Eggplant Casserole

When a comfort food like this comes calling, you’ve got to say yes. Cheesy, savory, warm and just delicious, this eggplant casserole recipe will have people asking for seconds and thirds, and that goes for the picky eaters too. It uses classic Italian ingredients (tomatoes, mozzarella and Parmesan, need we say more?), but you don’t need to be a chef experienced in the ways of Italian cooking to make this eggplant Parmesan casserole a success.

This recipe only involves about 15 minutes of hands-on work, plus some standing and baking time, so provided you plan ahead a bit, it’s a fine choice for a weeknight meal. And it will be more than welcome on the table as part of a larger feast, say, a dinner party or holiday gathering.

Eggplant Casserole Ingredients

• Eggplant: You need a medium eggplant that weighs about a pound, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices.
• Tomato: Make sure you pick a tomato that’s good and ripe, and good and large.
• Onion: Slice the onion well so it incorporates evenly into the dish.
• Butter: Yes, this recipe uses a lot of butter. Keep it divided, as per the directions.
• Dried basil: A classic herb in Italian cooking, the basil is right at home here.
• Dry bread crumbs: Dried bread crumbs add a bit of flavor and a lot of texture to this dish.
• Mozzarella cheese: Use four thick slices of a fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into thirds.
• Parmesan cheese: A couple of heaping tablespoons of fresh Parmesan (not dried) will be the grace note here.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the eggplant

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Place the eggplant slices in a colander over a plate and sprinkle them generously with salt, then toss them. Let the salted slices stand for 30 minutes, then rinse and drain them well.

Step 2: Layer the eggplant, tomato and onion

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Preheat the oven to 450°F. Meanwhile, layer the eggplant, tomato and onion in a lightly greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons of the melted butter, then sprinkle with basil. Cover and bake the dish for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Add bread crumbs and cheese, then bake again

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Toss the bread crumbs and remaining melted butter in a small bowl. Arrange the mozzarella cheese over the vegetables, then sprinkle on the buttery crumb mixture and the Parmesan cheese. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.

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Eggplant Casserole Variations

• Add some sausage: Want to beef up this casserole, as it were? Add sliced sausage during the first baking, or else add sliced precooked sausage under the cheese for the second bake session.
• Halve the mozzarella cheese: Yes, reducing the amount of cheese you use will reduce some of the flavor here, but it will make this a much healthier casserole. A touch of garlic powder can add some flavor right back in.
• Use olive oil instead of butter: Another healthier take here is to use olive oil instead of butter. Just use a bit less oil than you would melted butter.

How to Store Eggplant Casserole

This eggplant casserole will keep well in the fridge for two or three days; just make sure to transfer it into an airtight container or otherwise wrap it well to seal out the air. Reheat it in the oven at 350°.

Can you freeze tomato eggplant casserole?

Yes, this eggplant tomato bake will freeze well and can be kept for three to four months. It’s best to thaw it overnight and then reheat it in the oven, but you can place it directly into a hot oven from a frozen state—just check it often and know that it may take well over an hour to be ready.

Eggplant Casserole Tips

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What should I serve with this recipe for eggplant casserole?

Because this is a heavier dish, it’s best paired with a fresh salad and a light protein, like chicken or fish, though sausages also go quite well with it.

Is this the same as eggplant lasagna?

It’s similar to an eggplant lasagna, to be sure, but there are fewer layers. There’s plenty of taste, though, as well as less prep work and a faster cook time.

Can I try a different kind of cheese?

Of course! Be adventurous. One idea is to try slices of Swiss cheese. It will give the dish a totally different but totally wonderful flavor profile.