Best 3 RagÚ No Frying Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

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

Eggplant parmesan is a beloved Italian dish that combines the flavors of tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Traditionally, this dish is made by frying the eggplant slices, which can make it high in calories and fat. However, this recipe collection offers a healthier take on eggplant parmesan by eliminating the frying process. Instead, the eggplant slices are baked in the oven, resulting in a lighter and healthier dish that still delivers on flavor. With three different recipes to choose from, this article provides options for eggplant parmesan lovers of all preferences. From a classic version to a lightened-up version with reduced cheese and a vegetarian version that uses tofu instead of cheese, there's a recipe here for everyone. Whether you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy this classic dish or simply want to try something new, these recipes are sure to satisfy.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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.

NO FRY EGGPLANT PARMESAN



No Fry Eggplant Parmesan image

This easy no fry eggplant parmesan is the best homemade Italian dinner. Sliced eggplant is breaded and baked till crispy. Then, they are layered with marinara sauce and both mozzarella and parmesan cheeses!

Provided by Amanda

Categories     Main Course

Time 2h40m

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 medium eggplants (approximately 2 pounds total)
kosher salt (for sweating the eggplants)
2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 Tablespoon italian seasoning
1 Tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
2 Tablespoons water
olive oil spray or olive oil for drizzling
2 ½ cup italian gravy (or store bought marinara)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Wash the eggplants and slice into approximately ½" - 1" inch rounds. Lay them on a cooling rack or paper towels and generously salt each side of the eggplant with kosher salt. Allow the eggplant to sit for 1 hour to sweat out any extra bitterness and moisture.
  • Once eggplants have had time to sweat, rinse them thoroughly with water to remove any excess salt and then pat them completely dry.
  • Preheat the oven to 400° and line two sheet pans with parchment paper or foil.
  • Crack both eggs into a shallow dish or bowl with the water and scramble them together with a fork or whisk.
  • In a separate shallow dish or bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Working with 1-2 slices at a time, dip the eggplant into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to allow the excess egg mixture to drip off of the eggplant before transferring to the breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs into all sides of the eggplant to make sure they stick properly to form the crust around the entire eggplant slice.
  • Place breaded eggplant slices on the prepared sheet pans and spray or drizzle them lightly with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Sheet pans may need to be rotated on the shelves halfway through baking to ensure all of the slices brown evenly.
  • In a 9x13 baking dish, spread approximately ½ cup of the italian gravy over the bottom of the pan. Layer half of the eggplant slices over the top of the sauce. Then spread 1 cup of the sauce over the eggplant and top with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese. Repeat the second layer with the remaining eggplant slices, sauce, and cheeses.
  • Reduce oven temperature to 375° and bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 square, Calories 240 kcal, Sugar 9 g, Sodium 1094 mg, Fat 10 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, TransFat 1 g, Carbohydrate 24 g, Fiber 6 g, Protein 15 g, Cholesterol 74 mg, UnsaturatedFat 4 g

AIR FRYER EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan image

These eggplant Parmesan rounds are oil free and grease free, yet they are crispy and crunchy. All due to cooking it in an air fryer. They are good eaten right out of the air fryer or topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Either way they are delicious.

Provided by Yoly

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Cheese

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 13

½ cup Italian bread crumbs
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ cup flour
2 large eggs eggs, beaten
1 medium eggplant, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 cup marinara sauce, or more to taste
8 slices mozzarella cheese, or as needed

Steps:

  • Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Place flour in a separate shallow bowl and beaten eggs in a third shallow bowl.
  • Dip sliced eggplant first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat with bread crumb mixture. Place coated eggplant on a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
  • Preheat an air fryer to 370 degrees F (185 degrees C).
  • Place breaded eggplant rounds in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching; work in batches if necessary. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flip each round, and cook until desired crispiness is achieved, 4 to 6 minutes more. Top each eggplant round with marinara sauce and 1 slice mozzarella cheese. Place basket back in the air fryer and cook until cheese has started to melt, 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat with remaining eggplant, if necessary.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 376.9 calories, Carbohydrate 35.5 g, Cholesterol 134.6 mg, Fat 15.7 g, Fiber 7.5 g, Protein 24.3 g, SaturatedFat 8 g, Sodium 1562.9 mg, Sugar 10.7 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right eggplant: Select firm, small to medium-sized eggplants with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid large eggplants as they tend to be bitter.
  • Slice the eggplant evenly: Consistent thickness ensures even cooking. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline for precise slices.
  • Soak the eggplant slices in salted water: This helps draw out the bitterness and reduce the oil absorption during baking.
  • Pat the eggplant slices dry: Before coating and baking, use paper towels to remove excess moisture, promoting crispier results.
  • Use a light coating of breadcrumbs: A heavy coating can overpower the eggplant's flavor. Use a mixture of panko and grated Parmesan cheese for a crispy, flavorful crust.
  • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Place the eggplant slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
  • Bake the eggplant slices until golden brown: Keep a close eye on the eggplant to prevent burning. The ideal color is a deep golden brown, indicating a crispy exterior and a tender interior.
  • Layer the eggplant with sauce and cheese: Use a flavorful tomato sauce and a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a classic eggplant parmesan experience.
  • Bake the eggplant parmesan until the cheese is melted and bubbly: This final baking step ensures the cheese is melted and gooey, completing the dish.

Conclusion:

This comprehensive guide provides a detailed roadmap for creating a delicious and healthier version of eggplant parmesan without frying. From selecting the right eggplant to perfecting the baking process, these tips offer valuable insights for home cooks seeking a healthier alternative to traditional fried eggplant parmesan. By following these steps, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying eggplant parmesan that is not only crispy and cheesy but also healthier, making it a great choice for those looking to indulge in a classic Italian dish without compromising on their health goals.

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