Best 8 Eggplant Parmesan Deconstructed Recipes

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**Eggplant Parmesan Deconstructed: A Unique Twist on the Classic Italian Dish**

Discover a delightful twist on the beloved Italian classic, Eggplant Parmesan, with our deconstructed version. This modern interpretation retains the essence of the traditional dish while offering a creative and visually stunning presentation. Our recipe guide features three variations: the original Eggplant Parmesan Deconstructed, a lighter Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan Deconstructed, and a hearty Eggplant Parmesan Pasta Bake. Each recipe provides step-by-step instructions, catering to different preferences and cooking styles. Whether you're seeking a healthier alternative, a quick and crispy option, or a comforting pasta casserole, we've got you covered. Get ready to impress your taste buds and elevate your culinary skills with our deconstructed Eggplant Parmesan recipes.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

DECONSTRUCTED EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Deconstructed Eggplant Parmesan image

All the same great flavors as a traditional Eggplant Parmesan Recipe, just deconstructed into a simple, delicious, mediterranean diet inspired, pasta dish.

Provided by Brynn McDowell, RD at The Domestic Dietitian

Categories     entree     pasta     vegetarian

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb pasta (I prefer Cavatappi for this dish but you can use whatever pasta shape you prefer)
2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
1 medium eggplant, diced
2 tbsp dried basil (divided)
1 tbsp dried oregano (divided)
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup panko style breadcrumbs
4 oz fresh mozarella cheese (diced or shredded (your preferece))
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tsp red flakes
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 11 minutes if using Cavaatppi pasta. Drain pasta and add to a large bowl.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat
  • Once the oil is hot, add diced eggplant, 1 tablespoon of dried basil, 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  • Stir the eggplant often white sauteing to ensure it doesn't stick to the bottom of hte pan.
  • If eggplant is sticking, slowly add a little more olive oil. Don't add to much more or the eggplant will become soggy.
  • Saute for about 10 minutes, until eggplant is golden brown and soft, but not soggy.
  • Remove from heat and add eggplant to bowl with pasta
  • Return same pan to the stove and heat additional 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat
  • Add panko breadcrumbs and remaining 1 tablespoon of dried basil and 1/2 tablespoon of dried oregano
  • Lightly toast the breadcrumbs, just until golden brown (about 1 minute). Stir constantly to avoid sticking
  • Remove pan from heat
  • In the large bowl with the cooked pasta and eggplant, add the fresh mozzarella cheese and halved cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes
  • Add the toasted breadcrumb mixture and parmesan cheese evenly over the pasta
  • Garnish with fresh basil

DECONSTRUCTED EGGPLANT MOUSSAKA



Deconstructed Eggplant Moussaka image

Construct a delicious Deconstructed Eggplant Moussaka for dinnertime tonight! Sprinkle your baked eggplant moussaka with parsley for a perfect finish.

Provided by My Food and Family

Categories     Sauces & Condiments

Time 1h20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 eggplant (1 lb.)
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 lb. extra-lean ground beef
3/4 cup CLASSICO Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley, divided
1/2 cup CLASSICO Light Creamy Alfredo Pasta Sauce
1/2 cup KRAFT Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375°F.
  • Cut eggplant lengthwise in half. Scoop out eggplant flesh, leaving 1/2-inch-thick shells; coarsely chop flesh.
  • Cook chopped eggplant and onions in nonstick skillet on medium-high heat 5 min., stirring frequently. Add meat; cook until evenly browned, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomato and basil sauce; bring to boil, stirring frequently. Simmer on medium-low heat 10 min. or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in cinnamon and 3 Tbsp. parsley.
  • Place eggplant shells, cut sides up, on rimmed baking sheet; fill with meat mixture. Top with Alfredo sauce and cheese.
  • Bake 30 to 35 min. or until eggplant mixture is heated through and cheese is lightly browned. Sprinkle with remaining parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 220, Fat 10 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 40 mg, Sodium 660 mg, Carbohydrate 0 g, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 0 g, Protein 15 g

DECONSTRUCTED EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Deconstructed Eggplant Parmesan image

"Deconstructed" dishes are so very fun to make and elegant looking. In this recipe, the eggplants are cooked without breading, covered in ricotta, fresh sauce, mozzarella, and then the whole thing is topped with toasted bread crumbs. Adapted from Melissa Clark, Food Editor, New York Times.

Provided by threeovens

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, more for drizzling
5 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 sprigs fresh oregano
3 sprigs fresh basil
5 tablespoons parmesan cheese, finely grated
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup ricotta cheese
2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
5 large basil leaves, for garnish

Steps:

  • To prepare the eggplant, sprinkle with about 1/2 teaspoon salt and let stand, in a colander, about 20 minutes; drain, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat some of the oil in a large skillet, over medium high heat, and cook eggplant, undisturbed, until golden, about 4 minutes; flip and cook an additional 3 to 4 minutes (you'll need to do this in a single layer and in batches).
  • Drain eggplant on paper toweling; repeat until all the eggplant is cooked.
  • Turn heat down to medium, add 3 tablespoons of oil and add 4 garlic cloves; cook until golden, about 2 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes and oregano; cook, breaking up the tomatoes, until they start form a sauce, about 15 minutes.
  • Add basil and 4 tablespoons Parmesan; simmer 5 minutes more.
  • Meanwhile, heat a small skillet, over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon oil, mince the remaining garlic and add to the skillet, along with the bread crumbs; toast, stirring, until bread crumbs just start to brown, about 2 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon Parmesan; season with a pinch of salt.
  • To serve, arrange eggplant on a large platter and spoon dollops of ricotta over, then top with sauce; scatter bread crumb mixture over sauce, top with mozzarella and garnish with basil leaves, then drizzle with oil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370.9, Fat 32.7, SaturatedFat 6.9, Cholesterol 18.1, Sodium 393.4, Carbohydrate 14.1, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 5.2, Protein 7.9

DECONSTRUCTED ROASTED EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Deconstructed Roasted Eggplant Parmesan image

Make one of your favorite Italian dishes, Eggplant Parmesan, at home in half the time. It's healthier too since it's baked and not fried!

Provided by Carrie's Experimental Kitchen

Categories     Main Entree

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 8

10 cups diced eggplant
4 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup prepared marinara sauce
1/2 cup italian flavored bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Add the eggplant, garlic, oil, salt and pepper to a bowl and mix together.
  • Place mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes; turning halfway. Remove from the oven and reduce oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Add the roasted eggplant mixture back to the bowl, add 3/4 cup of the cheese, sauce and breadcrumbs; mix well.
  • Place mixture in an oven safe 2 quart baking dish and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 218 kcal, Carbohydrate 22.8 g, Protein 4.3 g, Fat 12.6 g, Sodium 588 mg, Fiber 6.1 g, Sugar 8 g, ServingSize 1 serving

DECONSTRUCTED EGGPLANT PARMESAN SANDWICH



Deconstructed Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h45m

Yield 4 sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 17

Two 28-ounce cans whole tomatoes, drained of their liquid
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Salt
1 large eggplant, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (you'll need at least 8 rounds)
Freshly cracked black pepper
2 cups all-purpose flour, for dredging
4 large eggs, beaten
3 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Vegetable oil, for frying
2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
4 soft brioche buns
1 pound burrata cheese
1/2 cup pickled cherry peppers, sliced 1/4-inch thick
16 leaves fresh basil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone liner and another baking sheet with a wire rack.
  • For the eggplant: In a bowl, toss the tomatoes with the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar and some salt. Evenly place the tomatoes on the lined baking sheet. Place in the oven and roast until slightly caramelized and dried out a bit, 20 to 30 minutes. Set aside.
  • Set the eggplant slices on the wire rack (if you don't have a rack you can use a colander set in the sink). Sprinkle salt on each side of the eggplant and let the salt do the work for 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Once the salt has released moisture from the eggplant, pat the slices dry with paper towels. Then sprinkle each side of the eggplant with pepper.
  • Set up a standard breading station with the flour in one shallow dish, the eggs in another and the panko mixed with the Parmesan in a third dish. Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour, shake off any excess, dip in the egg, let any excess drip off and then coat in the panko. Set aside on the wire rack and repeat.
  • In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 1-inch vegetable oil to 350 degrees F.
  • Working in small batches, fry the eggplant slices, turning once, until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes a side. Using a pair of tongs, transfer back to the wire rack. Repeat with the remaining eggplant. Make sure to season the eggplant as it comes out of the oil.
  • For the sandwich build: Butter and griddle both sides of the buns until golden and crispy (you can toast the buns as well). Tear the burrata over the bottom buns, then add 2 hot eggplant slices, some roasted tomatoes, a few pickled cherry peppers and some fresh basil leaves on each bun. Serve to applause.

EGGPLANT PARMESAN CASSEROLE



Eggplant Parmesan Casserole image

I really like this recipe. It's a lot easier and fewer calories than traditional fried eggplant Parmesan.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h20m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 15

2 large eggplants
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pinch salt, or as needed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 cups prepared marinara sauce
½ cup water, plus more as needed
¾ cup ricotta cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup shredded pepperjack cheese
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
¾ cup dry bread crumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Cut 5 crosswise slices from center area of each eggplant, about 1/2-inch thick, to total 10 slices. Peel and dice remaining pieces of eggplant.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until oil is very hot. Sprinkle eggplant slices lightly with a pinch of salt and cook in hot skillet in batches until slightly softened, about 3 minutes per side. Set eggplant slices aside on paper towels.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in skillet and cook garlic for about 10 seconds; add diced eggplant and season with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes. Saute until eggplant is softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in marinara sauce and water. Turn heat to medium-low and cook until eggplant is tender, about 15 minutes; stir occasionally. If sauce gets too thick, add a little more water.
  • Combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, pepperjack cheese, a pinch of salt, and a pinch black pepper in a bowl until thoroughly combined. Spread about 2 tablespoons cheese mixture over each eggplant slice. Fold eggplant slices in half to enclose the cheese mixture.
  • Spread about half the sauce into an 8x8-inch baking dish. Lay folded eggplant slices in a single layer into the dish. Spread remaining sauce over eggplant slices.
  • Combine bread crumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a bowl; mix thoroughly. Spread crumb mixture over eggplant casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until casserole is bubbling and crumbs are browned, 35 to 40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 397.4 calories, Carbohydrate 41.1 g, Cholesterol 20.1 mg, Fat 21.4 g, Fiber 11.6 g, Protein 12.7 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Sodium 905.9 mg, Sugar 17.3 g

JAMIE OLIVER'S EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Jamie Oliver's Eggplant Parmesan image

This recipe is an adaptation of one found in Jamie Oliver's book, "Jamie's Italy." It's a healthier version than the traditional Italian-American juggernaut; it omits breading and frying the eggplant, and instead calls for roasting the eggplant until golden brown.

Provided by Marian Burros

Categories     dinner, weekday, main course

Time 1h45m

Yield 4 to 5 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 medium-large eggplants, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices
Olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 28-ounce can no-salt plum tomatoes or crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, or as needed
1/3 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves, optional

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Brush both sides of eggplant slices with oil, and place in a single layer on two or more baking sheets. Bake until undersides are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes, then turn and bake until other sides are lightly browned. Set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees.
  • Meanwhile, in a large saucepan over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and add onion. Sauté until soft, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and dried oregano and sauté another 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and their juices, breaking up whole tomatoes with your hands. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Add vinegar, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Into a 9-by-9-inch, 10-by-5-inch or 10-by-6-inch baking pan, spoon a small amount of tomato sauce, then add a thin scattering of parmigiano, then a single layer of eggplant. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a little sauce and a sprinkling of parmigiano. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and oregano, if using, with just enough olive oil to moisten. Sprinkle on top. If desired, recipe can be made to this point and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking.
  • Bake until eggplant mixture is bubbly and center is hot, 30 to 45 minutes depending on size of pan and thickness of layers. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Recipe can also be reheated.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 268, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 36 grams, Fat 12 grams, Fiber 13 grams, Protein 10 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 1283 milligrams, Sugar 18 grams

EGGPLANT PARMESAN II



Eggplant Parmesan II image

This is a no fry variation of this popular dish, and is just as delicious!

Provided by Dolores Gentner-Ryan

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 eggplant, peeled and thinly sliced
2 eggs, beaten
4 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
6 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
½ teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in bread crumbs. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes on each side.
  • In a 9x13 inch baking dish spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 487.4 calories, Carbohydrate 62.1 g, Cholesterol 72.8 mg, Fat 16 g, Fiber 8.8 g, Protein 24.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 1663.1 mg, Sugar 19.9 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right eggplant. Look for eggplants that are firm and heavy for their size, with smooth, unblemished skin.
  • Slice the eggplant evenly. This will help it cook evenly.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the eggplant. This will prevent it from getting soggy.
  • Use a good quality marinara sauce. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
  • Don't overcook the eggplant. It should be tender but still have a little bit of bite to it.
  • Serve the eggplant parmesan immediately. This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh.

Conclusion:

Eggplant parmesan is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It's a great way to use up leftover eggplant, and it's also a good option for vegetarians and vegans. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious eggplant parmesan that will impress your family and friends.

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