Savory Southern Eggplant Casserole with Sausage
This delightful Southern Eggplant Casserole is a treasured family recipe that masterfully transforms humble eggplant into a spectacular dish that even the pickiest eaters will love! Featuring hearty bulk sausage and rich flavors from buttery cracker crumbs, this casserole is a comforting blend of textures and tastes. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and a touch of pepper, it’s sure to become a beloved staple on your dinner table. Pair it with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that celebrates home-cooked goodness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 (small, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
Bulk Sausage
1/2 lb (cooked until browned)
Yellow Onion
1 (small, chopped)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Dry Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (none)
Italian Seasoning
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Black Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Butter Cracker Crumbs
1/2 cup (none)
Butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling the eggplant and cutting it into 1-inch cubes. Lightly salt the cubes and let them sweat for about 15-20 minutes to draw out any bitterness.
2
Boil the salted eggplant cubes in a saucepan of water for about 18 minutes or until they are tender. Drain well and allow to cool slightly.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bulk sausage together with the chopped yellow onion. Stir occasionally until the sausage is browned and the onion is soft and translucent.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled eggplant with the cooked sausage and onion mixture. Add in the beaten egg and dry breadcrumbs, mixing until well combined.
5
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a casserole dish by greasing it lightly.
6
Spoon the eggplant and sausage mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
7
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with the butter cracker crumbs until they are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the casserole.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
9
For variations, consider stirring in 1/2 cup of well-drained Rotel tomatoes before baking, or sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese over the top before adding the cracker crumbs for a cheesy twist.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Southern Eggplant Casserole with Sausage?
It is a comforting Southern dish that combines tender eggplant cubes with hearty bulk sausage, seasonings, and a buttery cracker topping.
How do I prepare the eggplant for this casserole?
Peel the eggplant and cut it into 1-inch cubes. Salt the cubes and let them sweat for 15-20 minutes before boiling.
Why should I salt the eggplant before cooking?
Salting the eggplant cubes and letting them sweat helps to draw out any potential bitterness.
How long should the eggplant be boiled?
Boil the salted eggplant cubes in a saucepan for approximately 18 minutes or until they are tender.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of bulk sausage, cooked until browned.
What kind of onion is used in the casserole?
Use one small yellow onion, chopped and cooked with the sausage until soft.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the eggplant casserole bake?
Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
What is used for the crunchy topping?
The topping is made from 1/2 cup of butter cracker crumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
Can I add cheese to this eggplant recipe?
Yes, you can sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese over the top before adding the cracker crumbs for a cheesy twist.
Are there any suggested vegetable additions?
You can stir in 1/2 cup of well-drained Rotel tomatoes before baking for extra flavor.
What seasonings are included?
The dish is seasoned with 1.5 tablespoons of Italian seasoning and freshly ground black pepper.
What acts as the binder for the ingredients?
One beaten egg and 1/2 cup of dry breadcrumbs are mixed in to help bind the casserole together.
What should I serve with this dish?
It pairs perfectly with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, prepare your casserole dish by greasing it lightly before adding the mixture.
What size should the eggplant be?
The recipe suggests using one small eggplant cut into 1-inch cubes.
Is this a good recipe for picky eaters?
Yes, the description notes it transforms humble eggplant into a dish that even picky eaters will love.
How many ingredients are required?
There are 9 primary ingredients: eggplant, sausage, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, pepper, cracker crumbs, and butter.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is peeling the eggplant and cutting it into 1-inch cubes for salting.
How do I mix the cracker topping?
In a separate bowl, combine melted butter with cracker crumbs until they are evenly coated.
Can I use different seasonings?
While Italian seasoning is specified, you can adjust the pepper to your taste or experiment with other herbs.
What is the texture of the casserole?
It features a comforting blend of tender vegetable and meat textures with a crispy, buttery topping.
Do I cook the onion and sausage together?
Yes, cook them in a skillet over medium heat until the sausage is browned and the onion is translucent.
Should the eggplant be cooled before mixing?
The instructions recommend allowing the boiled eggplant to cool slightly before combining it with the other ingredients.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a southern comfort food and a hearty family recipe.
What is the purpose of the dry breadcrumbs?
Dry breadcrumbs are mixed into the body of the casserole to provide structure and absorb moisture.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of melted butter for the topping mixture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While the recipe focus is on fresh preparation, you can prep the eggplant and sausage mixtures in advance.
Is the eggplant peeled?
Yes, the instructions specify to start by peeling the eggplant.
How do I know when it is finished baking?
The casserole is done when the cracker topping is golden brown and crispy, usually after 25-30 minutes.