Eggplant Parmesan Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the earthy flavor of eggplants with the rich and tangy taste of tomato sauce and melted cheese. This classic Italian recipe is a vegetarian alternative to traditional meat-based casseroles, making it a popular choice for those looking for a meatless meal option.
The dish is made by layering slices of eggplant with a generous amount of tomato sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. The casserole is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The result is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
The Eggplant Parmesan Casserole recipe requires several key ingredients:
- Eggplant: You will need two large eggplants to prepare this dish. Choose firm and glossy eggplants that are free from blemishes or bruises.
- Tomato Sauce: A rich tomato sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs will be the base for the casserole. You can either make your own sauce or use store-bought marinara sauce.
- Mozzarella Cheese: The casserole is layered with two types of cheese, mozzarella being one of them. Mozzarella cheese adds a creamy and melty texture to the dish when it’s baked.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is the second type of cheese used in this recipe. It adds a nutty and savory flavor to the dish.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs are used to create a crispy and golden crust on the top layer of the casserole. You can use either regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
- Eggs: The eggs are used to help bind the ingredients together and create a more cohesive texture in the casserole.
- Vegetable Oil: Vegetable oil is used to fry the eggplant slices before assembling the casserole. It helps to soften the eggplant and gives it a golden brown color.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic seasonings are used to enhance the flavor of the dish. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
Note: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other ingredients such as fresh basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes for added flavor.
## Steps
Here are the step-by-step instructions for making Eggplant Parmesan Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Peel and slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Lay the slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Dip each eggplant slice into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Cook the breaded eggplant slices in batches until they are golden brown on both sides. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, eggs, minced garlic, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place a layer of cooked eggplant slices on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Tips from Professional Chefs for Making Eggplant Parmesan Casserole
When making Eggplant Parmesan Casserole, professional chefs suggest following these tips to achieve a delicious and well-executed dish:
- Choosing the right eggplant: Select firm and shiny eggplants that are heavy for their size. Look for ones with smooth and unblemished skin, as this indicates freshness. It is recommended to choose smaller to medium-sized eggplants as they tend to be less bitter and have fewer seeds.
- Preparing the eggplant: To remove excess moisture and bitterness, professional chefs recommend salting and draining the sliced eggplant before cooking. Simply sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices and place them on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. Rinse off the salt and pat dry with paper towels before proceeding with the recipe.
- Layering the casserole: To ensure even cooking and to prevent a soggy bottom, it is important to layer the ingredients properly. Start with a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish, followed by a layer of breaded and fried or baked eggplant slices. Top the eggplant with a generous amount of shredded Parmesan cheese and mozzarella. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing off with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.
Following these tips will help you create a mouthwatering Eggplant Parmesan Casserole that is sure to impress your family and guests.
Reviews
The Eggplant Parmesan Casserole is truly a masterpiece of a dish. As someone who loves Italian cuisine, I was eager to try this recipe and I must say, it did not disappoint. The combination of the tender eggplant, creamy cheese, and rich tomato sauce creates a burst of flavors that is simply heavenly.
First off, the eggplant in this dish is cooked to perfection. The slices are thinly cut and perfectly seasoned, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The eggplant holds up well to the baking process, remaining firm yet tender. It adds a wonderful earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
The layers of cheese in this casserole are what really take it to the next level. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a cheesy, gooey, and indulgent experience. The cheese melts beautifully, forming a golden crust on top of the casserole while remaining creamy and luscious on the inside. Each bite is a delight, with the cheese oozing out and blending seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Lastly, the tomato sauce in this recipe is incredibly flavorful. It has a perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and tanginess. The sauce clings to the eggplant and cheese, infusing them with its rich flavor. It ties all the elements of the dish together, adding a burst of freshness and making every bite a delight.
Overall, the Eggplant Parmesan Casserole is a true winner. It is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to please even the most discerning palates. This recipe is definitely a keeper and one that I will be making again and again. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or simply looking for a tasty and comforting meal, I highly recommend giving this casserole a try.
I recently made the Eggplant Parmesan Casserole and it turned out to be a delightful dish. As a fan of Italian cuisine, I was intrigued by the combination of eggplant and cheese, and this recipe did not disappoint. The flavors were well-balanced, and the dish had just the right amount of richness.
The first thing I noticed was how well the eggplant was cooked. It had a creamy texture with a slightly charred taste, which added a nice smokiness to the dish. The tomato sauce was deliciously tangy and had a perfect balance of herbs and spices. The combination of all the ingredients created a harmonious flavor profile that was both comforting and satisfying.
The casserole was also visually appealing with layers of golden-brown cheese on top. The cheese melted beautifully, forming a crispy crust that added an extra layer of texture. Each bite was a delightful combination of creamy cheese, tender eggplant, and flavorful tomato sauce.
I would highly recommend the Eggplant Parmesan Casserole to anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying Italian dish. Whether you are a fan of eggplant or not, this recipe is sure to impress. It is a great option for a cozy family dinner or even for entertaining guests. Try it out and enjoy a taste of Italy!
I recently had the pleasure of trying the Eggplant Parmesan Casserole and I must say, it exceeded all my expectations. The dish was incredibly flavorful and packed with delicious ingredients. The eggplant was perfectly cooked, tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. The layers of melted cheese and tomato sauce added a rich and satisfying taste to every bite.
One of the things that stood out to me about this dish was the perfect balance of flavors. The tomato sauce was tangy and perfectly seasoned, complementing the creamy cheese and earthy eggplant. The addition of fresh basil gave the casserole a refreshing and aromatic twist. Overall, the combination of flavors was simply divine.
The presentation of the Eggplant Parmesan Casserole was also impressive. The layers of eggplant, cheese, and sauce were beautifully arranged, making it a visually appealing dish. It was a delight to serve this casserole to my friends and family, and they were equally impressed by its taste and appearance.
I highly recommend trying the Eggplant Parmesan Casserole recipe to anyone who loves flavorful and comforting Italian dishes. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it accessible to both experienced and novice cooks. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this casserole is sure to impress with its delicious taste and impressive presentation.
I recently had the pleasure of trying the Eggplant Parmesan Casserole recipe, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The combination of the tender eggplant slices, the rich tomato sauce, and the gooey melted cheese created a symphony of flavors that had me coming back for seconds.
What I loved most about this recipe was how easy it was to prepare. The instructions were clear and straightforward, making it a breeze to follow along. I appreciated the detailed steps on how to properly cook and assemble the casserole, ensuring that every layer had the perfect balance of flavors.
The end result was a perfectly baked casserole with a golden, crispy cheese topping. The eggplant was cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of tenderness. The tomato sauce was vibrant and flavorful, complementing the eggplant and cheese beautifully.
I also appreciated that this recipe was a healthier twist on the traditional Eggplant Parmesan. By baking the eggplant instead of frying it, it eliminated the excess oil and grease, making it a guilt-free indulgence. I didn’t feel weighed down or heavy after enjoying this dish, which was a pleasant surprise.
All in all, I highly recommend the Eggplant Parmesan Casserole recipe to anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of eggplant or not, this dish is sure to win you over with its incredible flavors and easy preparation. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
I recently tried the Eggplant Parmesan Casserole recipe and it exceeded my expectations. As someone who loves Italian cuisine, I was intrigued by the idea of using eggplant instead of traditional noodles. The dish turned out to be a delicious and healthier alternative.
First of all, the eggplant slices were perfectly cooked. They had a nice golden brown color and a slightly crispy texture. The combination of breaded eggplant, melted cheese, and tomato sauce was simply divine. The flavors melded together beautifully, creating a satisfying and comforting taste.
I also appreciated the fact that this dish was not overly heavy or greasy. The eggplant acted as a lighter base compared to pasta, while still providing substance and flavor. It felt like a guilt-free indulgence, which was a pleasant surprise.
The recipe was easy to follow, and I was able to recreate the restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of my own home. It was the perfect option for a cozy dinner or even for entertaining guests. I highly recommend trying the Eggplant Parmesan Casserole if you’re looking for a delicious twist on a classic Italian dish.
