This Cheesy Eggplant Bake is a comforting, delicious dish featuring tender layers of eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s similar to eggplant Parmesan but with fewer steps, making it a simpler, yet satisfying, meal. Perfect for a vegetarian main course or a hearty side dish.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the eggplant:
- Slice the eggplants into ½-inch thick rounds. If you prefer, lightly salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 20-30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Sauté or roast the eggplant:
- Sauté option: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the eggplant slices for about 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Roast option: Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender.
- Assemble the bake:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer the cooked eggplant slices on top, overlapping slightly if necessary. Sprinkle a portion of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the eggplant. Repeat the layers (sauce, eggplant, cheese) until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Season and bake:
- Sprinkle the top with dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and serve:
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Enjoy this Cheesy Eggplant Bake with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. It’s the perfect comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal that’s packed with flavor!
