Best 6 Eggplant Parmesan I Recipes

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**Eggplant Parmesan: A Classic Italian Dish with a Twist**

Eggplant Parmesan is a beloved Italian dish that combines the flavors of tender eggplant, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese. This classic dish is a staple in many Italian-American restaurants and homes, and it's easy to see why. The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible.

This article presents three variations of the classic Eggplant Parmesan recipe:

1. **Traditional Eggplant Parmesan:** This recipe follows the classic method of breading and frying eggplant slices before layering them with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The result is a crispy, cheesy dish that is sure to satisfy.

2. **Baked Eggplant Parmesan:** This healthier version of Eggplant Parmesan uses a combination of baking and pan-frying to achieve a crispy exterior and a tender interior. It's a great option for those looking for a lighter version of the classic dish.

3. **Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan:** This modern take on Eggplant Parmesan uses an air fryer to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust on the eggplant slices. It's a quick and easy way to enjoy this classic dish without all the grease.

No matter which recipe you choose, you're sure to enjoy this delicious and versatile dish. Eggplant Parmesan can be served as a main course, a side dish, or an appetizer. It's also a great way to use up leftover eggplant. So what are you waiting for? Give one of these recipes a try today!

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED-EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Baked-Eggplant Parmesan image

Choose firm, smooth eggplants. We bake rather than fry ours for less mess and less fat.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Main Dish Recipes     Casserole Recipes

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
2 large eggs
3/4 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 large eggplants (2 1/2 pounds total), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
6 cups (48 ounces) store-bought chunky tomato sauce or homemade Chunky Tomato Sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush 2 baking sheets with oil; set aside. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and 2 tablespoons water. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, 3/4 cup Parmesan, oregano, and basil; season with salt and pepper.
  • Dip eggplant slices in egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then dredge in breadcrumb mixture, coating well; place on baking sheets. Bake until golden brown on bottom, 20 to 25 minutes. Turn slices; continue baking until browned on other side, 20 to 25 minutes more. Remove from oven; raise oven heat to 400 degrees.
  • Spread 2 cups sauce in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Arrange half the eggplant in dish; cover with 2 cups sauce, then 1/2 cup mozzarella. Repeat with remaining eggplant, sauce, and mozzarella; sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Bake until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted, 15 to 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 279 g, Fat 11 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 15 g

BAKED EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Baked Eggplant Parmesan image

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

2 eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 tablespoon salt, or as needed
1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 (28 ounce) jar garlic-and-tomato pasta sauce
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (16 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, or as needed
½ teaspoon dried basil

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

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

EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Eggplant Parmesan image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h15m

Yield about 4 to 6 main course servi

Number Of Ingredients 22

2 medium eggplant (about 2 1/4 pounds), cut into 1/2-inch-thick round slices
Kosher salt, as needed, plus 1 tablespoon
5 cups fresh breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme
Freshly ground black pepper
Vegetable oil for frying
All-purpose flour for dredging
6 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons whole milk
Olive oil, as needed
7 cups QUICK MARINARA SAUCE, recipe follows
2/3 cup grated Parmesan, divided
1 pound fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium onion, diced (about 1/3 cup)
5 cloves garlic, chopped
7 cups whole, peeled, canned tomatoes in puree (about two 28-ounce can), roughly chopped
2 sprigs of fresh thyme
2 sprigs of fresh basil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Arrange the eggplant slices on several baking sheets and sprinkle generously all over with kosher salt. Set aside to let the bitter juices weep from the eggplant, about 1 hour.
  • Transfer the eggplant to a colander in the sink, and rinse well under cold running water. Transfer eggplant to a work surface and blot very dry with paper towels.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, breadcrumbs, oregano, thyme, and season with pepper.
  • Place the flour in a medium lipped plate or bowl. In another medium bowl, whisk the egg and milk together. Dredge an eggplant slice in the flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess breading and transfer the eggplant to a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining eggplant.
  • In a large straight-sided skillet, pour the oil to a depth of 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium heat until it registers 400 degrees F on a deep frying thermometer. (The oil must be heated to 400 degrees F. so that the breaded eggplant, when added, will drop the temperature of the oil to the proper frying temperature of 375 degrees F.)
  • Working in small batches, fry the eggplant slices, turning once, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per batch. Using tongs, transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and season with salt to taste. Repeat with the remaining eggplant.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly brush a 15 x 10- x 2-inch-baking dish with olive oil. Cover the bottom of the baking dish with 1/3 of the marinara sauce and arrange half of the eggplant over the sauce. Cover the eggplant with another 1/3 of the sauce. Scatter half of the Parmesan and half of the mozzarella over the sauced eggplant. Repeat with the remaining eggplant, sauce, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Bake until hot and just beginning to brown, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
  • Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Saute the onion and garlic, stirring, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and the herb sprigs and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
  • Remove and discard the herb sprigs. Stir in the salt and season with pepper to taste. Use immediately, store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Yield: about 3 1/2 cups
  • Copyright 2001 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved

EGGPLANT PARMESAN I



Eggplant Parmesan I image

This makes a delicious entree served with a salad and garlic bread.

Provided by Karen

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 eggplant, cut into 3/4 inch slices
1 ½ tablespoons salt
8 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces ricotta cheese
6 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
½ cup chopped fresh basil
4 cups pasta sauce

Steps:

  • Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant slices with salt. Place slices in a colander, and place a dish underneath the colander to capture liquid that will sweat out of the eggplant. Allow to sit for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Mix in egg and basil.
  • Rinse the eggplant in cold water until all salt is removed. In a large skillet, heat 4 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Place one layer of eggplant in the pan, brown each side. Repeat with remaining eggplant slices, using additional oil if necessary.
  • In a 9x13 inch baking dish, evenly spread 1 1/2 cups of spaghetti sauce. Arrange a single layer of eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Top the eggplant with 1/2 of the cheese mixture. Repeat layering process until all the eggplant and cheese mixture is used. Pour remaining sauce on top of layers, and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake 30 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven, until sauce is bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 368.8 calories, Carbohydrate 23.5 g, Cholesterol 52.5 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 5.6 g, Protein 14.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.4 g, Sodium 2074.6 mg, Sugar 13.1 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

Tips:

  • Choose fresh, firm eggplants for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Slice the eggplants evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices and let them rest for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, resulting in crispier slices.
  • Dredge the eggplant slices in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs to create a protective coating that prevents the eggplant from absorbing too much oil.
  • Use a large skillet or griddle to cook the eggplant slices in batches, ensuring they have enough space to brown properly.
  • Cook the eggplant slices over medium heat to prevent burning and promote even cooking.
  • Flip the eggplant slices carefully to avoid breaking them.
  • Layer the eggplant slices, tomato sauce, and cheese in a baking dish, repeating the layers until all the ingredients are used up.
  • Bake the eggplant parmesan in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
  • Let the eggplant parmesan cool slightly before slicing and serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Conclusion:

Eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a hearty side dish. With its combination of crispy eggplant, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted cheese, it's a dish that's sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you're following a traditional recipe or experimenting with different variations, the key to making a great eggplant parmesan is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and cook it with care. With a little time and effort, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

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