Description
This Eggplant Ricotta Bake is a delicious and easy cheesy keto casserole. It features layers of creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and tender eggplant baked to golden perfection. It’s a healthy, comforting, and impressive dish suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice eggplants into ½-inch rounds. Arrange on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and roast for 20 minutes until tender.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Layer half the roasted eggplant, then half the ricotta mixture.
- Add another layer of marinara sauce, followed by the remaining eggplant and ricotta mixture. Top with the last of the marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- Ensure eggplant slices are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- Adding spinach or kale to the ricotta mix can boost nutrition.
- Allowing the dish to rest after baking enhances flavors and makes slicing easier.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6th of the casserole)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: N/A