Description
This Cheesy Baked Eggplant Delight is a savory, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect as a main course, side dish, or appetizer. Tender eggplant slices are baked to perfection, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan, and optionally layered with marinara sauce for an extra burst of flavor. It’s a simple, delicious, and nutritious recipe that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggplants, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup marinara sauce (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Prepare the Eggplants:
- Slice the eggplants into rounds about ½ inch thick.
- Arrange them on the baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
-
Bake the Eggplants:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and lightly golden.
-
Add Cheese and Sauce:
- Remove from the oven and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over each slice (if using).
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top.
-
Bake Until Cheese is Melty:
- Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the eggplant for the last 2 minutes.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure all ingredients, including cheese, are gluten-free.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes or in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired