Cheesy Eggplant Gratin

Here’s a savory, rich Cheesy Eggplant Gratin that’s perfect as a side dish or hearty vegetarian main. Layers of tender eggplant, tomato sauce, and gooey cheese come together in a bubbly, golden bake.

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🧀 Cheesy Eggplant Gratin

📋 Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds

• Olive oil (for brushing or frying)

• Salt and pepper

Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and sugar to taste

Cheese Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)

• 1 egg (optional, for binding)

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

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🔧 Instructions:

1. Prep and Cook the Eggplant:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Lightly salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 15–20 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry.

• Brush with olive oil and roast on a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly golden.
  (Alternatively: lightly fry in a skillet until browned.)

2. Make the Sauce:

• In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until soft.

• Stir in garlic, then add crushed tomatoes, oregano, and pepper flakes.

• Simmer for 10–15 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and a pinch of sugar if needed.

3. Mix the Cheese Filling:

• In a bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese), egg (if using), ½ cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Stir in herbs if desired.

4. Assemble the Gratin:

• In a greased 9×9-inch baking dish (or similar), layer:

  1. A bit of tomato sauce

  2. A layer of eggplant

  3. Spoonfuls of the cheese mixture

  4. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with sauce

  5. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top

5. Bake:

• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

• Uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until top is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve:

• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

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📝 Tips:

• Make it heartier: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the cheese layer.

• Add crunch: Top with buttered breadcrumbs before final baking.

• Make ahead: Can be assembled 1–2 days ahead and refrigerated before baking.