Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I laid eyes on the vibrant stacks of roasted eggplant, creamy ricotta, and velvety marinara, I felt transported to a sun-drenched terrace in Italy, where meals are shared and savored. This Eggplant Napoleon is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delicious vegetarian option that promises to impress. It’s packed with Mediterranean flavors that linger long after dinner, plus it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a dish that elevates weeknight dinners or steals the spotlight at any gathering. Ready to layer on those flavors and delight your taste buds? Let’s dive into the recipe! Why is Eggplant Napoleon a must-try? Delicious Layers: This Eggplant Napoleon features roasted eggplant layered with creamy ricotta and vibrant marinara, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. Versatile Dish: Easily customize it with different vegetables or cheeses to match your preferences, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys it. Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients, this dish offers a delightful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Simple Yet Impressive: Perfect for casual weeknights or entertaining guests, it’s a dish that always garners compliments, proving that great things can indeed come from simple ingredients. Quick to Prepare: While it may look gourmet, the step-by-step assembly is straightforward and can save you time in the kitchen, making it an ideal recipe for busy cooks. Eggplant Napoleon Ingredients For the Roasted Layers • Eggplant – The foundation of the dish, provides a tender texture; salting first helps to remove excess moisture and bitterness. • Olive Oil – Used for roasting eggplant; consider avocado oil for a unique flavor twist. For the Creamy Filling • Ricotta Cheese – Adds creaminess and richness; substitute cottage cheese for a lighter taste. • Mozzarella Cheese – Offers a gooey, melty aspect; opt for part-skim for a healthier version. • Garlic – Provides aromatic depth; while fresh is ideal, garlic powder works in a pinch. • Basil – Fresh herbs enhance flavor; use dried if needed but in lesser quantity. For the Tangy Sauce • Marinara Sauce – Brings acidity and depth of flavor; homemade is best, but store-bought saves time. Optional Extras • Zucchini – Substitute for eggplant for a lighter take. • Spinach or Mushrooms – Incorporate into the ricotta for added nutrition and flavor. • Goat Cheese or Feta – Use for a unique twist in flavor profiles. Enjoy creating this delightful Eggplant Napoleon, a true celebration of Mediterranean flavors! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Eggplant Napoleon Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant Begin by slicing the eggplant into even rounds, about half an inch thick. Generously sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices and allow them to sit for 30 minutes. This process helps to extract moisture and reduce bitterness, resulting in perfectly tender layers for your Eggplant Napoleon. Step 2: Roast the Eggplant Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salted eggplant slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the eggplant is tender and slightly golden, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Filling While the eggplant roasts, mix together 1 cup of ricotta cheese, chopped fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined. This rich filling will add depth and creaminess to your Eggplant Napoleon, perfectly complementing the other layers. Step 4: Assemble the Eggplant Napoleons Once the eggplant is cooked and cooled slightly, begin layering your Eggplant Napoleon. Start with a slice of roasted eggplant, followed by a generous scoop of ricotta filling, and a spoonful of marinara sauce. Repeat this process until you have several layers, finishing with marinara sauce on top. Step 5: Bake the Eggplant Napoleon Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled stacks in a baking dish and cover with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the layers are heated throughout. The enticing aroma will fill your kitchen! Step 6: Garnish and Serve Remove the Eggplant Napoleon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Drizzle with a little more marinara sauce if desired, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. Serve warm as a delightful centerpiece at your meal, and enjoy the rich flavors that come together beautifully! Expert Tips for Eggplant Napoleon Salting Eggplant: Salt the eggplant rounds thoroughly and allow them to drain for at least 30 minutes to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness. Even Roasting: Make sure to roast the eggplant slices uniformly by flipping them halfway through. This ensures consistent tenderness across all pieces. Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This makes cleanup a breeze and helps achieve a nice roast without mess. Taste as You Go: Sample each layer as you assemble your Eggplant Napoleon. Balance the ricotta mixture’s seasoning and adjust to your liking for a truly flavorful dish. Leftover Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last about 2-3 days, making for a quick meal option during the week. Storage Tips for Eggplant Napoleon Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container, where the Eggplant Napoleon will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This helps retain its flavors and textures. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. It can last for up to 3 months without compromising taste. Reheating: To reheat, place the Eggplant Napoleon in a baking dish covered with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Thawing: If frozen, transfer it to the fridge the night before to thaw slowly, ensuring it’s ready for a delightful meal anytime! What to Serve with Savory Eggplant Napoleon? Creating the perfect meal around your Eggplant Napoleon will leave everyone feeling satisfied and delighted. Arugula Salad: Tossed with lemon vinaigrette, this peppery salad brightens the palate and complements the rich flavors of the eggplant. Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery, and infused with garlic, each slice pairs wonderfully against the savory layers of your dish, making it an irresistible addition. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots, roasted to perfection, enhance each bite with extra texture and a hint of sweetness. Caprese Salad: A fresh medley of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, creating a refreshing contrast to the hearty Napoleon. Risotto: Creamy risotto provides a comforting side that balances the rich flavors of the eggplant, elevating your dining experience to new heights. Sparkling Water with Lime: Refreshing and zesty, this drink cleanses the palate, making every mouthful of your Eggplant Napoleon even more enjoyable. Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a decadent note with a light and airy mousse, perfectly contrasting the savory course with a touch of sweetness. Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle on your Eggplant Napoleon for an extra layer of flavor; it adds a delightful tanginess that enlivens the dish beautifully. Eggplant Napoleon Variations & Substitutions Feel free to get creative and tailor this Eggplant Napoleon to match your taste buds and dietary needs! Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs in marinara with ground almonds for a gluten-free twist that adds a lovely crunch. Dairy-Free: Swap mozzarella and ricotta for cashew cheese or a vegan ricotta for a creamy, dairy-free alternative, maintaining rich flavor. Extra Veggies: Add roasted bell peppers or zucchini in between layers for a refreshing burst of color and added nutrition. These veggies meld beautifully with the familiar textures of eggplant. Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano in the ricotta filling for an aromatic enhancement. A hint of Italian seasoning will make your dish sing with Mediterranean flair. Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle some balsamic reduction over the finished layers for a slightly sweet, tangy dynamism that pairs beautifully with the savory flavors. Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the marinara or olive oil before roasting the eggplant for an unexpected hint of heat that will excite your palate. Nutty Flavor: Incorporate toasted pine nuts or walnuts in the ricotta mixture for added crunch and a delightful nutty undertone. For more breadth in your veggie repertoire, be sure to check out my take on Vegetable Lasagna or explore flavorful toppings with Homemade Marinara Sauce. Make Ahead Options These Eggplant Napoleons are ideal for busy cooks looking to streamline their meal prep! You can prepare the roasted eggplant slices and rich ricotta filling up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To maintain the quality, ensure the eggplant is completely cooled before refrigerating to prevent sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy your Eggplant Napoleon, simply assemble the layers with marinara and cheese, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. This way, you’ll savor a delicious homemade meal without the last-minute rush—perfect for those hectic weeknights! Eggplant Napoleon Recipe FAQs How do I select the best eggplant? Absolutely! Look for eggplants that are firm to the touch and have a shiny, smooth skin. The color should be vibrant, whether it’s deep purple or glossy white. Avoid eggplants with dark spots or blemishes, as these can indicate overripeness. If you press gently, it should spring back without leaving a dent. What’s the best way to store leftovers? I recommend storing your Eggplant Napoleon in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for about 2-3 days. This keeps the flavors intact. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the oven for the best texture! Can I freeze the Eggplant Napoleon? Yes, you can! For freezing, slice the assembled Eggplant Napoleon into individual portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It should keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven until heated through. What should I do if my eggplant is bitter? Very! If you find your eggplant has bitter notes, it could be due to not salting it long enough. To combat this, after slicing, sprinkle salt generously and let it sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse off the salt, pat dry, and you’ll have much tastier layers! Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Of course! This Eggplant Napoleon is vegetarian and can easily be made gluten-free by ensuring that the marinara sauce and any additives are gluten-free. Additionally, if anyone has dairy allergies, you could substitute the cheeses with dairy-free options like cashew cheese or tofu ricotta for a satisfying alternative. Decadent Eggplant Napoleon: A Savory Vegetarian Delight Eggplant Napoleon is a delicious vegetarian dish featuring layers of roasted eggplant, creamy ricotta, and marinara. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 55 minutes minsCooling Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: AppetizersCuisine: MediterraneanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Roasted Layers2 medium Eggplants Sliced into rounds2 tablespoons Olive Oil For roastingFor the Creamy Filling1 cup Ricotta Cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded, part-skim for healthier option2 cloves Garlic Minced (fresh or garlic powder)1/4 cup Fresh Basil Chopped; dried if necessaryFor the Tangy Sauce2 cups Marinara Sauce Homemade or store-boughtOptional Extras1 cup Zucchini Optional substitute for eggplant1 cup Spinach or Mushrooms Incorporate into the ricotta filling1/2 cup Goat Cheese or Feta For a unique flavor twist Equipment OvenBaking DishBaking SheetMixing Bowlparchment paper Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPrepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into even rounds, sprinkle salt, and let sit for 30 minutes.Roast the Eggplant: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat dry, drizzle with olive oil, and roast for 20-25 minutes.Prepare the Ricotta Filling: Mix ricotta, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until creamy.Assemble the Eggplant Napoleons: Layer roasted eggplant, ricotta, and marinara, repeating until finished.Bake the Eggplant Napoleon: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), cover with mozzarella, and bake for 25-30 minutes.Garnish and Serve: Let cool slightly, drizzle with marinara, and garnish with fresh basil. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Can freeze for up to 3 months, reheat at 350°F (175°C). Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
