Table of Contents

Eggplant Ricotta Casserole Recipe

Name: Eggplant Ricotta Casserole Recipe
Prep time: PT-492145H33M58S
Cook time: PT-492145H33M58S
Total time: PT-492145H33M58S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds; 2 cups ricotta cheese; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels indulgent yet completely homemade, this Eggplant Ricotta Casserole Recipe delivers on every level. With tender layers of roasted eggplant, creamy ricotta, rich marinara sauce, and bubbling melted cheese, this dish is the definition of Italian comfort food.

Unlike traditional eggplant parmesan, this eggplant ricotta bake focuses on soft, creamy layers rather than heavy breading. The result? A beautifully balanced casserole that’s hearty, satisfying, and ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. best way to prepare eggplant for baking.

**What Is Eggplant Ricotta Casserole Recipe?**

At its core, Eggplant Ricotta Casserole is a layered Italian-style bake made with:

Roasted or baked eggplant slices
Seasoned ricotta cheese
Marinara or tomato sauce
Melted mozzarella
Grated Parmesan

It resembles lasagna in structure but replaces pasta sheets with tender eggplant slices. The result is a vegetarian Italian casserole that’s deeply flavorful without feeling heavy.

How It Differs From Eggplant Parmesan

No breaded eggplant
More emphasis on creamy ricotta layers
Softer, scoopable casserole texture
Built in layered format rather than stacked cutlets

If you enjoy lasagna and eggplant parmesan, this dish offers the best of both worlds.

Ingredients for the Best Eggplant Ricotta Bake

Main Ingredients

1. Eggplant (2–3 large globe eggplants)

Look for:

Firm skin
Deep purple color
Smooth surface
No soft spots

Slice into ¼-inch rounds or lengthwise planks.

2. Ricotta Cheese (15–24 oz)

Use:

Whole milk ricotta for creaminess
Strained ricotta for thicker consistency

Optional additions to ricotta mixture:

Chopped fresh basil
Minced garlic
Salt and black pepper
Grated Parmesan

3. Mozzarella Cheese

Low-moisture shredded mozzarella works best
Fresh mozzarella can be used but must be drained thoroughly

4. Marinara Sauce (3–4 cups)

Options:

High-quality store-bought marinara
Homemade tomato basil sauce
Slow-simmered garlic tomato sauce

5. Parmesan Cheese

Adds:

Salty depth
Crisp golden topping
Authentic Italian flavor

How to Prepare Eggplant for Baking

Eggplant naturally contains moisture. Preparing it properly prevents sogginess and ensures your eggplant ricotta casserole recipe turns out perfectly layered rather than watery.

Step 1: Slice Evenly

Uniform thickness ensures even roasting.

Step 2: Salt the Eggplant

Lay slices on a baking sheet
Sprinkle with salt
Let sit 30–45 minutes

This draws out excess moisture.

Step 3: Pat Dry

Blot with paper towels to remove liquid.

Step 4: Roast Before Assembling

Brush lightly with olive oil
Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes
Flip halfway through

Roasting adds flavor and prevents a mushy texture.

Eggplant Ricotta Casserole Recipe baked with melted mozzarella and marinara

Making the Ricotta Layer

The ricotta mixture is the creamy backbone of this eggplant casserole with cheese.

Combine in a Bowl:

Ricotta
1 egg (optional for structure)
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon chopped basil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Salt & pepper

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Tip: If ricotta looks watery, drain it in a fine sieve for 30 minutes.

How to Assemble Eggplant Ricotta Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Oven

375°F (190°C)

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In a 9×13 baking dish:

Spread thin layer of marinara
Add roasted eggplant slices
Spread ricotta mixture
Sprinkle mozzarella
Repeat layers

Finish with:

Marinara
Mozzarella
Generous Parmesan

Baking Instructions

Cover loosely with foil
Bake 25 minutes
Remove foil
Bake additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly

Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows layers to set.

Flavor Variations

One reason this eggplant ricotta bake recipe remains popular is its flexibility.

Add Spinach

Mix sautéed spinach into ricotta for added depth.

Add Ground Meat

Layer cooked ground beef or Italian sausage for a heartier version.

Make It Spicy

Add:

Red pepper flakes
Spicy marinara
Calabrian chili paste

Use Different Cheeses

Try:

Provolone
Fontina
Smoked mozzarella

Eggplant Rollatini Style

Instead of layering rounds, roll ricotta inside thin eggplant slices and arrange in casserole form.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This eggplant ricotta casserole recipe is ideal for preparing in advance.

To Prepare Ahead:

Assemble completely
Cover tightly
Refrigerate up to 24 hours
Bake when ready

Add 10–15 extra minutes to baking time if chilled.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Mediterranean eggplant dish with:

Garlic bread
Simple arugula salad
Roasted vegetables
Caprese salad
Light pasta side

It works beautifully for:

Family dinners
Potlucks
Holiday gatherings
Vegetarian dinner parties

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple eggplant casserole with ricotta can go wrong without proper technique.

Skipping the roasting step

Using watery ricotta

Overloading with sauce

Cutting immediately after baking

Not seasoning each layer

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days.

Reheating

Oven: 350°F until warmed through
Microwave: Cover loosely to retain moisture

For best texture, oven reheating is preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions

**Can I make Eggplant Ricotta Casserole ahead of time?**

Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking.

How do I keep eggplant from becoming soggy?

Salt, roast, and avoid watery sauces.

Can I substitute ricotta?

Yes. Cottage cheese (drained) works well. For dairy-free options, use plant-based ricotta alternatives.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, naturally — as long as your sauce contains no hidden gluten ingredients.

Can I use grilled eggplant instead?

Absolutely. Grilled slices add smoky flavor and firmer texture.