Cheesy Eggplant and Herb Stuffing Bake
This Cheesy Eggplant and Herb Stuffing Bake is a delightful and comforting casserole that brings together the earthy, rich flavors of eggplant with a medley of fresh vegetables. Easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying, this dish combines herb-infused stuffing with layers of tender eggplant, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes, all topped with gooey mozzarella and savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family meal or as a potluck dish, this casserole guarantees to impress with each bite. Plus, the option to customize with garlic or fresh herbs adds a personal touch that makes it even more appealing!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplants
2 large (peeled and cubed)
Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing
1 1/3 cups (divided)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
green bell pepper
1/2 (chopped)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (drained (or use 3-4 fresh tomatoes, seeded and chopped))
mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (shredded or grated (approx 2 1/2 cups))
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the eggplants by peeling them, cutting them into cubes, and then parboiling them in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set the cubes aside.
3
In a greased 2-quart baking dish, sprinkle 2/3 cup of the herb stuffing mix evenly over the bottom.
4
Layer half of the parboiled eggplant over the stuffing mix in the baking dish.
5
Next, evenly distribute the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and drained diced tomatoes over the layer of eggplant.
6
Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the vegetables for extra creaminess.
7
Repeat the layers by adding the remaining herb stuffing mix followed by the rest of the eggplant and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
8
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top for a delicious, crispy finish.
9
Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling. For a golden top, you can remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
10
Serve immediately, perhaps with a side salad or crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
16.7g
Fat
26.7g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Eggplant and Herb Stuffing Bake?
It is a comforting casserole featuring layers of eggplant, herb stuffing, vegetables, and melted cheese.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What type of stuffing is recommended?
The recipe suggests using Pepperidge Farm Herb Stuffing.
How should the eggplants be prepared?
The eggplants should be peeled, cut into cubes, and parboiled before layering.
What is the purpose of parboiling the eggplant?
Parboiling ensures the eggplant cubes are tender and fully cooked after baking.
How long should I parboil the eggplant cubes?
Parboil the cubes in boiling water for about 5 minutes.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use 3-4 fresh tomatoes that have been seeded and chopped.
What types of cheese are used in this bake?
The recipe uses mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of mozzarella, which is approximately 2.5 cups.
Can I use a different color of bell pepper?
Yes, while the recipe calls for green bell pepper, you can use any variety you prefer.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for 30 minutes until hot and bubbling.
Should the baking dish be covered or uncovered?
It should be covered with aluminum foil for most of the baking time.
How can I achieve a golden top on the casserole?
Remove the aluminum foil for the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
Yes, adding garlic is a great way to customize the flavor.
What are some recommended sides for this meal?
It pairs well with a side salad or a piece of crusty bread.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy and satisfying casserole recipe.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A greased 2-quart baking dish is recommended.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
Each serving contains 26.7 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fat is contained in a serving?
The fat content is 16.7 grams per serving.
Can I incorporate fresh herbs into the dish?
Yes, adding fresh herbs is encouraged for a personal touch.
How many eggplants does this recipe call for?
The recipe requires 2 large eggplants.
How much herb stuffing mix is used in total?
The recipe uses 1 and 1/3 cups of herb stuffing mix.
How do I start layering the casserole?
Start by sprinkling 2/3 cup of the stuffing mix evenly over the bottom of the dish.
What vegetables are layered with the eggplant?
The dish includes chopped onion, green bell pepper, and diced tomatoes.
What is the final topping for the bake?
The final layer is a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Should I peel the eggplants before cubing them?
Yes, the instructions specify peeling the eggplants before cutting.
When should the dish be served?
It is best served immediately while hot.