Cheesy Eggplant Gratin: A Hearty and Flavorful Vegetarian Bake
If you’re looking for a delicious, comforting, and cheesy vegetarian dish, this Cheesy Eggplant Gratin is the perfect choice. It combines tender layers of eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese to create an irresistible bake. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a meat-free meal option, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich and cheesy – A blend of gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan.
✔ Healthy and nutritious – Eggplant is packed with fiber and antioxidants.
✔ Easy to make – Simple steps for a restaurant-quality dish.
✔ Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
✔ Gluten-free option – Just swap breadcrumbs for a GF alternative.
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Ingredients
For the Eggplant
2 large eggplants, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Salt, to remove excess moisture
3 tbsp olive oil, for frying or baking
For the Tomato Sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Gratin Layers
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup ricotta or cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
½ cup breadcrumbs (or GF alternative)
For Garnish
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
1. Slice the eggplant into ¼-inch rounds and sprinkle with salt.
2. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. Pat dry with a paper towel.
🔹 Option 1: Baking
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
5. Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
🔹 Option 2: Pan-Frying
6. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
7. Fry the eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
8. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
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Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce
9. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
10. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
11. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
12. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
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Step 3: Assemble the Gratin
13. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
14. Spread a layer of tomato sauce in a baking dish.
15. Add a layer of eggplant slices.
16. Sprinkle with mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta.
17. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese.
18. Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
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Step 4: Bake the Gratin
19. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
20. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
21. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
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Serving Suggestions
🍝 Serve with pasta or crusty bread for a complete meal.
🥗 Pair with a fresh green salad for a light and balanced dish.
🍷 Enjoy with a glass of red wine for an elegant dinner.
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Storage and Reheating
📌 Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
📌 Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months (thaw before reheating).
📌 Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
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Recipe Variations
🔹 Vegan Version – Use dairy-free cheese and plant-based ricotta.
🔹 Spicy Twist – Add chili flakes to the tomato sauce.
🔹 Extra Protein – Add chickpeas or lentils for a heartier meal.
🔹 Low-Carb – Skip the breadcrumbs or use almond flour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make eggplant gratin ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
2. How do I prevent eggplant from getting soggy?
Salting and patting dry the eggplant removes excess moisture, preventing sogginess.
3. What can I use instead of ricotta?
You can substitute cottage cheese or cream cheese for similar creaminess.
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Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Eggplant Gratin is a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for vegetarians and cheese lovers alike. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side, it’s bound to impress!
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