Elevate your dinner game with this irresistible Zucchini and Eggplant Bake, a hearty and wholesome dish perfect for weeknight meals or casual entertaining. This layered casserole celebrates tender slices of zucchini and eggplant nestled in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, topped with ooey-gooey mozzarella, fragrant basil, and a crunchy Parmesan-breadcrumb crust. Bursting with classic Italian flavors and baked to golden perfection, this comforting vegetarian recipe is both nutritious and satisfying. With its simple preparation and impressive presentation, this crowd-pleasing bake is ideal for anyone looking for a flavorful way to enjoy seasonal vegetables. Serve it warm with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that tastes as good as it looks!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the zucchini and eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Mince the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom.
Arrange a layer of zucchini and eggplant slices over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the vegetables and sprinkle mozzarella cheese and a few torn basil leaves.
Repeat the layering process (vegetables, sauce, cheese, basil) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
Mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl and sprinkle over the top layer.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the topping is golden and bubbly.
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Serving size | 1883.7 grams (1883.7g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1930 |
Total Fat 115.60g | 148% |
Saturated Fat 44.00g | 220% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.40g | |
Cholesterol 191mg | 64% |
Sodium 10220mg | 444% |
Total Carbohydrate 140.50g | 51% |
Dietary Fiber 29.30g | 105% |
Total Sugars 67.70g | |
Protein 92.30g | 185% |
Vitamin D 36IU | 181% |
Calcium 2241mg | 172% |
Iron 8mg | 44% |
Potassium 2656mg | 57% |
Source of Calories