Eggplant Plus
A hearty baked eggplant dish with fresh tomatoes and Italian sauce flavors, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal or family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cover the eggplant with cold water and soak for 15 minutes; drain thoroughly.
- Turn the drained eggplant into a buttered 2-quart round casserole (8 x 2 inches).
- Pour the Italian-style spaghetti sauce mix over the eggplant and toss lightly to coat.
- Arrange the skinned and wedged tomatoes over the eggplant mixture.
- Cover the casserole and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 45 minutes, stirring twice during cooking.
- Uncover and sprinkle the dish with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To reduce bitterness, soak the eggplant in salted water for 15 minutes, then drain and pat dry. You can substitute zucchini for the eggplant for a different texture. Consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor. For a richer taste, mix in some Italian cheese spread before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Eggplant Plus as a main dish or a side with crusty bread like Tomato-Herb Bread. It pairs beautifully with Fettucini Al Alfredo With Broccoli for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method helps maintain the dish's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eggplant Plus contains roughly 124 calories, with 9g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 481mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it in the dish, cover, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you need a substitute for Parmesan, try using nutritional yeast for a vegan option, or crumbled feta for a tangy flavor. Grated pecorino Romano can also provide a similar taste.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the Eggplant Plus. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).