10+ Italian Sausage and Eggplant Recipes You’ll Love

Italian sausage and eggplant come together to create delicious and hearty meals. These two ingredients offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them a favorite in many kitchens. Whether you are looking for comforting casseroles, savory pasta dishes, or unique stuffed options, you’ll find something special to try.

Using Italian sausage adds a rich, savory taste, while eggplant brings a tender, meaty texture. Together, they can transform everyday meals into delightful culinary experiences. With a variety of recipes available, you can easily find one that suits your taste and cooking style.

1) Eggplant Italian Sausage Gratin

Eggplant Italian sausage gratin is a delightful dish that combines layers of eggplant, hearty sausage, and rich cheese. You will enjoy its comforting flavors and cheesy goodness.

Start by slicing the eggplant into thin rounds. You can salt and let them sit to reduce bitterness. Then, cook the sausage until browned.

Next, layer the eggplant and sausage in a baking dish. Top it off with a creamy cheese sauce before baking. Bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced
• 12 ounces Italian sausage, cooked
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes.
3. Rinse and pat the eggplant dry.
4. Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned.
5. In a baking dish, layer eggplant, sausage, and marinara sauce.
6. Spread ricotta on top and sprinkle with mozzarella.
7. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

2) Sausage and Eggplant Flatbread

Sausage and eggplant flatbread is a tasty dish that’s easy to make. You can enjoy it as a meal or a delicious snack. The combination of flavors makes each bite satisfying.

Start with a base of flatbread, then layer on shredded cheese. Add roasted eggplant for a nice texture and taste. Finally, sprinkle some cooked Italian sausage on top for flavor.

A drizzle of olive oil enhances the dish and adds richness. Bake until everything is hot and the cheese is bubbly.

Ingredients

• Flatbread
• Shredded Italian cheese (like mozzarella)
• 1 medium eggplant
• Cooked Italian sausage
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the eggplant and roast it until tender.
3. Spread cheese on the flatbread.
4. Add roasted eggplant and cooked sausage.
5. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.

3) Sausage-Stuffed Eggplant

Sausage-stuffed eggplant is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. The combination of Italian sausage and roasted eggplant creates a filling option that everyone will enjoy. You can customize it with your favorite spices and vegetables for extra flavor.

To start, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Roasting the eggplant before stuffing it helps to enhance its natural taste. Once prepared, bake the stuffed eggplants until everything is hot and bubbly.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 Italian sausage links (mild or spicy)
• 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the eggplants in half and scoop out the insides.
3. Sauté the sausage until fully cooked.
4. Mix the sausage with the eggplant insides, rice, and tomatoes.
5. Fill the eggplant halves with the mixture.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 30 minutes until tender and golden.

4) Sweet Sausage and Eggplant Penne

Sweet Sausage and Eggplant Penne is a delicious Italian dish that brings flavors together beautifully. You will love the combination of sweet Italian sausage and tender eggplant.

To get started, you can use a firm eggplant as the main vegetable. The sweet Italian sausage adds a rich taste.

Ingredients

• 1 medium firm eggplant
• Salt
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), plus more for drizzling
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Penne pasta

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the eggplant and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
2. Rinse and dry the eggplant.
3. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
4. Cook the sausage until browned. Add garlic and eggplant, cooking until soft.
5. Boil penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
6. Combine pasta with sausage and eggplant mixture. Drizzle with extra olive oil before serving.

5) One Pot Sausage and Eggplant Pasta

This One Pot Sausage and Eggplant Pasta is a simple, tasty dish. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare. It uses fresh ingredients and cooks all in one pot.

Start by browning Italian sausage in a large pot. Once it’s cooked, add diced eggplant and other veggies like tomatoes. This adds great flavor and texture.

Next, stir in the pasta with some broth. Let everything simmer together so the pasta absorbs the delicious sauce. After about 20 minutes, your meal will be ready.

Serve it hot, topped with fresh herbs or cheese if you like. Enjoy this comfort food that’s perfect for any night!

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium eggplant, diced
• 2 cups broth
• 8 ounces pasta
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced eggplant and cook until tender.
3. Stir in the broth and diced tomatoes.
4. Add the pasta and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

6) Sheet Pan Sausage, Eggplant, and Peppers

This dish is a simple, flavorful meal you can prepare in one pan. You’ll enjoy the combination of Italian sausage, tender eggplant, and vibrant peppers. It’s seasoned with garlic and Italian spices, making it a delicious choice for dinner.

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop the vegetables and sausage into bite-sized pieces. Toss them together with olive oil and your favorite spices.

Spread everything evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully while the sausage gets nice and crispy.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage
• Eggplant
• Red bell pepper
• Yellow bell pepper
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Italian spices
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Chop sausage, eggplant, and peppers.
3. Toss with olive oil, garlic, salt, and spices.
4. Spread on a baking sheet.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

7) Eggplant Tomato Sausage Casserole

This Eggplant Tomato Sausage Casserole is a warm and hearty meal. It combines savory Italian sausage with tender eggplant and rich tomatoes. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.

Start by browning the sausage in a skillet. Then, add chopped eggplant and let it cook until soft. The tomatoes add depth and flavor, making every bite satisfying.

Top with cheese for a delicious finish. This casserole is easy to prepare and makes great leftovers.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 1 medium eggplant, diced
• 2 cups canned tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned.
3. Add the chopped onion and eggplant; cook until soft.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.

8) Spicy Eggplant Sausage Stew

This Spicy Eggplant Sausage Stew is a warm and hearty dish perfect for any time. The combination of spicy Italian sausage and tender eggplant creates a delightful flavor. The spices add an extra kick, making it a tasty option for dinner.

Start by cooking the sausage until browned. Then add chopped eggplant, onions, and garlic. Let them simmer together to blend the flavors. You can also include spices like cumin for added warmth.

This stew pairs well with crusty bread or over a bed of rice. Enjoy this easy and delicious meal with friends or family!

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant, diced
• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned.
3. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
4. Add diced eggplant, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

9) Eggplant and Sausage Lasagna

Eggplant and sausage lasagna is a delicious twist on the classic recipe. You’ll enjoy layers of roasted eggplant, savory Italian sausage, and rich marinara sauce. This dish combines various flavors to create a hearty meal.

Start by layering thin slices of eggplant with cooked sausage and cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella. The eggplant replaces traditional pasta, making this dish lower in carbs.

Bake it all in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 1 pound Italian sausage
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplant and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Cook sausage in a skillet until browned.
4. Rinse and dry the eggplant. Brush with olive oil and roast until tender.
5. In a baking dish, layer eggplant, sausage, marinara, and cheeses.
6. Repeat layers and top with remaining cheese.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.

10) Roasted Eggplant and Sausage Skillet

This delicious roasted eggplant and sausage skillet is a great way to enjoy Italian flavors. You will love how the eggplant absorbs the tasty juices from the sausage.

Start by slicing the eggplant into cubes and seasoning it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast the eggplant in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until tender.

In a skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned. Then, add chopped onions and garlic, and cook until they soften. Combine the sausage mixture with the roasted eggplant to create a hearty meal.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant, diced
• 2 Italian sausages, casing removed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss eggplant in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast eggplant for 25-30 minutes.
4. In a skillet, cook sausage until browned.
5. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
6. Then, mix in the roasted eggplant.
7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.