Best 4 Johns Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our tantalizing Eggplant Parmesan recipes, where crispy eggplant slices are lovingly coated in a flavorful breading, then layered with rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Experience the classic version, where the eggplant is fried to golden perfection, or try the healthier baked version, where the eggplant is roasted in the oven until tender. We also have a vegetarian option, where the eggplant is paired with a flavorful lentil Bolognese sauce. Explore the quick and easy Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan recipe for a crispy and guilt-free indulgence. And for a unique twist, try our Eggplant Parmesan Bites, perfect for parties or appetizers. Each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver an explosion of flavors and textures, making it an unforgettable dining experience.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

JOHN'S EGGPLANT PARMESAN



John's Eggplant Parmesan image

This casserole is started the night before to let the eggplant drain to remove any bitterness. This is a wonderful vegetarian dish (with no sausage or meatballs) that is even better the next day!

Provided by Lauren Conforti

Categories     Casseroles

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 medium or large eggplant
2 eggs
1/4 c milk
1/2 tsp tobasco
1/4 c parmesan cheese
1 c italian bread crumbs (can use plain seasoned with oregano, thyme, parsley, basil, garlic powder & onion powder)
salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 c mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 c parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 c cheddar, shredded (optional, for color)
1 1/2-2 c spaghetti sauce (see recipe for conforti family red gravy)
olive oil, extra virgin

Steps:

  • 1. Break up any sausage and/or meatballs, if there are any in sauce.
  • 2. Peel & slice eggplant. Layer between paper towels in a colander & lightly salt each layer (this will draw out any bitterness) Put weight on top, such as a large can of tomatoes & let sit in fridge overnight.
  • 3. Then in a bowl combine the eggs, milk & tobasco sauce. Beat eggs well.
  • 4. In another bowl combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan and salt & pepper. Combine well with a fork.
  • 5. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Then preheat oven to 350F.
  • 6. Dip each slice of eggplant in the egg mixture, then in the bread crumb mixture. Fry over medium heat until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  • 7. Spray a casserole dish. Spread a light layer of sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of eggplant slices. (Try not to overlap much)
  • 8. Add a layer of mozzarella & Parmesan.
  • 9. Layer sauce, eggplant, cheeses, sauce, eggplant, cheeses, until casserole is full. Add cheddar, if desired, in last layer for color.
  • 10. Bake at 350F for 25 minutes, then bake at 450F for 5-10 minutes until cheese is golden brown & casserole is bubbly.

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

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 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

Tips:

  • Choose the right eggplant: Select 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: Cut the eggplant into uniform slices so that they cook evenly. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for achieving even slices.
  • Salting the eggplant: Salting the eggplant slices draws out excess moisture and helps prevent them from becoming bitter. Don't skip this step!
  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs, such as basil and oregano, add a burst of flavor to the dish. Use high-quality olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
  • Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying the eggplant slices, don't overcrowd the pan. This will prevent them from cooking evenly and becoming soggy.
  • Cook the eggplant until golden brown: Fry the eggplant slices until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. This ensures that they are cooked through and have a delicious flavor.

Conclusion:

John's eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. With its crispy eggplant slices, flavorful tomato sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is a perfect combination of textures and flavors. Whether you are serving it as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Italian dish, give John's eggplant parmesan a try. You won't be disappointed!

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