Eggplant and Cheese Bake with Homemade Ranch Sauce

Ingredients:

• • For the Bake:
    • • 3 large eggs
      • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
      • Sea salt, to taste
    • • Ground black pepper, to taste
      • 2 medium eggplants (approx. 600g)
      • Olive oil, for brushing
    • • 180g (1 1/2 cups) mozzarella cheese, shredded
      • 6–8 cherry tomatoes, halved
      • Oregano, to taste
    • • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
      • 200g (about 4 cups) white bread, cubed
      • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 150g (1 1/4 cups) Tilsiter cheese, shredded

• For the Ranch Sauce:
  • • 2 tbsp sour cream
    • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
    • 2 tbsp fresh spring onions, finely chopped
  • • Sea salt, to taste
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • A bunch of dill, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Directions:

1. 1. Preheat the Oven:
      Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. Prepare the Eggplant:
      • • Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
        • Brush both sides with olive oil and season with sea salt and ground black pepper.
      • Place the slices on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
   3. Prepare the Bread Cubes:
      • • Toss cubed white bread with olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of sea salt.
      • Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes, until golden and crisp.
   4. Assemble the Bake:
      • • In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and mayonnaise. Season with sea salt and black pepper.
      • • Grease a baking dish and layer roasted eggplant slices at the bottom.
        • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the eggplant.
        • Top with cherry tomato halves, sprinkle oregano, and add fresh basil leaves.
      • Add toasted bread cubes, then sprinkle shredded Tilsiter cheese on top.
   5. Bake:
      • • Pour the egg mixture evenly over the assembled dish.
      • Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish.
      • Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

1. 1. Prepare the Ranch Sauce:
      • In a small bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, spring onions, minced garlic, dill, sea salt, and black pepper. Combine thoroughly.
   2. Serve:
      • • Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving.
      • Drizzle ranch sauce over the bake or serve it on the side.
      • Garnish with basil leaves and extra cherry tomato halves if desired.