Description
Delicious eggplant roll-ups filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
- Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until slightly tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Remove the eggplant from the oven and let it cool slightly. Take one slice of eggplant, place a spoonful of the cream cheese mixture at one end, and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining slices.
- Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the eggplant roll-ups seam side down in the dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, grill the eggplant slices instead of baking them.
- You can also add cooked ground turkey or beef to the cream cheese mixture for added protein.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll-up
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg