Try our 4 ingredient eggplant and cheese rolls — a simple, low-carb delight with eggplants, creamy cheese, and garlic. These rolls are a taste of Italy at home and promise creamy goodness wrapped in tender eggplant slices.
Sometimes, the most delightful culinary experiences come from keeping it simple, where just a handful of elements team up to create something truly special.
Let’s talk about those fantastic 4-ingredient eggplant and cheese rolls – they’re like a quick and easy ticket to flavor town, and oh boy, are they delicious!
Now, I’ve got to tell you, when it comes to these rolls, your choice of cheese is the real game-changer. Whether you’re going for the gooey goodness of mozzarella, the creamy comfort of ricotta, or the bold kick of pungent blue cheese, it’s like a tasty duet with the eggplant that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
Putting these rolls together is a piece of cake.
Just gently layer the grilled eggplant with your favorite cheese and a few fresh basil leaves, then roll them up like a snug little package. A quick spin in the oven or a twirl on the stove to get that cheese all melty, and you’re ready to savor the magic of this four-ingredient wonder.
In a world where complicated recipes often steal the spotlight, these eggplant and cheese rolls remind us that sometimes, keeping it simple is the real winner.
With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish proves that culinary satisfaction can be found in life’s little pleasures.
🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- With just four straightforward ingredients, this recipe is perfect for busy individuals who crave delicious homemade food without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a culinary triumph that doesn’t require a culinary degree!
- Want to impress your guests or family with a gourmet-looking dish? These rolls have that “wow” factor without the stress factor. You’ll look like a kitchen magician with minimal effort.
- This recipe is your canvas, and the ingredients are your colors. You can personalize it by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra layer of flavor. Get creative and make it your own!
- Capture the flavors of Italy in your kitchen without needing a passport. The combination of garlic, tomatoes, and creamy cheese is a trip to the Mediterranean right at your dining table.
- Rolling up these ingredients is like crafting culinary art. It’s a fun, interactive cooking experience that you can involve the whole family in. Bond over delicious food!
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
- Eggplants are the star of the show, providing a luscious, meaty texture and a mild, earthy flavor. If you don’t have eggplants on hand, you can try using zucchini or even portobello mushrooms for a similar hearty texture and flavor.
- Cream Cheese adds creaminess and a rich, tangy flavor to the filling. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute it with silken tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice and nutritional yeast for a similar creamy consistency and a touch of tang.
- Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic kick to the filling, enhancing its overall flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder or minced shallots can be used as a substitute for a milder, onion-like flavor.
- Tomatoes provide juiciness, acidity, and a sweet-tart flavor that balances the dish. In place of fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes (rehydrated in warm water) for that burst of flavor. Alternatively, red bell peppers can also add a sweet, juicy element.
🍴 Tools Needed:
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Frying Pan
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
An essential step in this recipe is selecting the eggplants; we need long and evenly thick ones throughout their length.
Thoroughly wash the eggplants and trim the ends, then slice them lengthwise into thin strips, about ⅛” thick.
Pan-fry the eggplant slices in oil over medium heat until they turn beautifully golden on both sides and become tender inside.
Once the eggplants are fried, place them on a plate lined with paper towels to blot any excess grease. Then, when they cool down, remove them from the paper.
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, crushed garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste, and mix well until you achieve a smooth cream.
Slice the tomatoes and let’s start assembling the appetizer.
Take an eggplant slice, spread the cream on half of it, and place 1-2 pieces of tomato.
Carefully roll up the slice, being cautious not to tear the eggplant.
You can serve them immediately or refrigerate for up to approximately 24 hours; they taste just as delicious when chilled.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Imagine setting a rustic wooden table outdoors, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. Place your Eggplant and Cheese Rolls on a large platter at the center of the table, like the star of the show. Sprinkle some fresh basil leaves over them for a burst of color and fragrance. Serve alongside a crusty loaf of artisanal Italian bread, some olive oil for dipping, and a glass of your favorite red wine. Bellissimo!
- For a casual, Mediterranean-inspired spread, arrange the rolls on a vibrant mezze platter. Add some dollops of creamy hummus, marinated olives, and sliced cucumbers. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of paprika over the rolls for that extra touch of Mediterranean magic. Serve with warm pita bread, and let everyone create their own delicious bites.
- Elevate your appetizer game by presenting these rolls as elegant finger foods. Slice each roll into bite-sized pinwheels and arrange them on a sleek serving platter. Add a garnish of microgreens or edible flowers for a touch of sophistication. Serve with toothpicks for easy nibbling at your next cocktail party or gathering.
- For a heartier meal, serve these rolls alongside a bed of cooked pasta. Toss the pasta with a light tomato sauce, olive oil, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Nestle the rolls on top and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. It’s a comforting and satisfying dinner that’s sure to please.
😻 Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- 4 Ingredient Eggplant And Chickpea Stew
- 4 Ingredient Eggplant Boats
- 4 Ingredient Eggplant Pasta (Pasta Alla Norma)
- 4 Ingredient Eggplant Patties
- 4 Ingredient Eggplant And Feta Salad
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- When selecting eggplants, look for ones that are firm and shiny with no visible blemishes. A deep, vibrant purple color is a sign of ripeness. Slice them thinly and uniformly for even cooking; about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) slices work best.
- If you’re using cream cheese, ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing. Feel free to experiment with different flavored cream cheeses for a unique twist, like herb and garlic or sun-dried tomato.
- If you’re a garlic lover (like me!), don’t be shy about it. Finely mince or press your garlic for maximum flavor infusion. You can also roast the garlic beforehand for a milder, caramelized taste.
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If you’re using canned diced tomatoes as a substitute, drain them well to prevent your rolls from becoming soggy.
- Before serving, don’t forget the final touch. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives adds a burst of color and flavor that elevates the dish.
🤔 Answering Your Questions:
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Instead of Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! While cream cheese provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like ricotta, goat cheese, or even a dairy-free alternative like almond or cashew-based cream cheese for a unique twist.
Should I Peel the Eggplants Before Using Them in the Rolls?
No need to peel the eggplants. The skin adds a lovely texture and flavor to the dish. Just make sure to slice them thinly, as specified in the recipe, and give them a good salt and rinse to reduce any bitterness.
How Do I Prevent the Eggplant Rolls From Becoming Too Soggy?
To prevent sogginess, it’s crucial to thoroughly dry the eggplant slices after rinsing them with salt. Additionally, make sure to bake the rolls in a snug baking dish, and avoid overcrowding, which can lead to excess moisture. Keep an eye on them while baking to ensure they become tender and slightly crispy on the outside.
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh Ones for Garnish?
Yes, dried herbs can be used as a substitute for fresh herbs when garnishing the rolls. However, remember that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor, so use them sparingly. About ⅓ to ½ the amount of fresh herbs should do the trick.
📋 Recipe Card:
4 Ingredient Eggplant and Cheese Rolls
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Eggplant
- 1 cup Cream Cheese
- 1 clove Garlic
- 4 small Tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the eggplants and slice them into thin strips. Similarly, wash the tomatoes and slice them.
- Pan-fry the eggplant slices on both sides.1 lb Eggplant
- Place the fried eggplant slices on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Mix cream cheese with crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil.1 cup Cream Cheese, 1 clove Garlic, 1 tablespoon Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper
- Spread the cream on the eggplant slices and add one or two tomato slices.4 small Tomatoes
- Carefully roll up the slices, and repeat this process with all the eggplant slices.
- Serve chilled as a delightful snack.
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- Get creative with your filling! Consider adding sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers to the cream cheese mixture for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- These rolls can be assembled a few hours in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake them. Perfect for dinner parties or busy weeknights.
- Don’t hesitate to experiment with your filling. Try different cheeses, herbs, or even a sprinkle of your favorite spice blend to make these rolls uniquely yours.
- Be mindful of the salt you use, especially if you’re salting the eggplant slices. Cream cheese can be quite salty, so taste your filling mixture before adding additional salt.
- The final touch of fresh herbs not only adds flavor but also brightens up the dish. Feel free to experiment with different herbs like basil, parsley, or chives.
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