Bites Cured Ham Rolls With Eggplants Recipe

Alright, fam, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into a dish that’s about to become your new go-to appetizer: an eggplant and prosciutto roll that’s jazzed up with creamy cheese goodness and a hint of basil magic. Trust me, this little number is a perfect party starter or just a treat-yourself moment waiting to happen.

I adore the satisfying combination of savory cured ham and the smoky flavor of grilled eggplant. Each bite of this delightful appetizer is heightened with a touch of fresh basil, a sprinkling of Parmesan, and a hint of garlic-infused cream cheese.

The balance of these flavors would be hard to beat.

Bites Cured Ham Rolls With Eggplants Recipe Ingredients

• Cured Ham: Rich in protein and flavor, adds savory depth.
• Eggplants: Low-calorie, fiber-rich, subtly sweet vegetable.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat promoting antioxidants and smooth texture.
• Balsamic Glaze: Offers a sweet-tangy balance, enhancing taste complexity.
• Basil: Fresh herbaceous notes with antioxidant properties.
• Parmesan Cheese: Protein and umami, providing rich savory layers.
• Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture, mild tanginess, and richness.
• Garlic: Aromatic, enhances savory depth and flavor complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Zesty acidity that balances and brightens flavors.

Bites Cured Ham Rolls With Eggplants Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 thin slices of cured ham (such as prosciutto)
• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How to Make this Bites Cured Ham Rolls With Eggplants Recipe

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to warm up. Prepare a baking sheet for use by lining it with parchment paper.

2. Cut the eggplants lengthwise into thin strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick.

3. Lay the eggplant slices on the baking sheet and dress them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. The eggplant slices should be roasted in the oven for roughly 15 minutes or until they become tender and take on a slight golden color. They should be removed from the oven and allowed to cool down for a very short time.

5. In a small bowl, blend the cream cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of the chopped fresh basil until completely mixed.

In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the ground turkey, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, and the remaining chopped fresh basil. Form the mixture into 10 equal balls.

6. Begin with a flat piece of cured ham. On top of that, a slice of roasted eggplant. These are the first two components to what will become a layered sandwich pressed in the manner of the Italian porchetta, with the meaty flavor of ham and the creamy, herb-flecked taste of eggplant.

7. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over the eggplant, then roll the ham and eggplant around the filling to form a very snug roll. Don’t be stingy with the filling, but don’t go crazy with it either. You want enough mixture for every bite to be delicious, but you don’t want it to ooze out when you bite it.

8. If necessary, secure each roll with a toothpick. Continue the process with the other slices.

9. Place the rolls on a serving platter. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top and sprinkle with the remaining basil that has been chopped.

10. Serve right away as a joyful starter or nibble. Relish it!

Bites Cured Ham Rolls With Eggplants Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Small bowl
7. Large bowl
8. Spoon or spatula (for mixing)
9. Measuring spoons
10. Measuring cup
11. Toothpicks (optional)
12. Serving platter

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of cured ham?You can indeed use other types of ham, such as Serrano or Parma, in place of prosciutto for a flavor that’s mildly different.
• How do I prevent the eggplant from becoming soggy?Ensure the eggplant slices are well salted and left for a minimum of 20 minutes to pull out the added unnecessary water before being cooked.
• What is the best way to slice the eggplants?Cut them into thin, uniform slices that are rolled and cooked easily, and also cut them lengthwise.
• Can these rolls be made ahead of time?You can indeed make the rolls a day ahead. Just keep them in the fridge; then, serve them at room temp.
• Is there a substitute for fresh basil?Should fresh basil be unavailable, a smaller amount of dried basil can be used, or fresh parsley can be tried for a different flavor profile.
• What can I use if I don’t have balsamic glaze?You can heat balsamic vinegar until it thickens, or you can leave it out for a sweeter alternative. You can achieve the same result with balsamic vinegar. But you can use any kind of vinegar and skip the condensation method for

  a less sweet, fewer-steps sauce.
  

Bites Cured Ham Rolls With Eggplants Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Pancetta or thinly sliced speck may be used instead of the cured ham.
Substitute zucchini or roasted red peppers for eggplants to get a different texture and flavor.
Substitute sunflower oil or avocado oil for olive oil.
Instead of using balsamic glaze, try honey or a reduction of apple cider vinegar. These options offer a different take on the recipe.
Use goat cheese or ricotta in place of cream cheese for a creamier filling.

Pro Tips

1. Salting the Eggplant: Before roasting, lightly salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture and reduces any potential bitterness. Pat them dry before seasoning with olive oil, salt, and pepper.