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If you're craving something hearty and packed with flavor, this Cajun Eggplant Casserole is a must-try. Combining tender eggplants, savory onions, and vibrant bell peppers with a kick of cajun seasoning, this dish is a comforting blend of textures and tastes. Topped with breadcrumbs and gooey cheese, it’s baked to perfection. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a potluck hit, this casserole will have everyone asking for seconds.
Cajun Eggplant Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 large peeled and cubed eggplants
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup cheddar or mozzarella shredded cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Add cubed eggplant to the skillet. Cook until eggplant is tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce and cajun seasoning. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need
Read more: Cajun Shrimp Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make Cajun Eggplant Casserole
- Eggplants: Provides a hearty base, absorbing flavors while adding a tender, creamy texture to the casserole.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth, balancing the bold spices with its natural sugars.
- Bell pepper: Contributes a slight crunch and a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic quality, elevating the savory elements.
- Tomato sauce: Brings acidity and richness, tying all the ingredients together with a cohesive taste.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy topping, providing a delightful contrast to the soft eggplant.
- Cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, flavorful layer, making the casserole irresistibly cheesy.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing, it imparts a subtle fruitiness and helps cook the vegetables evenly.
- Cajun seasoning: Delivers a spicy kick, giving the casserole its signature bold and zesty flavor.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Cajun Eggplant Casserole Recipe
- Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened, and cooking eggplant until tender.
- Baking dish: Needed to transfer the cooked mixture and bake it with breadcrumbs and cheese until bubbly.
- Oven: Required to bake the casserole at 375°F, ensuring the cheese melts and the dish is heated through.
- Cutting board: Useful for chopping onions, bell peppers, and cubing eggplants, keeping your workspace organized.
- Knife: Important for precise cutting and chopping of vegetables, ensuring even cooking.
Cajun Eggplant Casserole
A hearty and flavorful casserole with a Cajun twist, perfect for a family dinner.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants peeled and cubed
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 1 cup bell pepper chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
- Add cubed eggplant to the skillet. Cook until eggplant is tender.
- Stir in tomato sauce and Cajun seasoning. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Read more: Italian Eggplant Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the casserole as directed but stop before baking.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble the casserole without baking.
- Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To cook, thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the tomato sauce can enhance the depth of flavor in this Cajun Eggplant Casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer. Cheddar and mozzarella work well, but feel free to experiment.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Is there a substitute for cajun seasoning?
You can use a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper as a substitute.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Cooked sausage, ground beef, or chicken can be added for extra protein.
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