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Ricotta Eggplant Casserole

A delightful casserole featuring layers of creamy ricotta, savory eggplant, and melty cheese, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large eggplants Cut into 1/2 inch thick rounds
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the eggplants into 1/2 inch thick rounds. Sprinkle them lightly with salt and let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
Cooking Eggplant
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the eggplant slices on a baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly golden.
Preparing Cheese Mixture
  1. Mix the ricotta cheese with grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined.
Layering the Casserole
  1. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, start with a layer of marinara sauce to cover the bottom. Add a layer of roasted eggplant slices, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers and finish with a layer of marinara sauce on the top.
Baking the Casserole
  1. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Serving
  1. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil. Cut into squares and serve.

Notes

You can experiment with different cheeses; ricotta can be substituted with cottage cheese for a lighter version, and feta can be added for a tangy twist. Ensure you salt the eggplant beforehand to avoid a soggy casserole.