# Moussaka Recipe
Canonical URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/recipes/moussaka
Publication state: published
Updated: 2026-08-02
Primary keyword: moussaka recipe
A practical, source-aware recipe for moussaka, with the history kept close to the method.
## Timing and Yield
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
## Ingredients
- 8 garlic cloves, finely grated, divided
- ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. chopped mint, divided
- 2 Tbsp. chopped oregano, divided
- 3 medium eggplants (about 3½ lb. total), sliced crosswise into ½"-thick rounds
- 2½ tsp. kosher salt, plus more
- ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more
- 2 lb. ground lamb
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 1 3" cinnamon stick
- 2 Fresno chiles, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp. paprika
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
- ¾ cup dry white wine
- 1 28-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes
- 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk, warmed
- ¾ tsp. kosher salt
- 4 oz. farmer cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
- 2 oz. Pecorino or Parmesan, finely grated (about 1¾ cups), divided
- 3 large egg yolks, beaten to blend
## Method
1. Eggplant and Lamb: Eggplant and Lamb
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/moussaka-step-1.webp
   Image description: Step 1: Eggplant and Lamb for Moussaka.
2. Béchamel and Assembly: Béchamel and Assembly
   Step image: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/steps/moussaka-step-2.webp
   Image description: Step 2: Béchamel and Assembly for Moussaka.
## Storage
Cool completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat only when the texture benefits from it.
## History Context
This dinner builds on the history of the fascinating history of eggplant, linking the dish to eggplant’s longer story in food culture.
## Primary Image
- URL: https://thefoodthatshapedus.com/images/recipes/variants/moussaka/moussaka-og.webp
- Description: Moussaka. Photo: Joey Doll / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0).
- Status: editorial-placeholder
## Sources
1. Original Moussaka recipe. Bon Appétit. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/moussaka