Eggplant Parmesan Casserole

Ingredients

• Servings: 1
• 2 large eggplants
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pinch salt, or as needed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 cups prepared marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup water, plus more as needed
• 3/4 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded pepperjack cheese
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3/4 cup dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 1 hr 5 mins

Ready Time: 1 hr 20 mins


• preheat oven to 375 degrees f (190 degrees c).
• cut 5 crosswise slices from center area of each eggplant, about 1/2-inch thick, to total 10 slices. peel and dice remaining pieces of eggplant.
• heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until oil is very hot. sprinkle eggplant slices lightly with a pinch of salt and cook in hot skillet in batches until slightly softened, about 3 minutes per side. set eggplant slices aside on paper towels.
• heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in skillet and cook garlic for about 10 seconds; add diced eggplant and season with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes. saute until eggplant is softened, about 5 minutes. pour in marinara sauce and water. turn heat to medium-low and cook until eggplant is tender, about 15 minutes; stir occasionally. if sauce gets too thick, add a little more water.
• combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, pepperjack cheese, a pinch of salt, and a pinch black pepper in a bowl until thoroughly combined. spread about 2 tablespoons cheese mixture over each eggplant slice. fold eggplant slices in half to enclose the cheese mixture.
• spread about half the sauce into an 8x8-inch baking dish. lay folded eggplant slices in a single layer into the dish. spread remaining sauce over eggplant slices.
• combine bread crumbs, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a bowl; mix thoroughly. spread crumb mixture over eggplant casserole.
• bake in the preheated oven until casserole is bubbling and crumbs are browned, 35 to 40 minutes.