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Eggplant Casserole Recipes: Amazing Ultimate 5 Secrets to a Cozy Winter Dish

Eggplant Casserole Recipes Baking

eggplant casserole recipes are a lifesaver when you want something hearty, healthy, and simple during the chilly months. Carla, a lifelong home cook and nutrition enthusiast, believes that hearty meals can be both wholesome and easy. Over the years, she has crafted and perfected her favorite eggplant casserole, especially for busy families who crave comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.

When I first started making eggplant casserole, it felt overwhelming. Which eggplants to use? How do you make it not soggy? Through many trials, and a few hilarious fails, I finally found a method that’s delicious, reliable, and genuinely good for you. Let’s dive into this wonderful winter recipe that you’ll keep coming back to

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggplants, sliced into ½ inch rounds
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Eggplant:

    • Sprinkle the eggplant slices generously with sea salt.
    • Place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and let them sit for 30 minutes.
    • Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

  2. Roast the Eggplant:

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
    • Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and arrange them on a baking sheet.
    • Roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.

  3. Make the Sauce:

    • In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in a splash of olive oil until soft and fragrant.
    • Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
    • Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. Assemble the Casserole:

    • Reduce oven to 350°F.
    • In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce.
    • Add a layer of eggplant, a few dollops of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan, and some basil.
    • Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and a final blanket of mozzarella and parmesan.

  5. Bake:

    • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake another 15-20 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.

  6. Rest and Serve:

    • Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing.
    • Garnish with extra basil if desired.

Notes

  1. Different Variations of Eggplant Casserole Recipes
  2. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Eggplant Casserole
  3. How to Make Eggplant Casserole Ahead of Time
  4. Why Eggplant Casserole is Perfect for Family Dinners
  5. How to Store and Reheat Leftover Eggplant Casserole