Cheesy Eggplant Paradise Casserole
Indulge in this delightful Cheesy Eggplant Paradise Casserole, a perfect fusion of flavors and textures that elevates simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal. Layers of tender grilled eggplant are complemented by a rich and zesty tomato spaghetti sauce, while a creamy blend of low-fat mozzarella and cottage cheese adds a luxurious touch. Topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan, this casserole bakes to perfection, making it ideal for shared family dinners or comforting weeknight meals. Whether you're a veggie lover or just looking for a satisfying dish to serve, this casserole will quickly become a favorite at your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti sauce
1 cup (Ready to use)
Low-fat mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup (Shredded)
Fat-free cottage cheese
3/4 cup (Ready to use)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (Grated)
Eggplant
3/4 lb (Sliced into 1/2 inch thick rounds)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Slice the eggplant into 1/2 inch thick rounds and lightly sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry.
3
Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium heat. Grill the eggplant slices for about 5-10 minutes on each side, or until they are soft and have nice grill marks. Remove from heat.
4
Lightly spray an 8x8 inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
5
Arrange the grilled eggplant in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
6
Spread the spaghetti sauce evenly over the layer of eggplant.
7
In a bowl, combine the low-fat mozzarella and cottage cheese, stirring well until mixed. Spread this cheese mixture over the spaghetti sauce layer.
8
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the casserole for added flavor.
9
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the edges are bubbly.
10
Remove from oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy your hearty and cheesy casserole!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Eggplant Paradise Casserole?
It is a heartwarming vegetarian casserole made with layers of grilled eggplant, zesty tomato spaghetti sauce, and a creamy blend of low-fat mozzarella and cottage cheese.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients are eggplant, spaghetti sauce, low-fat mozzarella cheese, fat-free cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
How should I prepare the eggplant?
Slice the eggplant into 1/2 inch thick rounds, sprinkle with salt to draw out moisture for 20 minutes, then rinse, pat dry, and grill until soft.
Why do I need to salt the eggplant before cooking?
Salting the eggplant helps draw out excess moisture and can reduce any inherent bitterness in the vegetable.
How thick should the eggplant slices be?
The eggplant should be sliced into rounds that are approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
Can I use a different type of cheese in this casserole?
Yes, while the recipe calls for mozzarella and cottage cheese, you could substitute with ricotta or other Italian-style cheeses.
How long should I grill the eggplant slices?
Grill the slices for about 5-10 minutes on each side until they are soft and have visible grill marks.
What size baking dish is recommended?
An 8x8 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are bubbly.
Is this Cheesy Eggplant Paradise Casserole vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses only vegetables, sauce, and dairy products.
Can I use regular cottage cheese instead of fat-free?
Yes, regular cottage cheese can be used, though it will increase the fat content of the dish.
What role does Parmesan cheese play in the recipe?
Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top to provide a savory flavor boost and a slightly golden crust.
Do I need to peel the eggplant?
The recipe does not require peeling; keeping the skin on helps the eggplant rounds maintain their shape.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Salting the eggplant and grilling it before assembly helps remove the moisture that often makes eggplant dishes watery.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the layers in advance and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this eggplant casserole?
Yes, it can be frozen, though the texture of the cheese and eggplant may change slightly upon reheating.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
It pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or a side of whole-wheat pasta.
Can I add other vegetables to the layers?
Absolutely; layers of spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or zucchini would make excellent additions.
Is this a healthy dinner option?
Yes, it is a healthy choice as it features nutrient-dense eggplant and uses low-fat dairy options.
What kind of spaghetti sauce is best?
Any standard tomato-based spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce will work well for this recipe.
Can I use zucchini instead of eggplant?
Yes, zucchini is a great alternative; follow the same slicing and grilling steps for best results.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredient amounts, this recipe typically serves 2 to 4 people depending on portion size.
Do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Yes, covering the dish with foil during baking helps prevent the cheese from burning while the casserole heats through.
What if I don't have a grill or grill pan?
You can roast the eggplant slices in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until tender instead of grilling.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you could add a layer of cooked ground turkey or lean beef if you prefer a non-vegetarian version.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure your spaghetti sauce does not contain gluten additives.
What is the total preparation and cook time?
The total time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, including the salting time and baking.