Appetizer · Main Course · Middle Eastern · Dinner ·

Middle Eastern Za'atar Grilled Eggplant Rolls

Name: Middle Eastern Za'atar Grilled Eggplant Rolls
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 120 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Appetizer
Ingredients: 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons za'atar spice mix; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds; 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

These succulent eggplant rolls are infused with aromatic za’atar and filled with a luscious mixture of cheeses, herbs, and spices, capturing the vibrant flavors of the Middle East.

5(891 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·January 14, 2026

Middle Eastern Za'atar Grilled Eggplant Rolls — Appetizer served and photographed from above

Prep

30 min

Cook

1 h 30 min

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Za'atar Eggplant

For the Cheese Filling

For the Topping

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 359 kcal
Protein: 13.5 g
Carbs: 20.25 g
Fat: 27.75 g
Fiber: 6.25 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 1434 kcal
Protein: 54 g
Carbs: 81 g
Fat: 111 g
Fiber: 25 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
2 large eggplants sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices	176	5	42	1	20
3 tablespoons olive oil	357	0	0	40.5	0
2 tablespoons za'atar spice mix	39	1	8	2	1
1 teaspoon salt	0	0	0	0	0
1 cup ricotta cheese	428	33	12	32	0
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese	200	11	4	16	0
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint	1	0	0	0	0
1 clove garlic minced	4	0	1	0	0
1/4 teaspoon black pepper	2	0	1	0	1
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds	36	1	9	0.5	2
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts	191	3	4	19	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Preparing the Eggplants

1
Lay and salt eggplant slices
Lay eggplant slices on a clean towel and sprinkle with salt.
2
Let eggplants release moisture
Let them sit for 15 minutes to release moisture.
3
Dry the eggplant slices
Pat dry with paper towels.
Tip: Make sure the eggplant slices are dry before grilling to achieve perfect grill marks.

Preparing the Cheese Filling

1
Combine ingredients
In a bowl, combine ricotta, feta, mint, garlic, and black pepper.
2
Mix filling
Mix until the filling is smooth and well incorporated.
3
Chill the filling
Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

How to Make Middle Eastern Za'atar Grilled Eggplant Rolls

Total time: 2 h · Yields 4 servings

1
Grilling the Eggplant
Preheat your grill to medium-high and brush each eggplant slice with olive oil and za'atar mix. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until tender.
2
Rolling the Eggplants
Allow eggplant slices to cool slightly, then place a tablespoon of cheese filling on one end and roll tightly.
3
Final Touch
Secure the rolls with a toothpick if needed and sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and pine nuts before serving.