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–+ servings
Cheesy Eggplant and Zucchini Bake – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Cheesy Eggplant and Zucchini Bake

A vibrant, bubbling casserole that transforms simple garden vegetables into a rich, savory masterpiece. With a golden, crunchy cracker topping and two kinds of cheese, it's the perfect hearty dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 serving
Calories: 440

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups (450 g / 15.9 oz) peeled and coarsely chopped eggplant (1 medium)
  • 4 cups (675 g / 23.8 oz) thinly sliced zucchini (3 medium)
  • 2 cups (450 g / 15.9 oz) coarsely chopped red sweet peppers (3 medium)
  • 1 cup (225 g / 7.9 oz) coarsely chopped onion (1 large)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon / 2.5g (0.09 oz) salt
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon / 1.25g (0.04 oz) ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) olive oil
  • 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1⁄2 cup / 120ml light mayonnaise
  • 2 cups (225 g / 7.9 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1 cup (115 g / 4.1 oz) grated Pecorino-Romano cheese
  • 12 rich round crackers, crushed (about 2⁄3 cup / 65g / 2.29 oz)
  • for the Perfect Bake
  • To prevent a watery casserole, salt the chopped eggplant and let it sit in a colander for 20-30 minutes before cooking. Rinse and pat it thoroughly dry to remove excess moisture and bitterness.
  • Feel free to swap the veggies! Mushrooms, yellow squash, or even some pre-cooked lentils would be delicious additions. For a spicy kick, add 1/4 teaspoon (20 ml / 0.7 fl oz) of red pepper flakes with the salt and pepper.
  • Assemble the entire casserole without the cracker topping and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cracker topping and increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Method
 

  1. Prepare for baking by preheating your oven to 350°F / 175°C and lightly greasing a 3-quart (approx. 9x13 inch) rectangular baking dish.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the eggplant, zucchini, red peppers, onion, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
  5. While the vegetables cook, whisk together the eggs and mayonnaise in a large bowl until smooth.
  6. Stir in 1 cup (115g / 4.1 oz) of the mozzarella cheese and all of the Pecorino-Romano cheese.
  7. Gently fold the cooked vegetables into the cheese and egg mixture until well combined.
  8. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup (115g / 4.1 oz) of mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the crushed crackers.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving; this helps it set for perfect slices.
  11. Don't have round crackers? Panko breadcrumbs mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter make an excellent crunchy topping.
  12. Seasoned croutons or even crushed potato chips also work in a pinch.

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 23gFat: 32g

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