Cheesy Eggplant with Tomato Sauce

5 from 1 vote

This easy cheesy baked eggplant recipe is made with eggplant, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, and fresh basil. A perfect dish for a quick, delicious meal or side that’s ready in under an hour!

Prep Time20

Cook Time35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: people

Calories: 335kcal

Author: Dr. Nena Stefanovic

Ingredients

1 eggplant large
2 tablespoon salt
4 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
1 cup tomato sauce in a glass jar
2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
handful basil leaves fresh

Instructions

Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds.
Sprinkle both sides generously with the 2 tablespoon of salt and let them sit for about 20-25 minutes. This helps to remove excess liquid and reduce bitterness.
Pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet pan with parchment paper, drizzle with 4 tablespoon of olive oil, and bake for 15 minutes until slightly softened.
In a baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom.
Arrange a layer of eggplant slices over the sauce.
Spoon some tomato sauce over the eggplants, sprinkle a portion of mozzarella cheese, and add a few basil leaves.
Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella on top.
Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F).
Bake the assembled casserole dish for 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Video

Notes

These is the nutrition facts for 1 serving of this recipe. Total servings for this recipe: 4 people.
Refer to the post above for video instructions and other useful information.
Nutrition information is an estimate and will depend on your specific ingredients.

Why Do I have to add salt to eggplant slices?

Salting the eggplants before baking removes excess moisture, helping them stay firm and preventing them from getting soggy.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is fully vegetarian since it contains no meat products, just vegetables, cheese, and sauce.

What can I serve with cheesy baked eggplants?
It pairs well with a fresh salad, garlic bread, or a side of pasta for a more filling meal.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this dish! Let it cool, store the leftovers in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through. It’s perfect for meal prep!

Nutrition