Eggplant (Aubergine) and Cheese Casserole

*Parsley*'s Note:

When I first made this, my husband and kids ate it right up. They had no idea it was eggplant. It's a nice change-of-pace side dish.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 large eggplant, peeled and diced into 1 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt, dissolved in
• 4 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups italian seasoned croutons (small ones work best)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F
2. Spray a 9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, boil the 4 cups salted water.
4. Add eggplant (and onion, if using it) and continue to boil for 3 minutes; drain.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine eggplant, croutons, and half of the cheese.
6. Spoon into baking dish.
7. In another mixing bowl, combine milk, flour, salt, pepper, and oregano; pour over eggplant mixture in baking dish.
8. Top with remaining cheese and drizzle with melted butter.
9. Cover and bake at 325F for 20 minutes.
10. Uncover and bake for additional 5-7 minutes to melt and brown cheese.

Reviews

[cookiecrazy1098]

I made this with 3 baby eggplants and it was very good. I'm not a huge fan of Eggplant, but it's so pretty in the store so I just had to buy some and try this out. I will definitely make it again! thanks!

[Chef #1178470]

Okay, mine doesn't look like the picture and it tastes gross. sorry, if not for the croutons, it would be inedable. I read that somebody doubled all the ingredients, maybe that would help. Will try to add more to it tomorrow to see if it improves. Sorry...

[Happy Harry #2]

I really enjoyed this dish, but my students had mixed reviews. I noticed that one reviewer thought it was very mushy, so from that comment I chose to just blanch the eggplant. I put it into boiling salted water, stirred once and drained. It was not to mushy that way. The next time I make it I think I will add some diced fresh tomatoes.