Franke'S Eggplant Casserole
Franke's Eggplant Casserole is a comforting vegetarian dish featuring tender eggplant combined with tomatoes, cheese, and a crispy cracker crumb topping. Its rich flavors and hearty texture make it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying and flavorful experience for vegetable lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and cut the eggplant into small cubes.
- Cook the eggplant in salted water for about 15 minutes.
- Drain and mash the eggplant; set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the oleo and cook the chopped onion until translucent.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and add the drained tomatoes, grated cheese, and mashed eggplant.
- Combine cracker crumbs and bread crumbs, then sprinkle over the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and top with the remaining crumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding minced garlic or herbs like basil and oregano to the eggplant mixture. If you're out of oleo, unsalted butter or olive oil can serve as a substitute. To reduce the moisture in the casserole, you can also sprinkle salt on the eggplant cubes before cooking and let them sit for 15 minutes. This dish is a great way to use up leftover vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This eggplant casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a protein like grilled chicken. This dish is also a fantastic option for potlucks or gatherings, as it can be made ahead of time and enjoyed by both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will help retain the crispiness of the topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Franke'S Eggplant Casserole contains roughly 349 calories, with 10g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 736mg per serving (32% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of eggplant?
If you don't have eggplant, zucchini or yellow squash can be used as a substitute. The texture will change slightly, but they will still provide a delicious base for the casserole.
Can I freeze this eggplant casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and adjust baking time as needed.
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).