Description
Eggplant Appetizer Roll-ups are a savory, creamy, and fresh appetizer featuring roasted eggplant filled with a herby cheese mixture, topped with balsamic glaze. Perfect for gatherings or as a Mediterranean-inspired snack.
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup ricotta cheese
⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Optional: fresh berries and mint for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplants lengthwise into ¼-inch thick strips. Lightly salt the slices and let them rest for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 15 minutes, pat the slices dry with a paper towel.
- Roast the Eggplant: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast the slices for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and slightly golden.
- Make the Filling: While the eggplant is roasting, combine ricotta cheese, crumbled feta, minced garlic, parsley, mint, lemon zest, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until creamy and well combined.
- Assemble the Roll-ups: Once the eggplant slices have cooled slightly, add a spoonful of the cheese mixture to the wider end of each slice. Carefully roll the eggplant around the filling, making sure to tuck the ends in to secure the filling.
- Drizzle and Serve: Arrange the roll-ups on a serving platter, seam-side down. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added flavor and presentation. Garnish with fresh berries and mint if desired.
Notes
If you want a nut-free version, substitute tahini with sunflower seed butter or omit it entirely for a lighter flavor.
You can swap maple syrup for agave syrup, honey (if not vegan), or coconut nectar for a different natural sweetener.
For a festive twist, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, chili powder, or a drop of peppermint extract to enhance the chocolate flavor.
For a fully vegan version, ensure you use dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll-up
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
