Indulge in the culinary delight of Baked Eggplant Parmesan, a vegetarian dish that combines the flavors of tender eggplant slices, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese. This classic Italian recipe offers a symphony of textures, from the crispy golden-brown crust to the soft and juicy eggplant. The eggplant, coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, absorbs the tangy marinara and melty cheese, creating a dish that is both satisfying and delicious. Explore variations such as the Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan, a healthier option with a crispy exterior and tender interior. For a vegan twist, try the Vegan Eggplant Parmesan, which uses plant-based cheese and dairy alternatives to create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Find step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and cooking tips for each recipe, making it easy to recreate these culinary masterpieces in your own kitchen.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
ITALIAN BAKED EGGPLANT WITH PARMESAN (PARMIGIANA DI MELANZANE)
Eggplant parmigiana or eggplant Parmesan is one of the most popular and iconic vegetarian Italian dishes and this recipe is straight from Italy. Use ripe eggplant without seeds and salt them for 1 hour to remove the bitterness.
Provided by Beatrice
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 3h5m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place a single layer of eggplant slices in a colander sitting on a plate and sprinkle with coarse salt. Cover with a second layer and sprinkle with salt. Repeat with remaining eggplant. Place a plate on top and add a weight to put pressure on the eggplant slices. Let stand at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Rinse eggplant slices under running cold water to wash off all the salt. Pat dry on all sides with paper towels.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge eggplant slices in flour on both sides and add to the hot oil, working in batches. Deep fry eggplant until golden, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; cook garlic and onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add tomato puree, 4 basil leaves, and salt. Cook, stirring often, until sauce starts to thicken, about 20 minutes. Remove sauce from heat. Discard garlic and stir in remaining 4 leaves basil.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Spread a layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Cover with a single layer of eggplant slices. Top with more sauce, mozzarella slices, and Parmesan cheese. Continue making layers, a total of 3 to 5, finishing with tomato sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and bubbling, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 591.9 calories, Carbohydrate 30.6 g, Cholesterol 76.5 mg, Fat 38.5 g, Fiber 9.1 g, Protein 35.1 g, SaturatedFat 15.3 g, Sodium 3313.2 mg, Sugar 13.5 g
BAKED EGGPLANT WITH PESTO, PARMESAN, AND MOZZARELLA
This tasty eggplant dish is the perfect side to a roasted chicken and a green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. You can either pre-grill the slices or broil them before putting the dish in the oven but either way, make sure the slices are partially cooked before baking. You may want to have a little extra wine/chicken broth mixture handy if the sauce gets too dry.
Provided by Penny Stettinius
Categories Cheese
Time 1h30m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Salt the eggplant slices and lay on a paper towel for 20 minutes to extract any bitter flavors.
- Pat the slices dry.
- Grill the slices (I use a dry grill pan on the stove top but you could also broil) until soft but not all the way done.
- Heat a skillet and add 2 TBS olive oil, Saute onion, garlic, and bellpepper until soft.
- Salt and pepper liberally.
- Stir in the wine and chicken broth and reduce to about 1/2 Cup.
- Stir in pesto and tomato paste and remove from the heat.
- In a casserole dish sprinkle the remaining 1 TBS olive oil and lay one layer of eggplant slices on top.
- Spread 1/3 of the sauce on the eggplant and top with 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until cheese is browning and bubbly and eggplant slices are soft.
EGGPLANT PARMESAN BAKED QUICK AND EASY
Tender layers of crispy breaded eggplant nestled in a rich tomato sauce, Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and seasoned with fresh oregano leaves. This is a simple quick and easy recipe for making this classic Italian dish that is sure to satisfy. It can be served as a main meal or placed on bread to make a classic parmigiana sandwich.
Provided by mkef35
Categories Cheese
Time 30m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Slice eggplant into 1 inch thick rounds, place in a shallow bowl, salt on both sides and set aside.
- In a saucepan add 2 tablespoons olive oil ,chopped garlic and chopped onion and cook until onion is clear.
- add 2 cups tomato puree and 1 tsp oregano leaves.
- add salt and pepper to taste, stir, reduce heat and let simmer,.
- rinse eggplant and pat dry.
- dip eggplant in flour, dip in lightly beaten egg,then dip in breadcrumbs.
- add oil to skillet and fry eggplant till golden brown on each side.
- take 1/2 of the fried eggplant rounds and set in a baking pan or casserole dish.
- add sauce onto each round.
- add some shredded mozzarella to each one.
- add another eggplant round.
- add sauce and mozzarella to each one,.
- top each one generously with grated parmesan.
- garnish each with a few oregano leaves.
- drizzle with oil , and bake in oven at 375 till cheese is melted and starting to become golden brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 401.3, Fat 14.5, SaturatedFat 5.3, Cholesterol 53.1, Sodium 708.7, Carbohydrate 54.4, Fiber 12.7, Sugar 12.4, Protein 17.3
LIGHT (BAKED NOT FRIED) EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Eggplant Parmesan is always rich in flavor, but it can also be high in fast since the eggplant is fried. In this recipe, the eggplant bakes with a bread crumb crust before it's layered with San Marzano tomatoes and cheese. It's made with far less fat, but not lacking at all in flavor. You really taste the Parmesan cheese flavor...
Provided by Malinda Coletta
Categories Other Main Dishes
Time 1h5m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. To the one can of San Marzano tomatoes, add olive oil, oregano, and salt to taste. If your can of tomatoes is whole or chopped use a blender, or food processor to make into a smooth sauce. Set aside. You do not cook this - trust me it gives the parmesan a FRESH tomato taste!
- 2. Fill one dish with seasoned bread crumbs; fill another one with the eggs and water beaten.
- 3. Start to cut your eggplant. I do not peel mine as we like the flavor of the skin of the Japanese eggplant, if using the Italian style eggplant you may want to peel. (Japanese eggplant is banana-shaped - Italian style is more bulb-shaped). Slice eggplant into 4-inch sections.
- 4. Turn on its side so the round part is facing down and then cut in 1/2 inch slices - you now have a sort of rectangle piece of eggplant NOT a round slice. I do this because it makes it easier to layer.
- 5. Spray 2 cookie sheets with cooking spray.
- 6. Place eggplant in egg wash.
- 7. Then into bread crumbs; shake off excess.
- 8. Fill one tray.
- 9. Spray the battered eggplant with cooking spray.
- 10. Place into pre heated 450F oven on the bottom rack. Repeat for tray two rotate bottom tray to the top. If you have not finished slicing eggplant you can do this while you are waiting for the top rack to finish cooking. No more than 10 mins for each sheet.
- 11. In a 13 x 9 glass baking dish, lightly coat the bottom with the tomato sauce.
- 12. Start by adding a layer of eggplant.
- 13. Next add a layer of Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and a bit of salt if you think it needs it.
- 14. Repeat starting with the tomato again, but layer the eggplant going in the opposite direction as the layer before. If you are doing this while the eggplant is cooking in the oven you will save a ton of time! Also keep in mind I do not put a ton of cheese in the layers as we are trying to keep this full flavor - lower calories!
- 15. Once ALL the eggplant is in the dish cover with the remaing tomato sauce and a generous helping of the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese.
- 16. Put in the 450F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is brown.
- 17. With the leftovers, I portion out into single servings and place in small freezer bags - grab and go for lunches!
BAKED EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Eggplant slices are coated with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese and baked between layers of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese for a filling Italian-inspired meal. Add fresh garlic and basil to taste. I use 2 to 4 cloves fresh garlic and 5 to 10 leaves of freshly harvested basil in the sauce. Fresh basil layered in one of the layers adds lots of 'fresh' flavor!
Provided by Dollface
Categories World Cuisine Recipes European Italian
Time 4h5m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place eggplant slices in a colander; sprinkle both sides of each slice with salt. Allow to sit for at least 3 hours. Wipe excess moisture from eggplant slices with paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
- Mix bread crumbs and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese together in a bowl.
- Dip eggplant slices in beaten egg; coat with bread crumb mixture. Arrange coated eggplant slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned and crisp, about 5 minutes per side.
- Cover the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a layer of spaghetti sauce; top with a layer of eggplant slices. Sprinkle with about 1 tablespoon of the remaining Parmesan cheese and 1/3 the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, ending with a cheese layer. Sprinkle with basil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is bubbling and golden brown, about 35 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 473.7 calories, Carbohydrate 43.9 g, Cholesterol 118.9 mg, Fat 20.4 g, Fiber 10.4 g, Protein 29.6 g, SaturatedFat 10.5 g, Sodium 2427.6 mg, Sugar 18 g
BAKED STUFFED EGGPLANT PARMESAN
This is a very hearty dish full of Mediterranean flare. The cubed eggplant, tomatoes, peppers and onions are well complemented by the ground beef. Layering the seasoned bread crumbs, marinara, and cheeses, give a great mix of Italian (and some Greek) flavors. Served in a baked eggplant shell, it's an impressive presentation....
Provided by Nor Mac
Categories Casseroles
Time 1h25m
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- 1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
- 2. Cut eggplant in half lengthwise.
- 3. Cut around inside of each half with a knife. Cut about 1/4-1/2 inch away from outer edge of eggplant. Cut all the way around inside perimeter. Be careful not to slice through the eggplant skin.
- 4. Slice into the inner part of eggplant in rows making 3-4 cuts lengthwise and widthwise in a checkerboard pattern. Spoon out the cubed eggplant. You may need to cut some more to make each one about the size of a sugar cube. Set aside.
- 5. Pour marinara sauce into a bowl and heat in the microwave until hot.
- 6. Into a 9x13 inch baking pan, place about 1/2 of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the pan. Set aside.
- 7. Place the hollowed out eggplant halves cut side down. Poke with a sharp knife randomly through the flesh in several areas.
- 8. Place eggplant cut side up into the pan of marinara sauce.
- 9. Cover tightly with foil. Place in oven and bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
- 10. Cook ground beef or cubed chicken breast. I broiled my beef in the oven ahead of time. You may choose to fry or bake the meat until cooked thoroughly. Salt and pepper to taste. Add to a large bowl.
- 11. While the eggplant is baking, add 2 Tbsp olive oil to a pan. Sauté the eggplant cubes with the diced tomato. Cook until eggplant softens (about 10 minutes). Remove from pan and add to a bowl.
- 12. Into the pan add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the onions and peppers together until the onion is golden.
- 13. Add mixture to bowl with eggplant mixture.
- 14. Season the mixture with the basil, oregano, parsley, garlic salt and black pepper.
- 15. Add in the cooked beef or chicken. Toss together.
- 16. Add in 1/4 cup Parmesan Reggiano cheese.
- 17. Toss mixture together.
- 18. Remove eggplant from the oven. Divide vegetable mixture and stuff into eggplant halves. Cover and bake an additional 20 minutes.
- 19. In a bowl, mix Panko bread crumbs with remaining Parmesan cheese. Add in the melted butter. Toss crumbs well with cheese and melted butter.
- 20. Top the eggplant with the bread crumb mixture. Bake uncovered until crumbs are golden brown.
- 21. Pour remaining marinara sauce over bread crumbs.
- 22. Top with the mozzarella cheese.
- 23. Bake until cheese is melted.
- 24. Cut each eggplant in half widthwise and serve.
EGGPLANT PARMESAN BALLS BAKED OR FRIED
Eggplant parmesan takes a new shape! Easy as making meatballs, these balls are meatless. Using eggplant instead of meat. You could even shape these into patties for a vegetarian burger! Delicious!
Provided by Deb Crane
Categories Burgers
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a baking sheet lightly.
- 2. Heat olive oil in pan and sauté garlic till fragrant, about 1 or 2 minutes. Add eggplant cubes and water. Cover pot and let simmer on low, stirring occasionally so it doesnt stick. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until eggplant cubes are completely softened. I keep mushing them as I check them. If by chance it seems very liquid, drain the liquid out.
- 3. After eggplant is soft, put to the side and let it cool off until it is room temperature.
- 4. When cool, add the 2 eggs and mix well. Add the parmesan cheese.... and please, use fresh shaved into big shavings. It makes a big difference! Add the bread crumbs and salt and pepper and mix everything very well.
- 5. Put mixture in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This will make forming the balls or patties easier.
- 6. Form into balls or patties. Place on the greased sheet, and bake for 30 minutes turning them after 20 minutes. You could also fry them in oil for a crisper texture.
- 7. Endless possibilities with these! Would make a perfect eggplant parmesan sandwich with the addition of mozzarella cheese slice and a bit of sauce! Can use in any recipe calling for meatballs. Could even put them in a casserole and top with sauce and more cheese.
- 8. Delicious and simple! My step daughter brought a friend to visit who is a vegetarian who has never had eggplant! This is a very good recipe for the introduction of eggplant. The texture is much like a meatball and the flavor is subtle. She now LOVES eggplant! :) I served them with spaghetti and red sauce.
BAKED EGGPLANT PARMESAN WITH TURKEY MEAT, SOY MOZZARELLA CHEESE
This recipe comes from my husband's Aunt Annalee down in St. Louis. My hubby is lactose intolerant, so I tried this dish with soy mozzarella cheese and it's delicious. We make it for friends all the time and they can't tell it's soy either. We like it with turkey meat, but you can try soy crumbles as well if you are vegetarian. It's a very filling and healthy meal. Enjoy!
Provided by Stacey E.
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h10m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In pie plate, combine eggs and 1 TBSP water. In another pie plate, place bread crumbs. Dip eggplant in egg mixture coating well. Dip into bread crumbs. Place on greased (I use olive oil spray) baking sheet. Bake eggplant for 20 minutes, turn once.
- In large skillet w/ olive oil, saute onion, garlic, and turkey meat for about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and sugar. Bring to boil. Stir with wooden spoon.
- Reduce heat, simmer, covered and stirring occasionally for 45 minutes.
- Arrange half of eggplant slices in bottom of baking dish.
- Cover bottom of baking dish with some of the sauce. Arrange the eggplant so it covers bottom of baking dish. Sprinkle cheese and pour sauce so it covers a thin layer over eggplant. Arrange the rest of the eggplant and repeat those steps. The top layer should be the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake, uncovered 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 542.4, Fat 28.4, SaturatedFat 10.9, Cholesterol 195.5, Sodium 1934.8, Carbohydrate 42.7, Fiber 10.7, Sugar 20.2, Protein 33.3
BAKED EGGPLANT, TOMATO, MOZZARELLA AND PARMESAN
This is a very rich dish and deserves to be eaten on its own. It is said to originate in Campania and is often confused the Melanzane alla Parmigiana, another dish entirely.Unknown Source
Provided by Lynnda Cloutier
Categories Other Main Dishes
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- 1. Cut eggplant lengthwise into strips 1/2 inch wide. Soak them for 30 minutes in a bowl of heavily salted water.
- 2. Heat oil in skillet, add the onion and cook for 5 minutes til softening, then add the tomatoes an basil and simmer gently for 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3. Drain eggplant, then rinse and pat dry. saute them or brush with olive oil and roast in preheated oven at 350 for about 20 minutes til deep golden brown. Set aside.
- 4. Arrange eggplant in single layer in oven dish then add a layer of grated Parmesan, followed by a layer of sliced mozzarella and a layer of the tomato sauce. Continue layering in this order til all the ingredients have been used, ending with a sauce layer. This will keep the dish moist. If you want a crisp top, end with eggplant and Parmesan
- 5. Bake in 350 oven for 30 to 35 minutes til browned and bubbling. Remove and set aside for 10 minutes to settle before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature. Serves 4
Tips:
- Choose the right eggplant: Look for eggplants that are firm and heavy for their size, with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid eggplants that are soft, wrinkled, or have brown spots.
- Slice the eggplant evenly: This will help them cook evenly. Use a sharp knife to cut the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick slices.
- Salt the eggplant slices: This will help to draw out the bitterness. Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them rest for 30 minutes. Then, rinse the eggplant slices off and pat them dry.
- Dredge the eggplant slices in flour: This will help them to brown and crisp in the oven. Coat the eggplant slices in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Use a good quality marinara sauce: The marinara sauce is a key component of this dish, so be sure to use one that you like. You can use your own homemade marinara sauce or a store-bought brand.
- Layer the eggplant slices in a baking dish: Start by spreading a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Then, add a layer of eggplant slices. Repeat these layers until all of the eggplant slices have been used.
- Bake the eggplant parmesan: Bake the eggplant parmesan in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the eggplant parmesan rest before serving: This will help the flavors to meld together. Let the eggplant parmesan rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Conclusion:
Baked eggplant parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover eggplant, and it can be served as a main course or a side dish. With its crispy eggplant, flavorful marinara sauce, and melted cheese, baked eggplant parmesan is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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