Name: Savory Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin Recipe That Delights
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium eggplant; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp kosher salt; 1 lb Italian sausage; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 2 cloves garlic; 28 oz fire-roasted canned tomatoes; 1 cup fresh basil; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup fresh mozzarella

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Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin is a comforting dish that combines roasted eggplant with savory Italian sausage, creating a delightful meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a rich tapestry of flavors that will wow your taste buds. The creamy cheese and hearty sausage blend seamlessly, making it a go-to recipe for any lover of Italian cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this dish! First, it’s a healthy eggplant and sausage meal packed with protein and fiber. Second, the cheesy eggplant and sausage gratin is incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for a family dinner. Third, this recipe is easy to make, making it an Italian sausage bake you can whip up on a busy weeknight. Additionally, it features a wonderful combination of flavors that includes the smokiness of fire-roasted tomatoes and the freshness of basil. The versatility of this eggplant and sausage dish allows it to be enjoyed by everyone, even those who may not typically eat vegetables. Lastly, it serves as a great option for meal prep, ensuring you have delicious leftovers to savor throughout the week.

Ingredients for Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin

Gather these items:

1 medium eggplant
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 lb Italian sausage
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic
28 oz fire-roasted canned tomatoes
1 cup fresh basil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh mozzarella

How to Make Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400˚F. Line two sheet pans with foil and brush with olive oil.
Step 2: Arrange sliced eggplant on the prepared pans, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with kosher salt.
Step 3: Bake eggplants for 15 minutes, rotate pans and bake for an additional 20 minutes until tender.
Step 4: In a pot over medium heat, cook Italian sausage until lightly browned, breaking it into pieces.
Step 5: Drain excess grease, reduce heat to low, stir in Italian seasoning and minced garlic, cooking for 2 minutes.
Step 6: Add fire-roasted canned tomatoes, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for 20-25 minutes.
Step 7: Add fresh basil and cook for another 5 minutes before removing from heat.
Step 8: In a separate saucepan, heat heavy cream until simmering, then reduce by half. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
Step 9: Grease a baking dish and layer half of baked eggplant, half of meat sauce, repeat layer.
Step 10: Pour cheese sauce over the top layer and bake at 350˚F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
Step 11: Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin

Keep these in mind:

Choose firm and shiny eggplants for the best texture.
Substitute olive oil with avocado oil if needed.
Sea salt can replace kosher salt.
Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference.
Fresh basil is best for maximum flavor.
For lower fat, consider using half-and-half.
Pecorino Romano can add a sharper taste.
For a low-moisture option, use block mozzarella.
For extra flavor, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

Best Ways to Serve Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin

This delicious dish can be served with a side salad for a complete meal. An Italian-style eggplant and sausage recipe is perfect with garlic bread for a hearty dinner. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables, making it a delightful eggplant casserole experience.

How to Store and Reheat Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin

To store leftovers, keep the gratin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350˚F until warmed through. This makes for an excellent meal prep option, allowing you to enjoy a comforting dinner throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin

What’s the secret to perfect Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin?

Using fresh ingredients, particularly basil and high-quality sausage, enhances the dish’s flavor. Layering the eggplant and sausage carefully ensures a beautiful presentation and even cooking.

Can I make Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake it before serving for a warm, comforting meal.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin?

Make sure to salt the eggplant before baking to draw out excess moisture. This step prevents the dish from becoming watery and ensures the perfect texture.

Variations of Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin You Can Try

Explore different variations such as adding spinach or zucchini to the layers for added nutrition. For a vegetarian eggplant and sausage casserole, omit the sausage and add lentils or chickpeas for protein. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like gouda or cheddar, to customize the flavor profile.

Savory Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin Recipe That Delights - Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out this link for tips on cooking with eggplant. You can also learn about Italian sausage varieties and their uses in various dishes. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, visit this page for more inspiration.