Savory Eggplant and Bell Pepper Bake
This Savory Eggplant and Bell Pepper Bake is a delightful one-dish meal that brings together the rich flavors of eggplant, sweet bell peppers, and zesty tomatoes, all topped with gooey cheddar cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a side dish for gatherings, this casserole is easy to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it hot and watch it disappear!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 medium (peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes)
green bell peppers
2 (cut into small pieces)
sweet onion
1 medium (diced)
diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (with their juices)
sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (grated)
butter
1/4 cup (divided, for sautéing and dotting)
bread crumbs
2 slices (made from bread (or use prepared bread crumbs))
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a pot of salted water, cook the cubed eggplant for about 5-7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain and set aside.
3
In a skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped green bell peppers and diced onion, sautéing until they are soft and fragrant, about 5-6 minutes.
4
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and cook the mixture until it begins to bubble, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
5
In a greased shallow casserole dish, layer the cooked eggplant evenly on the bottom.
6
Pour the tomato mixture over the eggplant, spreading it out evenly.
7
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, followed by the prepared breadcrumbs.
8
Dot the surface with small pieces of the remaining butter.
9
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Eggplant and Bell Pepper Bake?
It is a one-dish vegetarian casserole made with eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How should I prepare the eggplant?
The eggplant should be peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes.
Do I need to precook the eggplant?
Yes, cook the cubed eggplant in salted boiling water for 5-7 minutes until just tender before layering.
What type of bell peppers are used?
The recipe calls for 2 green bell peppers cut into small pieces.
How long should I sauté the peppers and onions?
Sauté them in butter for about 5-6 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, stir in the diced tomatoes along with their juices.
What type of onion works best?
A medium sweet onion, diced, is recommended for this recipe.
How much cheese is needed for the topping?
The recipe requires 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese.
How do I make the breadcrumb topping?
You can use two slices of bread to make fresh crumbs or use prepared bread crumbs.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
A total of 1/4 cup of butter is used, divided between sautéing the vegetables and dotting the top.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased shallow casserole dish is ideal for this bake.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Layer the cooked eggplant on the bottom, followed by the tomato mixture, then the cheese and breadcrumbs.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is done when the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbly.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, it is described as a delightful one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe with straightforward instructions.
Can I use red bell peppers instead?
While the recipe specifies green, you can substitute other bell peppers depending on your preference.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, though you can season to taste.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The bake features tender vegetables, gooey melted cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, the instructions specify using a greased shallow casserole dish to prevent sticking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 primary ingredients: eggplant, green bell peppers, sweet onion, diced tomatoes, cheddar, butter, bread crumbs, and salt.
Can I use different types of cheese?
While sharp cheddar is recommended for its flavor, you can substitute other melting cheeses if desired.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it can be prepared as a casserole and is a great comfort food option.
What should I do after taking it out of the oven?
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving it hot.
Why do I dot the top with butter?
Dotting the top with butter helps the breadcrumbs brown evenly and adds richness to the topping.
Can I add other seasonings?
The recipe focuses on the natural flavors of the vegetables and cheese, but you can add herbs or spices to your taste.
Is the eggplant skin left on?
No, the recipe instructions indicate the eggplant should be peeled before cubing.
Is this dish good for large groups?
Yes, it is an excellent side dish for gatherings and is sure to impress family and friends.