Ham and Cheese Eggplant Roll: A Few Ingredients for a Tasty Dish!

If you think eggplants are only good for ratatouille or parmigiana, prepare to have your culinary worldview rolled up, stuffed, and baked into something awesome. Smoky grilled eggplant slices are filled with cheese and ham, crisped up just right with breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil.

This creates a dish that’s elegant enough for a dinner party and delivers a delightful balance of textures, tender, and slightly crisp on the edges.

What Is An Eggplant Roll?

Eggplant rolls combine grilled or baked eggplant slices with flavorful fillings, often cheese, herbs, or cured meats, before they are rolled up. In Italian and Spanish home cooking, eggplant is treated like a culinary blank canvas.

Historically, eggplant made its way to Europe from India via the Middle East and quickly became a kitchen favorite for its meaty texture and ability to soak up flavors. In Italian households, it’s not uncommon to find nonna layering or rolling it with whatever’s in the fridge, provolone, mozzarella, prosciutto, even leftover ragù.

This quick and clever recipe is the same tradition in action, just simple, hearty, and tasty.

Pro Tips for the Best Eggplant Roll

• Sprinkle salt on the raw slices and let them rest for 10–15 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Then pat dry before grilling.
• Choose the right cheese and go for something that melts beautifully.
• To add a crunch, don't forget about the breadcrumbs! They give your roll-ups a lovely crisp finish that contrasts with the soft, melty center.
• Tomato sauce or pesto can make these roll-ups restaurant-level delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of eggplant should I use?

Choose medium-sized, firm eggplants with smooth, shiny skin. They tend to have fewer seeds and a milder taste, which is perfect for rolling.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls a few hours in advance, refrigerate them, and then pop them in the oven just before serving.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply replace the ham with grilled bell peppers or spinach leaves for a veggie-packed version.

Why are my eggplant slices breaking when I roll them?

That usually happens when they’re undercooked. Make sure your slices are tender enough after grilling to bend easily without tearing.

What can I serve with these eggplant rolls?

They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad, roasted potatoes, or even a simple pasta with olive oil and garlic.

How to Store Eggplant Roll

You can put leftovers in the fridge for a couple of days and reheat them in an oven until warm and crisp again.

Also, if you want to freeze them, do so before baking. You can bake them straight from frozen, and just add an extra 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.

How to Make Ham and Cheese Eggplant Roll

Step 1

Step 1

Cut the eggplants lengthwise, transfer them into a bowl, add olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cut the eggplants lengthwise, transfer them into a bowl, add olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Step 2

Grill the slices on both sides until tender and lightly charred.

Grill the slices on both sides until tender and lightly charred.

Step 3

Step 3

Arrange your grilled eggplant slices on a baking tray and spread ham on top.

Arrange your grilled eggplant slices on a baking tray and spread ham on top.

Step 4

Step 4

Place cheese and carefully roll each slice from one end to the other, like little vegetable sleeping bags stuffed with flavor.

Place cheese and carefully roll each slice from one end to the other, like little vegetable sleeping bags stuffed with flavor.

Step 5

Step 5

Drizzle a little olive oil over the rolls and sprinkle on breadcrumbs.

Drizzle a little olive oil over the rolls and sprinkle on breadcrumbs.

Step 6

Step 6

Bake at 360°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve hot and enjoy!

Bake at 360°F (180°C) for about 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve hot and enjoy!