Eggplant and Tomato Bake Recipe
Eggplant and Tomato Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together tender roasted eggplant a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese for a comforting meal. This dish is perfect as a vegetarian main course or a side dish and pairs well with pasta rice or crusty bread.
Total Time
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Ingredients
2 medium eggplants sliced into rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
3 cloves garlic minced
1 small onion finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella slices
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil chopped
Instructions
Step 1 Prepare the Eggplant
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Arrange eggplant slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt black pepper oregano and smoked paprika
Roast for 15 minutes flipping halfway through until tender and golden brown
Step 2 Make the Tomato Sauce
In a large skillet heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft
Add garlic and red pepper flakes cooking for another 30 seconds
Stir in crushed tomatoes cherry tomatoes balsamic vinegar salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally
Step 3 Assemble and Bake
Pour half of the tomato sauce into a baking dish. Layer the roasted eggplant slices on top. Pour the remaining sauce over the eggplant
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
Bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown
Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or basil
Tips for the Best Eggplant Bake
Salt the eggplant If your eggplant is slightly bitter sprinkle it with salt and let it sit for 10 minutes before roasting. Rinse and pat dry to remove excess moisture
Customize it Add zucchini bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor
Make it ahead This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together
Nutrition Per Serving (Approximate)
Calories 180-220
Protein 7-9g
Carbohydrates 15-18g
Fat 10-12g
Fiber 5-6g
Sodium 350-450mg
This dish is low in calories high in fiber and packed with antioxidants from eggplant and tomatoes. The cheese adds a good source of protein and calcium making it a well-balanced vegetarian meal.
Conclusion
Eggplant and Tomato Bake is a delicious easy-to-make and healthy dish that highlights the rich flavors of roasted eggplant and a savory tomato sauce. The creamy melted cheese adds the perfect touch to balance the textures and flavors. Whether served as a main course with a side of crusty bread or as a flavorful side dish this recipe is a great way to enjoy wholesome Mediterranean-inspired cooking.
It is a versatile and customizable recipe that you can easily adapt with your favorite vegetables and cheeses. Make it ahead for meal prep or enjoy it fresh out of the oven for a comforting meal.