Easy Ricotta Eggplant Mozzarella Marinara Bake

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

This is a recipe that I really do not measure, although I do start with 2 medium eggplants, this is pretty much a recipe that really does not require any measuring you can really put on as much as you wish, I have given the amounts as I think are closest to the amounts that I use when I make this recipe... if you love eggplant as much as we do you will really enjoy this dish. To save time you can bread the eggplants and then place them on a sheet and refrigerate to finish later. Make certain that you have a large cookie or baking sheet to bake them on. You can use purchased or homemade marinara sauce for this, I use my own Kittencal's Marinara Pasta Sauce (Vegetarian) . This can be served as a main dish or as a side dish. I can assure you once you make this dish you will make it on a regular basis, it is so good!

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 8 eggplan ...

• 8 slices eggplants (cut 1/2-inch thick, center-cut)
• salt and pepper
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (more if needed)
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 2 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• salt and pepper
• olive oil
• 1 1/2-2 cups ricotta cheese
• 4 cups grated mozzarella cheese (can use more or less)
• 4 cups marinara sauce (can use more or less)

Directions:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly grease a baking sheet.
3. Place flour in a shallow bowl.
4. Place the slightly beaten eggs in another bowl.
5. Mix the fresh bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese together with black pepper and a pinch of salt, then place the breadcrumb mixture in another bowl (you should have three separate bowls).
6. Coat the eggplant slices in flour, then in eggs, then in the bread crumb mixture, patting down with fingers to adhere the crumbs to the eggplants.
7. Up to this point you can cover the slices and refrigerate to finish later.
8. Heat oil in a large skillet.
9. Add in 2 eggplant slices; cook until golden brown (about 5 minutes on each side).
10. Transfer to prepared greased baking sheet in a single layer, but close together (if you can't fit all of the slices in one layer then just overlap them).
11. Repeat with remaining slices.
12. Spread about 2-3 tablespoons ricotta cheese over each eggplant.
13. Top each slice with marinara (you do not have to completely cover with sauce) then sprinkle grated mozzeralla on top.
14. Bake the slices about 15-17 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the marinara is hot.

Reviews

[Caroline Cooks]

Absolutely the best eggplant bake that I've ever made. This is a lot like a Moussaka, only much easier. You've done it again, Kitz! A surefire 10 star winner!