EGGPLANT PARMESAN CASSEROLE

This scrumptious recipe has been ON THE MENU for the last two weeks. I have eaten the leftovers for lunch, every single morsel. YUMMY! To say I have thoroughly enjoyed this dish is such an understatement! It is delicious!!!!

It has all the big bold flavors of Eggplant Parmesan without the breading and frying! Although it is quite easy, it does take a good deal of time. Lots of oven time. The great news is that it can be made up ahead and reheated. I have even frozen a couple !

It is made in a large loaf pan and slices so nicely... if left to rest for 10 minutes!

If you like the original recipe you will love this. It gets my highest recommendation! Just remember the better the quality of the products you put into a dish the better it will taste.

Eggplant Parmesan Casserole

2 TBS plus 1 tsp olive oil

2 medium eggplant, sliced into 3/4 inch thick rounds

1 jar of Tomato And Basil Spaghetti Sauce

8 oz. part-skim ricotta cheese

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese plus 2 TBS, grated

2 large egg

1 cup mozzarella cheese (I use lo-fat farmer's cheese, or lo-fat vegetable farmer's cheese)

1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and brush the parchment paper with a little oil. Put eggplant in a large bowl and drizzle with 2 TBS oil and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt. Toss. Put eggplant in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast eggplant for 35-45 minutes until golden brown, flipping half way through the baking. Cool eggplant and lower oven to 375 degrees.

Meanwhile, in a bowl mix ricotta, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, eggs and a dash of salt and pepper.

Evenly layer 1/4 cup tomato sauce, half the roasted eggplant, 1/4 cup more tomato sauce, 1/2 the ricotta mixture, and 1/2 the Parmesan cheese that is left in an 8 1/2 by 5 1/2 inch loaf style pan. Repeat the layers.

Cover the pan tightly with foil that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake until bubbly, about 25 minutes.

Mix the remaining 1 tsp oil, mozzarella cheese, 2 TBS Parmesan cheese and the Panko bread crumbs in a bowl. Toss.

When the 35-45 minute cooking time is over, take the eggplant out of the oven and take off the foil. Sprinkle with the Panko mixture and continue to bake uncovered for an additional 25 minutes. Let casserole sit for 3-5 minutes before serving.