Easy & Delicious Gluten-Free Eggplant Roll Ups: Your Perfect Savory Appetizer
Looking for a simple yet impressive appetizer that caters to various dietary needs? These deliciously easy eggplant roll ups are a fantastic choice! Crafted with tender grilled eggplant slices wrapped around a creamy, flavorful filling, they’re naturally gluten-free and offer a delightful savory bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply seeking a healthy and satisfying snack, these roll-ups come together effortlessly, promising a gourmet experience without the fuss.
Experience the Delight of Delicious Eggplant Roll Ups
The next time you’re searching for a unique and memorable appetizer to serve, these eggplant rolls should be at the top of your list! They present an elegant solution for entertaining or simply enjoying a healthy, satisfying snack. Imagine perfectly grilled, thinly sliced eggplant embracing a rich, creamy filling made from a harmonious blend of cream cheese and tangy Greek yogurt. This combination creates a truly irresistible starter that’s bursting with flavor and delightful textures.
Beyond their gourmet appeal, these roll-ups are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a sophisticated appetizer at your next gathering, a light lunch option, or even a healthy side dish. The savory depth of the eggplant perfectly complements the vibrant and herbaceous notes of the filling, making each bite a miniature culinary adventure. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy vegetables in a fun, interactive format that guests of all ages will appreciate.
Why This Easy Eggplant Roll Up Recipe is a Must-Try
- Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic items for these healthy eggplant roll ups. All the main ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store. We focus on fresh, high-quality produce and pantry staples, ensuring that anyone can whip up this impressive dish without any specialized sourcing. The beauty of this recipe lies in how a few simple components combine to create something truly spectacular.
- Effortless Preparation in Under an Hour: Preparing this gluten-free eggplant appetizer is surprisingly uncomplicated, making it ideal for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices. From start to finish, you can have these delicious roll-ups ready to serve in approximately 40 minutes. The straightforward steps and minimal cooking time mean less stress and more enjoyment, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
- Naturally Gluten-Free with Dairy-Free Options: One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it is 100% gluten-free. This makes it a perfect choice for individuals with Celiac disease, gluten sensitivities, or anyone simply looking to reduce their gluten intake. Furthermore, we understand the importance of dietary flexibility, which is why we’ve included clear instructions and recommendations for making the creamy filling completely dairy-free, using readily available plant-based alternatives. This ensures that even those with lactose intolerance can savor every bite without compromise.
Key Ingredients for Your Eggplant Roll Ups
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating these delightful eggplant roll ups. We’ve compiled a visual overview to help you see everything you’ll need at a glance, ensuring a smooth and organized cooking process. Focusing on fresh, quality components will truly elevate the final flavor of your savory appetizer.
(For a detailed list of exact measurements and quantities, please scroll down to the printable recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this post.)
Recipe Notes & Easy Substitutions for Your Roll Ups
Understanding your ingredients and having options for substitutions can make cooking even more enjoyable and accessible. Here are some key notes and suggestions to help you customize your eggplant roll ups:
- Eggplant: Naturally, eggplants are the star of these stuffed roll ups! When selecting eggplants, look for firm, glossy skin without blemishes. Larger eggplants tend to have more seeds and can be a bit more bitter, so medium-sized ones are often ideal for slicing. If you’re looking for a different vegetable base or a seasonal alternative, thinly sliced zucchini makes an excellent substitute, offering a slightly milder flavor profile.
- Cream Cheese: This ingredient provides the essential creaminess and tang to our filling. For those who are lactose-intolerant or following a vegan diet, a high-quality vegan cream cheese can be used without compromising the texture or flavor significantly. Many excellent plant-based options are available on the market today, often made from cashews or almonds.
- Greek Yogurt: Adding Greek yogurt contributes a wonderful tang and lightness to the creamy filling. Its thick consistency helps bind the ingredients together. Similar to cream cheese, if you are lactose-intolerant, opt for a plain, unsweetened vegan yogurt. Coconut or almond-based yogurts can work well, just ensure they are thick and do not have a strong competing flavor.
- Olive Oil: We highly recommend using extra virgin olive oil for both grilling the eggplant and in the filling. Since this recipe relies on a few core ingredients, using the best quality olive oil you can find will truly enhance the overall flavor profile, adding a fruity, slightly peppery note that cheap oils simply can’t replicate.
- Grated Garlic: Freshly grated garlic is non-negotiable for the best flavor in this filling! The raw, pungent notes of fresh garlic truly shine through, elevating the entire dish. If fresh garlic isn’t available, or for convenience, you can use good quality store-bought garlic paste. However, the intensity and freshness may vary.
- Walnuts: Finely chopped walnuts add a crucial textural element and a lovely earthy crunch to the creamy filling. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can chop them less finely. Toasted walnuts can also add an extra layer of depth. If walnuts aren’t your favorite, pecans or even slivered almonds could offer a similar crunch.
- Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley not only provides a pop of color but also a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens the rich filling. While parsley is our top recommendation, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs. Fresh chives offer a mild oniony note, while basil can lend a sweet, aromatic touch. Fresh dill or even a hint of mint could also provide an interesting twist.
How to Craft Your Delicious Eggplant Roll Ups (Step by Step Guide)
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly tender and flavorful eggplant roll ups:
1. Prepare the Eggplants: Slice and Salt
Begin by thoroughly washing your eggplants. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline, carefully cut them into thin, uniform slices, ideally about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Lay the slices out on a clean surface or baking sheet and generously sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them rest for about 15-20 minutes. This crucial step helps to draw out excess moisture, which prevents the eggplant from becoming soggy when grilled, and also reduces any potential bitterness. Once adequately rested, use paper towels to gently blot away the moisture and excess salt.
2. Grill the Eggplant Slices to Perfection
Heat a grill pan over high heat until it’s very hot. A regular skillet can also be used, but a grill pan provides those attractive char marks. Lightly brush each eggplant slice with olive oil before placing them on the hot pan. Cook the sliced eggplants for approximately 1-2 minutes per side, or until beautiful grill marks appear and the eggplant softens slightly. The goal is to cook them until they are tender and pliable enough to roll without breaking, but not overly mushy. Once grilled, transfer the eggplant slices to a plate or cutting board and set them aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
3. Craft the Creamy, Flavorful Filling
While the eggplant cools, prepare your delicious filling. Start by finely grating the garlic, chopping your fresh parsley, and finely chopping the walnuts. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and Greek yogurt. Mix them thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. Then, incorporate the grated garlic, chopped parsley, finely chopped walnuts, a drizzle of olive oil, and season generously with black pepper and salt to taste. Mix everything well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the filling is perfectly seasoned. Set this aside, ready for assembly.
4. Assemble Your Elegant Eggplant Roll Ups
Now comes the fun part: assembly! Take one grilled eggplant slice and place a small spoonful (about 1-2 teaspoons, depending on the size of your slice) of the creamy filling at one end. Carefully but firmly roll the eggplant slice, starting from the end with the filling, to create a neat roll. Repeat this process with each remaining eggplant slice until all the eggplant and filling have been used up. Arrange the completed roll ups seam-side down on a serving platter to keep them secure.
5. Garnish and Serve Your Masterpiece
To finish your delectable eggplant roll ups, arrange them artfully on a serving plate. For an added touch of freshness and visual appeal, sprinkle them generously with extra fresh chopped parsley and a scattering of chopped walnuts. A final drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving will enhance the flavors and add a subtle richness. These roll ups are delicious served at room temperature or slightly chilled, making them perfect for entertaining. Enjoy your impressive and healthy appetizer!
Dish by Dish Tips & Tricks for Perfect Eggplant Roll Ups
- Enhance the Flavor Profile: To achieve an even richer and more complex filling, consider swapping out half a cup of the Greek yogurt with either tangy goat cheese or creamy ricotta. These alternatives will add a new dimension of flavor and a slightly different texture. For a subtle warmth and depth, you can also add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of chili powder to the filling mixture. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
- Effortlessly Dairy-Free: Making these delicious roll ups dairy-free is incredibly simple. As mentioned, substitute both the cream cheese and Greek yogurt with their vegan counterparts. Look for plant-based cream cheeses made from cashews or almonds, and opt for plain, unsweetened vegan yogurts (coconut or almond-based work best) that have a thick consistency to maintain the desired texture of the filling.
- Creative Vegetable Swaps: While eggplant is fantastic, this recipe is highly adaptable. If you’re not an eggplant fan or want to try something different, consider making zucchini roll ups by simply substituting the eggplant with the same amount of thinly sliced zucchini. For a refreshingly light and crisp option, you can even make cucumber roll ups, which are perfect for warmer weather and raw food enthusiasts.
More Gluten-Free Eggplant Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Eggplant (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Baba Ganoush (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Mini Caprese Eggplant Pizzas (Gluten-Free)
Explore Other Delicious Gluten-Free Appetizers
If you enjoyed these eggplant roll ups, you’ll love exploring more of our easy-to-make, gluten-free appetizers perfect for any occasion:
- Easy Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Crispy Cornflake Chicken Strips (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad (Gluten-Free)
- Crunchy Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!
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Easy Eggplant Roll Ups (Gluten-Free)
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- Author: Felicia Lim
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 20 roll ups
Diet: Gluten Free
Description
So simple to bring together, these deliciously easy eggplant roll ups are filled with a creamy, savory mixture and rolled in perfectly grilled eggplant slices for the ideal healthy appetizer! They are naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free, making them a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened, or vegan yogurt)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for grilling and drizzling
- 3-4 garlic cloves, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for salting eggplant
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
Instructions
- Slice and Salt Eggplants: Wash and cut eggplants into thin, uniform slices (approx. 1/8-1/4 inch thick). Lightly salt both sides and let rest for 15-20 minutes to draw out moisture. Blot thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess water and salt.
- Grill Eggplant Slices: Heat a grill pan (or regular skillet) over high heat. Lightly brush eggplant slices with olive oil and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until tender and grill marks appear. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine cream cheese (or vegan cream cheese) and Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt), mixing until smooth. Stir in grated garlic, finely chopped parsley, chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup olive oil, black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Assemble the Eggplant Roll Ups: Place a small spoonful of filling (about 1-2 teaspoons) at one end of each grilled eggplant slice. Carefully roll the eggplant slice to enclose the filling. Repeat until all slices are used.
- Garnish and Serve: Arrange the assembled eggplant roll ups on a serving plate. Garnish with additional fresh chopped parsley, chopped walnuts, and a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving. Enjoy at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
Eggplant: For these savory roll ups, medium-sized eggplants are best. If you prefer, thinly sliced zucchini can be used as a delicious alternative.
Cream Cheese: If you are lactose-intolerant or vegan, feel free to use a high-quality vegan cream cheese alternative.
Greek Yogurt: For a dairy-free version, substitute with a plain, unsweetened vegan yogurt (coconut or almond-based work well).
Olive Oil: Using extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor, as its quality significantly impacts the taste of this simple recipe.
Grated Garlic: Freshly grated garlic provides the most vibrant flavor. As an alternative, a good quality store-bought garlic paste can be used.
Walnuts: Ensure walnuts are finely chopped for a smooth filling, unless you desire a chunkier texture. Pecans or slivered almonds also make good substitutes.
Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds bright color and taste. Other fresh herbs like chives, basil, or dill can be used if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Assembly Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Western