Cheesy Eggplant Gratin Soufflé
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Eggplant Gratin Soufflé, a creamy and cheesy dish that highlights the rich flavors of eggplant. Perfectly cooked and mashed eggplant is combined with a blend of beaten eggs, milk, breadcrumbs, and American cheese to create a fluffy and savory soufflé. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust for added crunch, this dish is ideal as a side or a main course for any vegetable lover. Serve it warm to savor the luscious textures and flavors with family and friends!
N/A
Servings
110
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large Eggplant
1 (Peeled and cubed)
Beaten Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Milk
1/2 cup (Regular or low-fat)
Dry Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (Plain or seasoned)
Shredded American Cheese
1 cup (Divided)
Melted Butter
1/4 cup (Melted)
Crushed Ritz Crackers
3/4 cup (Crushed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Begin by peeling and cubing the large eggplant. Place the cubes in a large pot and cover with salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15 minutes until the eggplant is tender.
3
Drain the eggplant thoroughly and use a fork or potato masher to mash it until smooth.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed eggplant with beaten eggs, milk, dry breadcrumbs, and 3/4 cup of shredded American cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
5
Transfer the eggplant mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
6
In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are well coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
7
Finish by adding the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded American cheese on top of the cracker layer.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
9
Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Eggplant Gratin Soufflé!
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
9g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Eggplant Gratin Soufflé?
It is a creamy and cheesy vegetable dish that features mashed eggplant mixed with eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs, finished with a buttery Ritz cracker topping.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include a large eggplant, eggs, milk, dry breadcrumbs, shredded American cheese, butter, and Ritz crackers.
How should I prepare the eggplant?
You should peel and cube the eggplant, then boil it in salted water for 15 minutes until tender before mashing it.
What is the required oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the eggplant need to boil?
It takes approximately 15 minutes of boiling in salted water for the eggplant cubes to become tender.
What kind of cheese is used in this gratin?
This recipe specifically calls for shredded American cheese, which is divided for use in the mixture and the topping.
Can I use low-fat milk for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either regular or low-fat milk for the eggplant mixture.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe requires 2 beaten eggs.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it contains only vegetables, dairy, and eggs.
How do I make the crunchy topping?
Mix 3/4 cup of crushed Ritz crackers with 1/4 cup of melted butter and sprinkle it over the casserole before adding more cheese.
How long does the soufflé bake?
The dish should bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 110 calories.
Can I use seasoned breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use either plain or seasoned dry breadcrumbs depending on your preference.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
This dish provides 2g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 9g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the breadcrumbs and Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives, you can make this dish gluten-free.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the instructions recommend transferring the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
How should I mash the eggplant?
After draining the boiled eggplant, use a fork or a potato masher to mash it until it reaches a smooth consistency.
How much cheese goes inside the mixture?
You should mix 3/4 cup of the shredded American cheese into the eggplant mixture.
How much cheese is used for the topping?
The remaining 1/4 cup of shredded American cheese is sprinkled over the cracker layer.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The texture is fluffy and savory on the inside with a crunchy, buttery crust on top.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It can be served as either a savory side dish or a light main course.
What should the dish look like when it is finished baking?
The top should be golden brown and the mixture should be bubbling.
How much butter is needed for the Ritz cracker crust?
You will need 1/4 cup of melted butter to coat the crushed crackers.
Can I use a different type of cracker?
While Ritz crackers are suggested for their buttery flavor, you could substitute other buttery round crackers.
Should I serve this dish warm or cold?
It is best served warm to enjoy the melted cheese and optimal texture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 main ingredients listed.
Can I add salt and pepper?
Yes, the instructions suggest seasoning the eggplant mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
The provided nutritional data does not list a specific amount for fiber.