Description
Imagine a dish where roasted eggplants meet a savory, veggie-packed filling and are topped with golden, bubbly cheese. That’s what Cheesy Stuffed Eggplants Delight is all about—a wholesome, cheesy, and utterly satisfying recipe perfect for family dinners, parties, or a cozy night in. With its nutrient-packed ingredients and rich flavors, this dish is comfort food done right.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggplants, halved lengthwise
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Eggplants
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise and hollow out the centers, leaving about ½ inch of flesh as a rim.
- Chop the removed flesh into small pieces and set it aside.
- Arrange the hollowed-out eggplant shells on a baking sheet.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Bell Peppers and Tomatoes
- Mix in the chopped red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, and the reserved chopped eggplant flesh.
- Sauté the mixture for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Season with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
4. Stuff the Eggplants
- Fill each hollowed-out eggplant shell with the sautéed vegetable mixture, pressing it down gently to ensure even distribution.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously on top of each stuffed eggplant.
5. Bake the Eggplants
- Place the stuffed eggplants in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the eggplants are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Remove the eggplants from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Cheese Options: Mozzarella is perfect for gooeyness, while cheddar adds a sharp flavor. You can also try feta or parmesan for variety.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing and eggplant shells in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble just before baking.
- Extra Flavor: For a Mediterranean twist, add olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based cheese or skip it altogether, seasoning the filling generously for flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired