Creamy Eggplant & Mushroom Monte Cristo

Name: Creamy Eggplant & Mushroom Monte Cristo
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings.
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 6 slices eggplant (1/2 inch thick), halved; 2-1/2 cups sliced fresh shiitake or baby portobello mushrooms (about 6 ounces); 1 large garlic clove, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons 2% milk; 1/2 cup garlic-herb spreadable cheese (about 3 ounces); 8 slices wide-loaf white bread

TOTAL TIME: Prep/Total Time: 30 min. YIELD: 4 servings.

As a child, I wouldn’t eat veggies. As a parent, I try to include them in creative ways. I'm proud to say this eggplant sandwich is a hit with my son. —Macey Allen, Green Forest, Arkansas

Ingredients

5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
6 slices eggplant (1/2 inch thick), halved
2-1/2 cups sliced fresh shiitake or baby portobello mushrooms (about 6 ounces)
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons 2% milk
1/2 cup garlic-herb spreadable cheese (about 3 ounces)
8 slices wide-loaf white bread

Directions

1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add eggplant; cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until tender and lightly browned. Remove from pan.
2. In same pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until tender. Add garlic, salt and pepper; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from pan; wipe skillet clean.
3. In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and milk until blended. Spread 1 tablespoon herb cheese over each slice of bread. Layer 4 slices with eggplant and mushrooms; top with remaining bread.
4. In same pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Carefully dip both sides of sandwiches in egg mixture, allowing each side to soak 5 seconds. Place 2 sandwiches in skillet; toast 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining oil and sandwiches.

Nutrition Facts

1 sandwich: 573 calories, 36g fat (13g saturated fat), 129mg cholesterol, 939mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein.