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Eggplant Casserole
Eggplant Casserole is a classic Southern-style baked dish that transforms tender eggplant into a rich, savory comfort meal. Popular throughout the American South and New England home kitchens, this recipe combines boiled eggplant with sautéed vegetables, butter, crackers, cheese, and evaporated milk for a creamy, hearty texture. A hint of Tabasco and Worcestershire adds subtle depth and warmth. Topped with breadcrumbs and baked until golden, this casserole delivers a nostalgic balance of softness and crisp topping, making it perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or cozy family meals.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 eggplant (large, about 2 lbs, peeled and cubed)
  • 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
  • 1 stick butter (margarine)
  • ½ cup onion (diced )
  • ½ cup green bell pepper (diced )
  • ½ cup celery (diced )
  • 2 to 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ½ tsp Tabasco sauce
  • 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 10 soda crackers (crushed)
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • ½ cup evaporated milk (pet milk)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded )
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

  • Peel the eggplants.
  • Cut into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Boil the Eggplant

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add eggplant and cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes.
  • Drain thoroughly and lightly mash.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.
  • Cook until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Base Mixture

  • In a large bowl, combine mashed eggplant and sautéed vegetables.
  • Add crushed crackers.

Step 5: Season

  • Stir in Tabasco sauce.
  • Add Worcestershire sauce.
  • Mix well.

Step 6: Add Binder

  • Stir in beaten egg.
  • Pour in evaporated milk.
  • Mix until fully combined.

Step 7: Add Cheese

  • Fold in shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 8: Prepare Baking Dish

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 9: Assemble

  • Spread mixture evenly into prepared dish.

Step 10: Add Topping

  • Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

Step 11: Bake

  • Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and set.

Step 12: Rest

  • Allow casserole to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips

  • Add cooked crumbled bacon for extra richness.
  • Substitute Monterey Jack or mozzarella for cheddar.
  • Use gluten-free crackers and breadcrumbs if needed.
  • Add diced tomatoes for extra moisture.
  • Top with parmesan for a crispier crust.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate before baking.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
  • For spice, increase Tabasco or add red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 9gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 6gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 1.8mg
Keyword casserole, comfort food, eggplant dish, heirloom meal, potluck favorite, savory bake, southern classic, vintage
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