Florence'S Eggplant Au Gratin
A rich and cheesy eggplant casserole featuring tender eggplant, sautéed onions, sharp cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and boil eggplants in salted water until soft.
- Drain and mash the cooked eggplant.
- Sauté chopped onions in butter until translucent.
- Beat the eggs in a bowl.
- Grate the sharp cheese.
- Combine mashed eggplant, sautéed onions, beaten eggs, and grated cheese.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Cover with buttered crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or herbs like basil or oregano to the sautéed onions. If you don't have sharp cheese, a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan can work well. To save time, you can use pre-cooked eggplant or even substitute with zucchini for a lighter version. Don't skip the buttered crumbs; they add a delightful crunch to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Florence's Eggplant Au Gratin makes a fantastic main dish for a vegetarian meal and pairs beautifully with a light salad, such as the Best Ever Italian Salad, or a side of garlic bread. For a heartier option, serve alongside Chicken Parmesan And Fettucini. This dish can also be enjoyed as a side at a larger gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the gratin in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help maintain the crispness of the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florence'S Eggplant Au Gratin contains roughly 944 calories, with 35g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (80% of the Daily Value), protein (71% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1591mg per serving (69% 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 prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the eggplant mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just assemble everything in the casserole dish, cover, and store until you're ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking, or adjust the baking time if it's still cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of eggplant?
If you're looking for a substitute for eggplant, zucchini or yellow squash can be excellent alternatives in this dish. They have a similar texture and absorb flavors well. Just prepare them in the same way, boiling until soft before mashing.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make this Eggplant Au Gratin gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping instead of regular ones. Most cheeses are gluten-free, but it's always good to check the labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
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).