This Baked Eggplant Roll with Mozzarella and Ham Filling is an irresistible dish that perfectly balances savory flavors, creamy textures, and wholesome ingredients. It’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party but simple enough to make for a weeknight meal. Thin slices of eggplant are baked until tender, then rolled up with melty mozzarella, flavorful ham, and herbs, creating a beautiful and mouthwatering presentation. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of smoky eggplant, salty ham, and gooey cheese, all baked to golden perfection. This dish is a true example of Mediterranean comfort food—healthy, hearty, and full of flavor.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants

• 1 teaspoon salt (for sweating the eggplant)

• Olive oil (for brushing and baking)

• 150 g (5 oz) mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded

• 150 g (5 oz) cooked ham, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing garlic)

• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano

• 3 tablespoons tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)

• 30 g (1 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for topping)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Eggplants: Wash and slice the eggplants lengthwise into thin slices, about ¼ inch thick. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and let them rest for about 15–20 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel.

2. Bake the Eggplants: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush lightly with olive oil on both sides, and bake for 15 minutes until soft and pliable. This makes them easier to roll later.

3. Prepare the Filling: In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the tomato sauce and dried herbs, and cook for 2–3 minutes. This gives a flavorful base for your rolls.

4. Assemble the Rolls: Take one baked eggplant slice, spread a small amount of tomato-garlic mixture on it, then place a slice of ham and mozzarella on top. Roll it up gently and place it seam-side down in a lightly oiled baking dish. Repeat with all remaining slices.

5. Add Final Toppings: Once all the rolls are arranged, drizzle a little more tomato sauce over the top, sprinkle with grated Parmesan (if using), and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

6. Bake the Rolls: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top is slightly golden.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm. These rolls pair beautifully with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Nutrients

• Calories: 270 kcal per serving

• Protein: 16 g

• Fat: 18 g

• Carbohydrates: 10 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Calcium: 20% of daily value

• Iron: 8% of daily value

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll absolutely fall in love with this dish because it transforms simple ingredients into something truly gourmet. It’s rich in flavor but not heavy, making it a fantastic low-carb alternative to lasagna or pasta-based casseroles. The eggplant absorbs just the right amount of olive oil and tomato flavor, the ham adds a salty depth, and the mozzarella turns into that irresistible stretchy, cheesy layer we all crave. It’s also visually stunning—each roll looks like a mini piece of edible art, making it perfect for entertaining or impressing your family.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

The inspiration for this dish comes straight from the Mediterranean kitchen, particularly Italian cuisine, where eggplant (or “melanzane”) is celebrated as a versatile vegetable. Dishes like eggplant parmigiana and involtini di melanzane (eggplant rolls) have been staples for generations. This recipe takes that traditional concept and gives it a slightly modern twist by adding ham for extra protein and mozzarella for a creamy, melty filling. It’s the kind of recipe that feels both rustic and refined—born from simple, fresh ingredients and transformed into something unforgettable.

Ingredient Spotlight

Eggplant: The star of this dish, eggplant has a naturally mild flavor that absorbs the rich notes of olive oil, tomato, and herbs beautifully. It’s also a low-calorie vegetable rich in antioxidants and fiber.
Mozzarella: This cheese gives the dish its creamy, gooey center. Use fresh mozzarella for a luxurious texture or low-moisture mozzarella for extra melt and stretch.
Ham: A touch of savory saltiness that enhances the cheese and balances the sweetness of the eggplant. You can use prosciutto, cooked ham, or even turkey ham depending on your preference.
Tomato Sauce: Adds acidity and a touch of sweetness that ties the flavors together.
Garlic and Herbs: Essential Mediterranean aromatics that give this dish its soul.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which rarely happens with this dish), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm them in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10–12 minutes until hot. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, but the oven method keeps the texture better. Avoid freezing the rolls as the eggplant can become mushy once thawed.

Common Variations to Try

This recipe is flexible and easy to customize.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the ham and replace it with spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free option.

Spicy Kick: Add a few chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mixture for a bit of heat.

Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Mix mozzarella with ricotta or cream cheese for an even creamier filling.

Mediterranean Twist: Add black olives or sun-dried tomatoes inside the rolls for a burst of flavor.

Low-Fat Version: Use reduced-fat mozzarella and skip the Parmesan topping for a lighter version.

Pairing Recommendations

This baked eggplant roll is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few side dishes. Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or a simple tomato and cucumber salad for freshness. Garlic bread or focaccia makes an excellent side for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For beverages, a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti complements the savory and cheesy elements perfectly. If you prefer something non-alcoholic, sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea balances the richness nicely.

Health Benefits

Don’t underestimate how nutritious this comforting dish can be. Eggplants are packed with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins B1 and B6, all of which support heart health and metabolism. Mozzarella provides calcium and protein, while olive oil offers healthy monounsaturated fats that are great for the heart. Using baked instead of fried eggplant keeps the dish lighter and easier on digestion. This recipe fits beautifully into a balanced Mediterranean diet, which is known for promoting longevity and wellness.

Conclusion

The Baked Eggplant Roll with Mozzarella and Ham Filling is the kind of recipe that makes everyday dining feel special. It’s flavorful, wholesome, and deeply satisfying without being overly complicated. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Every bite captures the warmth and generosity of Mediterranean cooking—fresh ingredients, rich flavors, and the joy of comfort food done right. Once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular meal rotation, because it’s one of those rare recipes that’s both delicious and nourishing, rustic yet refined, and absolutely unforgettable.