Savory Southern Eggplant
Savory Southern Eggplant combines fresh tomatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp cheese for a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for comfort food lovers and those seeking bold tastes.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon ⓘ
- 1/4 cup bacon drippings ⓘ
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon green pepper, chopped
- 2 cups sliced fresh tomatoes or canned tomato wedges ⓘ
- 1 medium eggplant, cubed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sharp cheese ⓘ
- 1/3 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp.
- Drain bacon and crumble.
- Add bacon drippings to a skillet.
- Cook chopped onion, green pepper, eggplant, and tomatoes until tender.
- Season with garlic salt, seasoned salt, and pepper.
- Fold in sharp cheese.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Top with bread crumbs and crumbled bacon.
- Brown under broiler for 4 to 6 minutes until golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon to skip the frying step. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor. If you have leftover eggplant, try adding it to a stir-fry or using it in a dish like Pork Chops In Ginger Ale for a hearty meal.
Serving Suggestions
This savory southern eggplant makes a great side dish for grilled meats or a hearty main when paired with a fresh salad. Consider serving it alongside a dish like Aunt Bea'S Company Beef Casserole for a comforting meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the flavors even further.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions but be cautious not to overheat, as this may make the eggplant mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Savory Southern Eggplant contains roughly 526 calories, with 16g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value) and protein (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2577mg per serving (112% 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 recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using olive oil instead of bacon drippings. For added flavor, consider incorporating smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the bacon's taste. This will still yield a delicious and hearty dish.
What type of eggplant works best for this recipe?
For this recipe, globe eggplant is ideal due to its availability and texture. However, you can also use Japanese or Chinese eggplant, which are smaller and sweeter. Make sure to peel or salt the eggplant to reduce bitterness and excess moisture before cooking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the eggplant mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just transfer to the baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and bacon, and broil as directed. This makes it a convenient option for gatherings.
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).