Eggplant Supreme
Eggplant Supreme is a hearty, cheesy casserole featuring tender eggplant, creamy ricotta, spinach, and melted mozzarella, all topped with flavorful tomato sauce and grated cheese. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, it offers rich flavors and satisfying textures for vegetable lovers and cheese enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry eggplant slices until golden and drain on paper towels.
- Cook spinach according to package instructions and drain well.
- Mix ricotta cheese and cooked spinach together, blending gently without beating.
- Spread the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly in a baking pan.
- Layer fried eggplant slices on top of the ricotta mixture.
- Slice or grate mozzarella cheese and layer over the eggplant.
- Pour tomato sauce with mushrooms over the layered ingredients.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like basil or oregano to the ricotta-spinach mixture. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute part of the ricotta with cottage cheese. Make sure to drain the eggplant well after frying to avoid excess oil in the dish. If you want a quicker option, use fresh spinach instead of frozen.
Serving Suggestions
Eggplant Supreme pairs beautifully with a side of Cucumber-Radish Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside crusty Herb Bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, consider offering a light dessert, such as a fruit sorbet, to cleanse the palate after this hearty dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method retains better texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Eggplant Supreme contains roughly 571 calories, with 43g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (95% of the Daily Value), protein (85% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1294mg per serving (56% 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 Eggplant Supreme ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Eggplant Supreme a day in advance. Assemble the layers in the baking pan, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella, you can use provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, a vegan cheese option can be used for a dairy-free version. Just ensure it melts well for the best texture.
Is Eggplant Supreme suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze Eggplant Supreme. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).