Mediterranean Eggplant Bake with Roasted Sweet Peppers

This Mediterranean Eggplant Bake with Roasted Sweet Peppers transforms simple ingredients into a colorful, flavorful dish that's both nourishing and satisfying. Finished with fresh herbs and just a touch of cheese, it's a delicious vegetarian meal or side dish that can easily be made vegan.

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Servings

Calories 323kcal

Ingredients

1 large eggplant
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 mild yellow banana peppers washed, seeded, stems removed
15 oz tomato sauce
6 slices thin-sliced provolone
1 T. dried basil
1 tsp fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Add tomato sauce, basil, and garlic to a one-quart saucepan, and heat on low.
Remove stems and seeds from pepper, brush all sides with olive oil, and roast for 10 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside.
Prepare two stainless steel or glass bowls with olive oil and breadcrumbs.
Slice eggplant into ½-inch rounds.
Dip and coat each eggplant slice with olive oil.
Dip eggplant rounds into the breadcrumb mixture and coat both sides of each slice.
Arrange on a baking sheet.
Bake 15 minutes.
Turn slices over and bake another 10–12 minutes until golden.
Top each slice with:
o 1 tablespoon marinara
o roasted pepper strips
o mozzarella
Return to oven 5–7 minutes until cheese melts.
Sprinkle with basil and parsley. Finish with a light drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.

Notes

Dietitian Tip

Roasting vegetables is one of the easiest ways to bring out their natural sweetness and flavor. Eggplant, sweet peppers, tomatoes, and herbs are staples of the Mediterranean eating pattern, providing fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients that support heart health and overall wellness.

Tip

Short on time? Roast the eggplant and peppers a day in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving. This dish also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

Nutrition