If you’ve never tried rollatini, you’re in for a treat. Thin slices of rolled-up fried eggplant, luscious cheesy stuffing, and versatile toppings create a delicious light meal or starter. You can experiment with making rollatini in your kitchen or order eggplant rollatini from the menu the next time you visit Eddie’s on Lake Norman.

So what exactly is rollatini, where does it come from, and what versions of this dish exist? Let’s find out.

Rollatini originates from Italy, where it bears the name of involtini— a word that may refer to any bite-sized food serving consisting of filling and an outer wrap. Like other popular Italian foods, involtini traveled to America with Italian immigrants and soon became popular among non-Italians too.

Speed and simplicity of preparation, versatility, and the enticing combination of textures and flavors make rollatini a much-loved offering in Italian restaurants, pizzerias, and delis.

If you search for “ Italian food nearby” and look up rollatini, you’ll notice that most rollatini versions are eggplant-based. However, people who are allergic to eggplant or aren’t fans of this glossy dark vegetable may enjoy rollatini made with thin slices of beef, veal, or chicken instead.

Traditional rollatini recipes typically use thin slices of eggplant, cut lengthwise. Like many popular dishes, rollatini was originally “poor man’s food.” Eggplants were cheap, and rollatini was a simple, affordable vegetarian dish that resourceful Italian immigrants would make when meat was scarce or expensive.

Apart from eggplants, basic rollatini contains parmesan and ricotta cheese, tomato sauce, eggs, and often breadcrumbs. Basil, garlic, onions, and mushrooms are also popular ingredients.

Rollatini preparation involves frying the eggplants, plain or rolled in egg and breadcrumbs, then spreading them with a mixture of ricotta cheese seasoned with salt, pepper, fresh basil, and other ingredients named in the recipe. Then comes the step of carefully rolling up the eggplant slices (hence the name “rollatini”) and, if necessary, securing them with toothpicks.

Finally, the rolls go into a baking pan with a layer of tomato sauce. More sauce, shredded cheese, and sometimes breadcrumbs go over the eggplant rolls. After a short baking session, the rollatini is ready to serve.

While eggplant rollatini is the most popular version of this dish, you might also want to try steak or chicken rollatini. These non-vegetarian rollatini versions involve rolling up the filling in a thinly pounded steak or chicken cutlets.

Other rollatini recipes use zucchini or other vegetables, beef, and even swordfish. The latter is a Sicilian variation on the well-known dish. In Italy, every region offers its own version of involtini, with fillings featuring any combination of ham, cheese, herbs, onions, pine nuts, and more. Depending on the recipe, involtini may undergo simmering, grilling, baking, or braising.

Rollatini is a close relative of eggplant parmesan. This dish combines egg-battered eggplant slices with a layer of marinara sauce and a generous topping of grated parmesan and mozzarella.

Lighter versions of rollatini may involve brushing the eggplant slices in a light coating of olive oil and baking or grilling them instead of frying.

As a dish based on low-carb vegetables and cheese, rollatini lends itself fairly easily to keto recipes. It is the perfect solution for people craving Italian flavors but would rather avoid demolishing a plate of pasta. Omitting the breadcrumbs can make the dish gluten-free. It’s also easy enough to make vegan rollatini by replacing the cheese with a tofu-based version.

Italian cuisine is bewitching in its simplicity, and rollatini is no exception. Basic ingredients and easy preparation methods are a hallmark of most rollatini and involtini recipes. However, making the perfect rollatini requires some experience and the right combination of flavors, which you can find in quality Italian restaurants that use traditional recipes.

One secret to excellent eggplant rollatini is slicing the eggplant to precisely the right thickness. The slices should be substantial enough to hold the stuffing together and thin enough to roll easily.

Rollatini size is another vital element. Ideally, rollatini should be small enough to serve as bite-sized appetizers.

If you’re looking for “Italian restaurants nearby” in Mooresville, NC, pop in for a relaxed lunch , dinner , or brunch at Eddie’s on Lake Norman. Our menu features authentic Italian, American, and French dishes made with fresh, top-quality ingredients. We serve a traditional family recipe for mouthwatering eggplant rollatini with egg-battered eggplant, four kinds of cheese and savory San Marzano tomato sauce.

To learn more about Eddie’s on Lake Norman, call us at (704) 799-2090. While we don’t take reservations, walk-ins are always welcome. We look forward to seeing you at Eddie’s!

Ann-Margaret Wagner brings her hospitality and restaurant expertise from New York to the shores of Lake Norman with Eddie’s On Lake Norman. Ann-Margaret is the former owner of a successful restaurant in Westchester County, New York, called The Muscoot Tavern, an iconic “Cheers-like” bar and grille. After visiting Lake Norman, she fell in love with the area, saw potential in the restaurant, and decided to make North Carolina her new home with her daughter Lacy.

After purchasing the business, which was previously Vinnie’s Sardine Grille and Raw Bar, she completely renovated the entire space, sold the other restaurant, and moved south. The kitchen is filled with all new appliances, while the bar, dining room, and back patio were all touched up to create a clean, comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. Whether in North Carolina, New York, or anywhere else, Ann-Margaret’s mission is always to provide the freshest seafood, prime meats, produce, pasta, and bread, every meal.

“I hope you enjoy eating our delicious cooking as much as we love making it for you!”

– Ann-Margaret

If you would like to book an event at Eddie’s on Lake Norman, we require a $250 refundable deposit that can be applied to your bill and or credit card used for a deposit. We charge a $50 Event Fee and 25% gratuity, plus tax. For more information, call us at 704-799-2090.

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Eddie’s on Lake Norman
643 Williamson Rd
Mooresville, NC 28117
704-799-2090
https://eddieslkn.com/