Jam Scott
These Eggplant Appetizers Roll-ups are as elegant as they are delicious. Picture thinly sliced eggplant roasted until tender, wrapped lovingly around a creamy herbed cheese filling, and finished with a sweet balsamic glaze or a touch of honey for contrast. Served warm or cold, they’re a delightful appetizer that looks like it came straight from a bistro menu.
Ideal for dinner parties, holiday spreads, or even a fancy snack, these roll-ups pack flavor in every bite. The balance of savory eggplant, tangy cheese, and a caramelized glaze creates a bite-sized masterpiece your guests won’t forget.
What Kind of Eggplant Should I Use?
Opt for slender Italian or Japanese eggplants for this recipe. They have thinner skins and fewer seeds, making them perfect for rolling. You want slices that are pliable after roasting but still hold their shape when stuffed and rolled.
Ingredients for the Eggplant Appetizers Roll-ups
Eggplant – The star of the show. Thinly sliced lengthwise and roasted until tender, it becomes the perfect vessel for rolling.
Ricotta Cheese – Adds a creamy, slightly sweet base for the filling that pairs beautifully with the earthy eggplant.
Cream Cheese – For stability and richness, cream cheese rounds out the filling.
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty edge to the cheese mixture.
Garlic Powder & Dried Herbs – A blend of garlic powder, oregano, and basil enhances the flavor of the filling.
Olive Oil – Used for roasting the eggplant slices until golden and soft.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning the eggplant and cheese filling.
Honey or Balsamic Glaze – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
Fresh Mint or Parsley – Optional for garnish, but adds a pop of color and freshness.
How To Make the Eggplant Appetizers Roll-ups
Step 1: Slice and Roast the Eggplant
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the eggplants lengthwise into thin, even slices (about 1/4 inch thick). Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush both sides lightly with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling
While the eggplant is roasting, combine ricotta, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, dried oregano, and basil in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little salt and pepper if needed.
Step 3: Roll the Eggplant
Once the eggplant slices have cooled slightly, place a spoonful of the cheese mixture at one end of each slice. Gently roll up and place seam-side down in a serving dish or platter.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touch
Drizzle with balsamic glaze or warm honey for a sweet-savory finish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or mint if desired. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.
How to Serve and Store These Eggplant Appetizers Roll-ups
These roll-ups are versatile little gems that can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold straight from the fridge. They’re perfect on their own as finger food or alongside crackers, crostini, or a fresh green salad. For an elegant touch, plate them with a drizzle of glaze and a few fresh berries or pomegranate seeds.
To store, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you’d like to reheat, simply pop them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. They also taste great cold if you’re short on time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these eggplant roll-ups ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare them a day in advance and keep them chilled until ready to serve. Just wait to drizzle the glaze until right before serving.
What can I use instead of ricotta?
If you’re out of ricotta, try cottage cheese (blended for smoothness), goat cheese for a tangy twist, or mascarpone for ultra creaminess.
Can I grill the eggplant instead of roasting?
Yes! Grilled eggplant adds a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.
Are these roll-ups keto-friendly?
They are! Just be mindful of the honey or balsamic glaze. You can use a sugar-free alternative or skip the drizzle.
Can I freeze them?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the eggplant and cheese filling can become watery upon thawing.
Want More Appetizer Ideas?
If you love these eggplant roll-ups, check out these other fun and flavorful appetizers:
• Parmesan and Spinach Cheese Twists for a crispy, savory bite.
• Green Olive and Feta Cheese Dip if you’re craving something briny and bold.
• Mozzarella Stuffed Soft Pretzels for the ultimate cheesy indulgence.
• Korean BBQ Meatballs with Spicy Mayo Dip to spice up your party platter.
• Sweet and Spicy Pepper Jelly Deviled Eggs for a Southern-inspired kick.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can find it easily next time you’re entertaining.
And when you make these roll-ups, come back and share your experience! Did you go sweet with honey or tangy with balsamic? Did you add fresh herbs or serve them plain and classic?
I’d love to hear how you made them your own. Questions, tweaks, and tips are all welcome—let’s create amazing bites together!
Eggplant Appetizers Roll-ups
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 12 roll-ups
Description
These Eggplant Appetizers Roll-ups are bite-sized elegance—roasted eggplant slices filled with a creamy cheese mixture and topped with a hint of sweetness. Perfect for entertaining, they deliver savory, creamy, and sweet notes in one gorgeous bite.
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
1 cup ricotta cheese
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing eggplant)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp balsamic glaze or honey (for drizzling)
Fresh parsley or mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange eggplant slices on the sheet. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and basil until smooth.
- Let roasted eggplant slices cool slightly, then place a spoonful of filling at one end of each slice and roll up tightly.
- Arrange rolls seam-side down on a serving plate. Drizzle with balsamic glaze or honey.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or mint if desired. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
