, I spread a thin layer of tomato sauce and arrange the roll-ups seam-side down.
I spoon more sauce over the top and sprinkle with mozzarella and extra Parmesan.
I bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling. I let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes roughly 45–50 minutes total, including prep and bake time. It’s great for a comforting weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Variations

I add chopped mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the ricotta mix.
I make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce.
I swap in zucchini slices instead of eggplant for a variation.
I serve it with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use the oven or microwave until warmed through. It also freezes well—I let it cool completely, then freeze in portions and reheat when needed.

FAQs

Do I need to salt the eggplant first?

If my eggplants are fresh and not too large, I usually skip this step. But salting can help reduce bitterness in older or larger eggplants.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! I assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. I just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Is it gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the sauce and cheeses are gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.

Can I use store-bought sauce?

Absolutely. I use a good-quality marinara to save time, or I make a quick homemade tomato sauce if I want.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes. I use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives and skip the egg or use a flax egg to bind the filling.

Conclusion

Savory Eggplant Roll-Ups with Creamy Ricotta and Spinach are a cheesy, comforting dish that feels elegant but is easy to make. I love the combination of tender roasted eggplant, rich ricotta filling, and bright tomato sauce—it’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Whether I’m feeding my family or meal prepping for the week, these roll-ups are always a hit.