Best 5 The Best Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is loved by people all over the world. It is made with breaded and fried eggplant slices, layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, and then baked until bubbly and golden brown. The result is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion.

The recipes in this article will teach you how to make Eggplant Parmesan from scratch. You will learn how to bread and fry the eggplant slices, make the tomato sauce, and assemble the dish. There are also tips on how to make the dish ahead of time and how to store it.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, you will find the perfect Eggplant Parmesan recipe in this article. So what are you waiting for? Let's get started!

Here are some of the recipes you will find in this article:

* Classic Eggplant Parmesan: This is the traditional recipe for Eggplant Parmesan, made with breaded and fried eggplant slices, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
* Baked Eggplant Parmesan: This recipe is a healthier version of Eggplant Parmesan, made with baked eggplant slices instead of fried eggplant slices.
* Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan: This recipe is perfect for vegetarians, made with eggplant slices, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, but without any meat.
* Gluten-Free Eggplant Parmesan: This recipe is perfect for people with gluten sensitivities, made with gluten-free bread crumbs and gluten-free flour.
* Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan: This recipe is perfect for people who want to make Eggplant Parmesan in their air fryer, made with breaded and air-fried eggplant slices, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

THE BEST EGGPLANT PARMESAN



The Best Eggplant Parmesan image

Truly delicious! I love eggplant and have many recipes, but this one's my favorite. The cheeses and seasonings make this dish unforgettable. -Dottie Kilpatrick, Wilmington, North Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 2 casseroles (8 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 23

3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup olive oil
2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
1 cup pitted ripe olives, chopped
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves or 1 tablespoon dried basil
3 tablespoons capers, drained
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
EGGPLANT:
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, beaten
3 cups dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 small eggplants (about 1 pound each), peeled and cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
1 cup olive oil
CHEESE:
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cartons (15 ounces each) ricotta cheese
1-1/4 cups shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves or 2 tablespoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon pepper
8 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook garlic in oil 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, olives, basil, capers, pepper flakes and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 45-60 minutes or until thickened., Meanwhile, for eggplant, place flour and eggs in separate shallow bowls. In another bowl, combine bread crumbs, garlic powder and oregano. Dip eggplant in flour, eggs, then bread crumb mixture., In a large skillet, cook eggplant in batches in oil for 5 minutes on each side or until tender. Drain on paper towels. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, ricotta, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, basil and pepper., Preheat oven to 350°. In each of two greased 13x9-in. baking dishes, layer 1-1/2 cups tomato sauce, four eggplant slices, 1 cup ricotta mixture and 2 cups mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Sprinkle each with remaining Parmesan cheese. Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts :

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA



Eggplant Parmigiana image

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Time 2h45m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 small onions, halved and thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, grated
Kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
One 28-ounce can plus one 15-ounce can whole San Marzano plum tomatoes
1 medium eggplant (about 1 1/4 pounds), sliced into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
Kosher salt
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Freshly ground pepper
3 large eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons whole milk
2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Vegetable oil, for frying (1 1/2 to 2 cups)
12 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 ounce)
2 cups grated provolone cheese (about 8 ounces)
Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn

Steps:

  • Make the sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and garlic and season with salt and the red pepper flakes; cook until the onions are soft and translucent, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the sugar and tomatoes and break up some of the tomatoes with a wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring from time to time, until the tomatoes are fairly broken down, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste for seasoning. Let cool.
  • Prepare the eggplant: Put the eggplant rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt on both sides and let sit, about 1 hour. Rinse the eggplant with cold water and dry thoroughly with a kitchen towel. (Salting the eggplant draws out the liquid and bitter flavor, but it's optional: Skip this step if you don't have time.)
  • Put the flour in a medium bowl and season with salt and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk and season with salt and pepper. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, oregano and thyme and season with salt and pepper. Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour and shake off any excess. Dip in the egg mixture and finally in the breadcrumbs, coating both sides. Lay the eggplant slices on baking sheets in a single layer.
  • Heat about 1/2 inch vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke lightly (between 380 degrees F and 400 degrees F). Using tongs, add a single layer of eggplant to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and season lightly with salt. Repeat until all of the eggplant is fried.
  • Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Spoon about one-quarter of the tomato sauce into a 9-by-13-inch flameproof baking dish. Top with a layer of the fried eggplant, overlapping the slices slightly. Top with about one-quarter of the mozzarella, then sprinkle with about one-third each of the parmesan, provolone and basil. Repeat the layering 2 more times (sauce, eggplant, cheese, basil), then finish with the remaining sauce and mozzarella. Press the layers firmly into the dish. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes. For an extra-brown top, put the dish under the broiler for a minute or two just before serving.

THE BEST EGGPLANT PARMESAN RECIPE BY TASTY



The Best Eggplant Parmesan Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: medium eggplants, coarse salt, all-purpose flour, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, pepper, vegetable oil, marinara sauce, fresh basil, low-moisture mozzarella, shredded parmesan cheese, fresh mozzarella cheese

Provided by Gwenaelle Le Cochennec

Categories     Dinner

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 medium eggplants, washed
1 tablespoon coarse salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon pepper
2 cups vegetable oil
2 ½ cups marinara sauce, divided
2 tablespoons fresh basil, minced, plus more for garnish
2 cups low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Cut each eggplant into about ½-inch (1-cm) thick round slices.
  • Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
  • Sprinkle the eggplant with half of the coarse salt. Flip the slices over and sprinkle with the rest of the salt.
  • Put another baking sheet on top of the eggplant and place something heavy, like a cast-iron skillet, on the top baking sheet to help release moisture from the eggplant. Let sit for 30 minutes.
  • Uncover the eggplant slices and pat dry with paper towels. Brush most of the salt from the eggplant with a paper towel, then transfer to a medium bowl. Set aside.
  • In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
  • Coat each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
  • Fry the eggplant in batches until golden brown on both sides, 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel-lined baking sheet and pat dry using more paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  • Pour about 1 cup (260 g) of marinara sauce into a 2½-quart (2 L) baking dish and spread evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.
  • Add about 8 eggplant slices (it's okay if they overlap) and cover with ½ cup (130 g) of marinara. Sprinkle with a third of the fresh basil, then top with about a third of the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat to make 2 more layers. Finish with the fresh mozzarella cheese and a final sprinkling of Parmesan.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, until the mozzarella is bubbling and golden brown.
  • Let cool for 10 minutes, then serve garnished with fresh basil.
  • Enjoy!

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

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Choose firm, ripe eggplants that are free of blemishes.
  • Slice the eggplants into even-sized rounds so that they cook evenly.
  • Dredge the eggplant slices in flour before frying to help them absorb the sauce.
  • Fry the eggplant slices in a large skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown and crispy.
  • Make sure to drain the eggplant slices on paper towels before layering them in the baking dish.
  • Use a good quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
  • Layer the eggplant slices, sauce, and cheese in the baking dish, repeating until all of the ingredients have been used.
  • Bake the eggplant parmesan in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let the eggplant parmesan cool for a few minutes before serving.

Conclusion:

Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover eggplant, and it is also a popular dish to serve at parties and gatherings. With its crispy eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese, Eggplant Parmesan is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

Related Topics