Best 7 Light Baked Not Fried Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

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Eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is typically made with fried eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese. This baked version of eggplant parmesan is a healthier alternative to the traditional dish, as it uses less oil and is baked instead of fried. It is also a great way to use up leftover eggplant. This recipe includes instructions for making the eggplant parmesan from scratch, including the tomato sauce. However, you can also use store-bought tomato sauce to save time. There are also instructions for making a vegetarian version of the dish, using tofu instead of eggplant. Whether you are looking for a classic Italian dish or a healthier alternative, this baked eggplant parmesan recipe is sure to please.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

LIGHTER EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Lighter Eggplant Parmesan image

This Lighter Eggplant Parmesan is one of my favorite ways to eat eggplant. No breading, just eggplant, cheese and marinara.

Provided by Gina

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 pounds eggplant (1 large or 2 medium)
olive oil spray
1 teaspoon kosher salt
12 ounces part-skim ricotta (Polly-o is the only brand I use)
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp Pecorino Romano
1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
1 large egg
2-1/2 cups part-skim mozzarella (I used Sargento)
4 cups homemade tomato sauce or jarred marinara

Steps:

  • Start by making the sauce if you don't have any already made.
  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Spray 2 sheet pans with oil.
  • While the sauce simmers, slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch thick slices. Transfer to the prepared pans, it's ok if they overlap slightly. Season with salt. Bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through until eggplant is golden.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium bowl combine ricotta, egg, parsley and 1/4 cup of grated cheese.
  • Put 1/2 cup sauce on the bottom of a 9x12 baking dish, add 1/3 of eggplant to cover the bottom of the dish. Top with 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture, 3/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese and 3/4 cup of the sauce. Add another layer of eggplant and repeat the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese and sauce two more times, reserving the third layer of mozzarella for topping. Finish with 1 1/2 cups of sauce, remaining mozzarella, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of grated cheese.
  • Heat the oven to 400F.
  • Cover with foil and bake until cheese is melted and everything is bubbling, about 40 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.
  • Take it out of the oven and let it sit about 10 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 /8th, Calories 255.5 kcal, Carbohydrate 18.5 g, Protein 20 g, Fat 12.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.5 g, Cholesterol 59.5 mg, Sodium 809 mg, Fiber 5 g, Sugar 9.5 g

NO-FRY SHEET-PAN EGGPLANT PARMESAN



No-Fry Sheet-Pan Eggplant Parmesan image

Skip the messy process of frying eggplant and bake it on a sheet pan instead. The thick slices get the same crisp exterior and soft interior, but you'll use a lot less oil.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 tablespoons olive oil
2 large cloves garlic, thinly sliced
One 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped, plus more torn leaves for serving
1 medium-large eggplant (about 1 1/2 pounds), sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
1 pound fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Put 2 tablespoons olive oil and the garlic in a large skillet and place over medium heat. When the garlic sizzles and its edges start to brown, add the tomatoes, red pepper flakes and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped basil.
  • Heat an 18-by-13-inch sheet pan in the oven for at least 10 minutes while you bread the eggplant. Line up 3 shallow dishes; fill one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant slices with salt. Dredge an eggplant slice in the flour (tapping off excess), then dip in the egg, and finally dredge it in the breadcrumbs. Repeat with the remaining eggplant.
  • When all the eggplant slices are breaded, carefully remove the heated sheet pan from the oven and brush it with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Place the eggplant on the sheet pan in a single layer. Bake until the undersides are crisp and browned, 8 to 10 minutes, then flip the slices and continue baking until they are golden on the second side, 8 to 10 minutes more.
  • Top the baked eggplant with the tomato sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan. Return the pan to the oven and bake, rotating halfway through, until the cheese melts and browns and the sauce is bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Top with torn basil before serving.

LIGHT (BAKED NOT FRIED) EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Light (Baked Not Fried) Eggplant Parmesan image

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

5 lb eggplant
3 eggs
seasoned bread crumbs
1/8 - 1/4 c water
1 can(s) San Marzano tomatoes
1/8 c olive oil
1 Tbsp oregano, dried
cooking spray
Parmesan cheese
mozzarella cheese
salt

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!

RAGÚ® NO-FRYING EGGPLANT PARMESAN



RAGÚ® No-Frying Eggplant Parmesan image

Breaded eggplant slices are baked then layered with lots of cheese and sauce for a delicious, family-favorite dinner.

Provided by RAGÚ®

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Ragu®

Time 1h35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 cups plain dry bread crumbs
2 medium eggplants, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices
4 large eggs, beaten with
3 tablespoons water
1 (24 ounce) jar RAGÚ® Old World Style® Traditional Sauce
½ cup reduced-fat grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place bread crumbs in medium bowl.
  • Dip eggplant slices in egg mixture, then bread crumbs. Arrange eggplant slices in single layer on lightly oiled baking sheets. Bake until eggplant is golden, about 25 minutes.
  • Evenly spread 1 cup Sauce in 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Layer ½ of the baked eggplant slices, then 1 cup Sauce and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; repeat layers. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 45 minutes.
  • Remove foil and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered until cheese is melted, about 10 minutes.

BAKED 'FRIED' BREADED EGGPLANT



Baked 'Fried' Breaded Eggplant image

This oven-fried eggplant is a delicious alternative to deep-fried eggplant; easy and quick to make in the oven! Came up with this idea when looking for an easier way to make this family dish.

Provided by Sunnydae

Categories     Fruits and Vegetables     Vegetables     Eggplant

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

olive oil, divided
2 cups dry unseasoned bread crumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, or more to taste
¼ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
¼ teaspoon dried oregano, or to taste
¼ teaspoon dried basil, or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 eggs
1 splash water
1 eggplant, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil; coat with about 1 teaspoon olive oil.
  • Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
  • Combine eggs with a splash of water in a separate shallow dish. Coat both sides of an eggplant slice with the egg mixture. Dip eggplant slice in the bread crumb mixture to coat. Place slice onto the baking sheet. Repeat coating the remaining eggplant slices. Drizzle remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil over the breaded slices.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 355.9 calories, Carbohydrate 47.5 g, Cholesterol 101.8 mg, Fat 11.9 g, Fiber 7.1 g, Protein 15.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.7 g, Sodium 625 mg, Sugar 6.9 g

EGGPLANT PARMESAN LIGHT



Eggplant Parmesan Light image

This is a yummy Eggplant Parmesan that is baked, not fried... adjust the seasonings to your desire and enjoy! My husband and I can share this dish with very few leftovers, but feel good about it because the bulk of it is veggies!

Provided by MelissaO

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h5m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 large eggplant
cooking spray
3/4 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
15 ounces organic tomato sauce
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons italian seasoning, divided
2 slices whole wheat bread
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 tablespoon minced garlic

Steps:

  • Slice eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds, discarding stem.
  • Spray large skillet with cooking spray. Heat skillet to medium-high. Brown eggplant slices in skillet, turning after 2 minutes.
  • Mix tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese, 2 Tablespoons Italian Seasoning, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl.
  • Spread a thin layer of sauce mixture on the bottom of a 8 or 9 inch square baking dish. Add a layer of eggplant. Cover eggplant with 1/4 Cup Mozzarella cheese.
  • Repeat layers twice more: sauce, eggplant, cheese.
  • Pulse bread in blender or food processor to make medium course bread crumbs. Toast crumbs in hot skillet, stirring frequently to prevent burning. (Or toast bread before processing.) Combine bread crumbs with remaining Italian Seasoning. Layer seasoned crumbs on top of casserole.
  • Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook, or cook immediately.
  • Bake in oven at 350°F, uncovered, for approximately 45 minutes (or until bubbly).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 445.2, Fat 17.2, SaturatedFat 9.9, Cholesterol 58.8, Sodium 1879.4, Carbohydrate 47.9, Fiber 14.7, Sugar 18.1, Protein 31.1

LIGHTER EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Lighter Eggplant Parmesan image

Baked eggplant and a healthier bechamel sauce match up in an Italian classic made virtuous. In this lighter recipe, the cheeses are on top, instead of in layers, with a creamy pink sauce underneath.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Main Dish Recipes     Casserole Recipes

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 large eggplant (2 pounds), sliced 1/2 inch thick crosswise
1 tablespoon olive oil
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 cup fat-free (skim) milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup homemade or best-quality store-bought marinara sauce
1/2 cup grated part-skim mozzarella
1/3 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees, with racks in upper and lower thirds. Arrange eggplant on two rimmed baking sheets. Brush eggplant on both sides with oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until golden brown and very tender, 20 to 25 minutes, turning slices and rotating sheets halfway through.
  • Meanwhile, make sauce: Off heat, in a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/4 cup milk, flour, and garlic. Gradually whisk in remaining 3/4 cup milk and 1/2 cup marinara sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer, and cook until pink sauce has thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Spread 1/4 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a shallow 2-quart baking dish. Alternate layers of baked eggplant with pink sauce. Dollop with remaining 1/4 cup marinara sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Bake on upper rack until browned and bubbling, 10 to 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 229 g, Fat 9 g, Fiber 8 g, Protein 12 g

Tips:

  • To make the eggplant slices less bitter, sprinkle them with salt and let them rest for 30 minutes before cooking. Then, rinse them off and pat them dry.
  • To make the eggplant slices crispy, brush them with olive oil and bake them at a high temperature.
  • To make the marinara sauce more flavorful, use a variety of fresh herbs and spices.
  • To make the cheese more gooey, use a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
  • To make the eggplant Parmesan more visually appealing, arrange the eggplant slices in a spiral pattern in the baking dish.

Conclusion:

Baked eggplant Parmesan is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover eggplant. This recipe is for a lightened-up version of eggplant Parmesan that is baked instead of fried. The result is a dish that is just as flavorful and satisfying, but without all the guilt. So next time you are craving eggplant Parmesan, give this recipe a try.

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