Pleasant Hill Eggplant Casserole
A hearty eggplant casserole featuring tender eggplant, savory mushroom soup, and flavorful parsley, topped with buttery crackers for a comforting vegetarian dish suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook diced and peeled eggplant in salted water until tender.
- Mix cooked eggplant with chopped onion, margarine, dried parsley, mushroom soup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and enough cracker crumbs to achieve stuffing consistency.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Top with buttered cracker crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors, consider adding garlic or bell peppers to the eggplant mixture. If you don't have margarine, butter or olive oil can be used as a substitute. For a gluten-free version, use crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular ones. If your eggplant is particularly bitter, salting it before cooking can help draw out excess moisture and bitterness.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Cheddar Cheese Potatoes for a comforting dinner. It's also a great side dish for grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread. For a heartier option, serve with crusty bread.
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 for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method helps maintain the casserole's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pleasant Hill Eggplant Casserole contains roughly 316 calories, with 5g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), iron (14% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1069mg per serving (46% 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 casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead. Simply assemble it, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake at 350°F, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for a cold casserole.
What if I don't have mushroom soup?
If you don't have mushroom soup, you can substitute it with a homemade cream sauce or even a can of diced tomatoes for a different flavor profile. Mixing in some cream and sautéed mushrooms can replicate the creaminess and umami of mushroom soup.
Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
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).