Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

Eggplant Parmesan (or "Parmigiana di Melanzane") is a rich, savory dish that combines tender slices of eggplant with marinara sauce, gooey cheese, and aromatic herbs. Beloved in Italian-American kitchens and traditional southern Italy alike, this dish is as comforting as it is versatile. Whether you're craving a traditional indulgence or a lighter version, these three recipes for Eggplant Parmesan offer something for every kind of home cook.

1. Classic Fried Eggplant Parmesan

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

Salt (for sweating eggplant)

2 cups all-purpose flour

3 large eggs, beaten

2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs

3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Olive oil, for frying

Instructions:

Step 1: Sweat the Eggplant

Place eggplant slices on a tray, sprinkle both sides with salt, and let sit for 30 minutes. This draws out bitterness and excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Bread the Eggplant

Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in the next, and breadcrumbs in the third. Dredge each slice in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Fry Until Golden

In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of olive oil over medium heat. Fry eggplant slices in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Add a layer of fried eggplant, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, and repeat layers until ingredients are used up, ending with cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Why You'll Love It:

The crispy, fried layers deliver a melt-in-your-mouth texture, balanced by the tangy marinara and indulgent cheese. This is the Eggplant Parm your Italian grandmother would be proud of.

2. Healthy Grilled Eggplant Parmesan (Low-Carb & Gluten-Free)

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

2 medium eggplants, sliced 1/2-inch thick

Olive oil spray

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 cups sugar-free marinara sauce

2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare and Grill Eggplant

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 10 minutes, then blot dry. Brush or spray with olive oil and grill for 3–4 minutes per side until tender and lightly charred.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

In a greased 8x8-inch baking dish, layer grilled eggplant slices, a spoonful of marinara, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top. Add oregano and red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Bake to Melt Cheese

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 4: Serve Light and Fresh

Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs.

Why You’ll Love It:

This guilt-free version cuts the carbs and oil while keeping all the flavor. It's perfect for those following a Mediterranean diet or looking to enjoy Eggplant Parmesan without breading or frying.

3. Baked Crispy Eggplant Parmesan with Panko

Serves: 6

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

2 large eggplants, sliced 1/4-inch thick

1 tsp salt

1 cup all-purpose flour

3 large eggs, beaten

2 cups panko breadcrumbs

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

2 ½ cups marinara sauce

2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional: fresh thyme or rosemary

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray them.

Step 2: Salt and Dry Eggplant

Salt both sides of the eggplant slices and let sit for 20 minutes. Pat dry.

Step 3: Bread the Eggplant

Mix panko with Italian seasoning in one bowl. Dredge eggplant slices in flour, then egg, then panko. Press firmly to help crumbs stick.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Place slices on baking sheets and spray tops with oil. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Step 5: Assemble in Layers

In a 9x13-inch dish, spoon in a layer of marinara, followed by crispy eggplant, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.

Step 6: Final Bake

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and browned. Add herbs as garnish if desired.

Why You’ll Love It:

This version gives you the crunch of fried eggplant without the extra oil. Panko crumbs make each bite crispy and satisfying while still being oven-baked for convenience.

Tips for Perfect Eggplant Parmesan Every Time

Choose the Right Eggplant: Look for smooth, firm eggplants with glossy skin and no blemishes. Smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter.

Sweat Your Eggplant: Always salt and sweat the slices to remove excess moisture and bitterness. It makes a noticeable difference in texture and flavor.

Cheese Choices: Use fresh mozzarella for a more traditional, stringy melt, or pre-shredded for convenience. Parmesan or Pecorino Romano adds sharpness and depth.

Homemade Marinara Boost: If time allows, make a simple homemade marinara with crushed tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. It elevates the entire dish.

Let It Rest: After baking, let your eggplant parmesan sit for 10 minutes before slicing. It helps the layers set and prevents a soupy casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Eggplant Parmesan pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread or focaccia

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette

Roasted vegetables or sautéed greens

A glass of Chianti or sparkling water with lemon

Eggplant Parmesan is more than a comfort food—it’s a celebration of layers, flavor, and tradition. Whether you crave the richness of a fried version, the lightness of grilled slices, or the satisfying crunch of baked panko, there’s a recipe here to suit your mood and lifestyle. With these three approaches, you can master Eggplant Parmesan for weeknights, holidays, or anytime you need a taste of something truly special. 

Helpful Reading 

From Seed to Salsa: Grow Tomatoes and Make Your Own Sauces 

https://www.amazon.com/Seed-Salsa-Tomatoes-Sauces-Harvest-ebook/dp/B0F4PGRYF5/

Growing Strawberries With Kids

https://www.amazon.com/Strawberry-Growing-Kids-Families-Fruit-ebook/dp/B0F73TV5GZ/

Hydroponic and Kratky Sweet Potatoes 

https://www.amazon.com/Hydroponic-Kratky-Sweet-Potatoes-Water-Based-ebook/dp/B0F7892GF5/

Pepper Microfarming for Profit

https://www.amazon.com/Pepper-Microfarms-Profit-Fresh-Harvest-ebook/dp/B0F6ZYBLRB/