Creamy Cheesy Eggplant Bake
This Creamy Cheesy Eggplant Bake is a deliciously wholesome dish that brings together the rich flavors of eggplant, creamy cheeses, and savory spaghetti sauce. An ideal choice for a satisfying meal that's low in Weight Watchers points, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Prepare this delightful bake and enjoy the harmony of textures and flavors, all while keeping your meal nutritious and guilt-free. With a hint of garlic and a medley of mushrooms, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
154
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spaghetti sauce
1 cup (Barilla or your preferred brand)
Lowfat mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup (shredded)
Nonfat cottage cheese
3/4 cup (none)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
Eggplant
3/4 lb (sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds)
Garlic
1 clove (minced (optional))
Mushrooms
1 cup (sliced (optional, add with eggplant))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds. If desired, sprinkle with salt and let sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness, then pat dry.
3
Grill the eggplant slices on a George Foreman Grill for about 5-10 minutes, or until soft and tender.
4
Spray an 8x8 baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
5
Layer the grilled eggplant slices evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
6
Spread the spaghetti sauce evenly over the layer of eggplant.
7
In a mixing bowl, combine the nonfat cottage cheese and shredded lowfat mozzarella cheese. Mix well until blended.
8
Spread the cheese mixture over the spaghetti sauce layer, making sure to cover it completely.
9
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
11
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy eggplant bake hot!
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
12g
Carbs
15g
Protein
473mg
Sodium
13mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Cheesy Eggplant Bake?
It is a wholesome dish that combines eggplant, creamy cheeses, and savory spaghetti sauce, designed to be nutritious and satisfying.
How many calories are in a serving of this eggplant bake?
There are 154 calories in this dish.
Is the Creamy Cheesy Eggplant Bake vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does it take to bake this dish?
The dish should be baked for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
How should I prepare the eggplant before baking?
Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds, optionally salt them for 20 minutes to draw out moisture, and then grill them until tender.
Can I use a George Foreman Grill for this recipe?
Yes, the instructions specifically suggest grilling the eggplant slices on a George Foreman Grill for 5-10 minutes.
What type of cheeses are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of lowfat mozzarella cheese, nonfat cottage cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe low in fat?
Yes, the dish contains only 6g of fat and is tagged as a low fat meal.
How much protein is in the Creamy Cheesy Eggplant Bake?
Each serving provides 15g of protein.
What size baking pan is needed?
An 8x8 baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
Can I add mushrooms to this bake?
Yes, you can optionally add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms along with the eggplant layer.
Is this recipe suitable for Weight Watchers?
Yes, it is described as an ideal choice for a meal low in Weight Watchers points.
What is the sodium content of this dish?
The recipe contains 473mg of sodium.
How much spaghetti sauce do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of spaghetti sauce, such as Barilla or your preferred brand.
Should I add garlic to the recipe?
Adding one minced clove of garlic is an optional step to enhance the flavor.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 12g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much cholesterol is in this dish?
This dish contains 13mg of cholesterol.
How thick should I slice the eggplant?
The eggplant should be sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe has 7 listed ingredients.
How do I layer the ingredients in the pan?
First layer the eggplant, then spread the spaghetti sauce, then add the cottage and mozzarella cheese mixture, and finish with Parmesan.
What should I do after taking the bake out of the oven?
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Does this dish contain sugar?
The specific sugar content is not provided in the nutrition facts for this recipe.
Can I use any brand of spaghetti sauce?
Yes, you can use Barilla or any brand you prefer.
Is it necessary to spray the pan?
Yes, you should spray the baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent the eggplant and cheese from sticking.
What is the total amount of mozzarella cheese used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of shredded lowfat mozzarella cheese.
What is the total amount of cottage cheese used?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of nonfat cottage cheese.
Is this dish considered a casserole?
Yes, it is described as a delicious casserole ideal for weeknight dinners.
How much eggplant is required?
You will need approximately 3/4 lb of eggplant.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as a quick meal and a family favorite.