Golden Eggplant Casserole
A comforting eggplant casserole with sharp cheese and crunchy crackers, perfect for family dinners and vegetable lovers seeking a creamy, savory dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook eggplant in boiling salted water for 10 minutes; drain.
- Combine cooked eggplant with crushed saltine crackers, shredded cheese, chopped celery, chopped pimento, butter, salt, pepper, and cream or evaporated milk.
- Turn the mixture into a 1-quart casserole dish.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°F for 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding minced garlic or fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the mixture. If you're out of sharp cheese, feel free to substitute with mozzarella or a mild cheddar. For a vegan option, use plant-based cheese and a non-dairy milk alternative. Make sure to thoroughly drain the eggplant to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Golden Eggplant Casserole as a hearty main dish or as a side alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with All-Vegetable Chili for a comforting meal. For added texture, consider topping with breadcrumbs or additional cheese before baking.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Golden Eggplant Casserole contains roughly 215 calories, with 9g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (314% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1370mg per serving (60% 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 use frozen eggplant for this casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen eggplant, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before incorporating it into the dish. This prevents excess moisture, which can make the casserole soggy.
What can I use instead of saltine crackers?
If you don't have saltine crackers, you can substitute with crushed cornflakes, breadcrumbs, or even crushed tortilla chips for a different flavor profile. Each will add a unique texture to the casserole.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the eggplant mixture. You could also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before baking for an extra kick.
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).