This recipe is one of the most elegant and delicious ways to prepare eggplant. The skin-like texture of the eggplant becomes perfect for wrapping juicy fillings in after cooking.

Here’s a recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit, whether it’s an appetizer or a light dinner.

🍆 Ham and Cheese Eggplant Rolls
Ingredients:

2 medium, firm eggplants

150 g sliced ​​cured ham (or smoked ham for a more intense flavor)

150 g cheese (e.g. trappista, gouda or mozzarella – the key is that it melts well)

2 cloves garlic (crushed)

Salt, pepper, olive oil

Optional: Tomato sauce for the bed and fresh basil

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preparing the eggplant (The most important step)
   Wash the eggplants, cut off the ends, then cut them lengthwise into slices about 0.5 cm thick.

Tip: Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them stand for 15 minutes. Then blot them with a paper towel. This will remove any bitter taste and help them absorb less oil.

2. Pre-baking
   Brush both sides of the slices with a thin layer of olive oil (or use oil spray). Fry them in a pan or in an oven at 200°C for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and elastic (can be rolled).
3. Filling and rolling
   Place a slice of ham and a slice (or stick) of cheese on each fried eggplant slice.

You can also spread a little garlic olive oil under the cheese.

Roll them up tightly, starting from the short side.

4. Finish baking
   Pour a little tomato sauce on the bottom of an ovenproof dish (or just brush with oil).

Place the rolls in it, seam side down, so they don’t open up.

Sprinkle the tops with a little remaining cheese.

Put it back in the oven at 180°C for about 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted inside and the top is browned.

Why you’ll love it?
Low carb: A great alternative to pasta.

Texture: The combination of the creaminess of the eggplant and the runny cheese is irresistible.

Make ahead: You can assemble the rolls in the morning and just pop them in the oven before serving.

Variations:
Ricotta version: Instead of ham, fill them with a mixture of ricotta, spinach and garlic.

Breaded: For a truly guilty pleasure, you can also bread the filled rolls and fry them in oil like fried meat.

Would you like me to recommend a homemade spicy tomato sauce recipe that will make the rolls come together perfectly?