Want to make it even more healthy and quick? Try our Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan recipe.
Eggplant Parmesan Ingredients
To make this baked eggplant parmesan recipe, you’ll need two sets of ingredients:
Panko-Crusted Eggplant Slices
Globe eggplants: You can’t make crispy baked eggplant slices without eggplant! I recommend selecting two medium eggplants (about 1 pound each) for this recipe. Globe eggplants tend to be the most common in American grocery stores but if you can get your hands on Italian eggplants, go for it! Still, no matter which eggplants you choose, aim for ones of equal size to ensure even cooking. Eggs: Eggs are not only the binder but also the key to making the breading for eggplant parmesan as golden brown and crispy as possible. Panko breadcrumbs: You can use panko, pre-seasoned breadcrumbs, or homemade breadcrumbs in this baked breaded eggplant parmesan. Gluten-free options: You may also opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or gluten-free panko to accommodate dietary restrictions. Alternatively, you can use an equal amount of almond flour instead of panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free eggplant parmesan. Grated parmesan cheese: If you’re a fan of rich, nutty flavor, then you’ll love preparing your roasted eggplant with parmesan cheese. You’ll need a little over a cup of shredded parmesan cheese to make this recipe. Seasoning: To give your baked eggplant parm the savor of a classic Italian dish, I recommend using garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Baked Eggplant Parmigiana
Tomato sauce: Like my Panko Chicken Parmesan, I recommend topping this eggplant parm recipe with my go-to homemade basil tomato sauce or your favorite store-bought marinara sauce. My favorite—low-carb and keto-friendly— one is Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce. Mozzarella: You can use shredded mozzarella or sliced fresh mozzarella to give this simple eggplant parmesan an irresistibly creamy texture. Fresh herbs: Fresh basil leaves and oregano are essential to give this classic bright, garden-fresh flavor. However, dried versions of these herbs would also work. Red pepper flakes: I love adding a touch of heat to my eggplant dish with red pepper flakes. However, you can also make a kid-friendly eggplant recipe by omitting this spicy addition.
How to Make Eggplant Parmesan in the Oven
If you’ve followed your grandma’s eggplant parmesan for years, you’ll adore this hassle-free oven-roasted version. Rich and delicious, this easy eggplant parmesan recipe comes together in under an hour and a half from start to finish.
Should I Salt Eggplant Before Breading?
Because of advances in genetic engineering, if you are buying your eggplants from a grocery store, there’s no need to salt eggplant before breading it. Most modern-day varieties of eggplant are not as bitter as their ancestors. As a result, they don’t require salting to draw out excess liquid or unwanted flavors. However, you may salt your eggplants if you purchase them from a farmer’s market or want to remove extra bitterness. We have a full tutorial on sweating eggplant, where you can find several methods to salt and sweat your eggplants.
How to Cut Eggplant for Eggplant Parmesan? Should I Peel my Eggplant?
The best way to cut eggplant for parmesan is in rounds or long, lengthwise slices. For more expert tips on slicing eggplant like a pro, check out my guide on how to cut an eggplant. It’s up to you whether you skin your eggplants before using them in your breaded baked eggplant parmesan. Eggplant skin is edible (and delicious!), but some find older or larger eggplant skin too tough for their taste.
Make the Breaded Eggplant
The first step to preparing this easy recipe for eggplant parmesan is to prepare the breaded eggplant slices. Here are the quick steps:
Layer the Eggplant Parmesan
Layering eggplant parmesan is the key to giving this vegetarian Italian classic its decadent flavor and gorgeous presentation. Throw it in the oven, and voila! Crispy eggplant parmesan baked to perfection. Here are the steps:
What to Serve with this Oven-Roasted Eggplant Parm?
Countless mouthwatering sides go with this easy, healthy eggplant parmesan recipe. Fill your menu with these five-star pairings, from savory beef to hearty quinoa salad ideas.
Make ahead: There are two ways to prepare this eggplant parmesan beforehand. The first option is to bake the dish the day before you want to serve it, let it cool, and cover it with aluminum foil or stretch film. Then, store the eggplant parm casserole in the fridge until ready to reheat. Otherwise, you can assemble the recipe the day before, cover it, and remove it from the fridge one hour before baking. Store: First, let your eggplant parm bake come to room temperature. Then, either cover the leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container (you can store them as a whole or in individual portions). Your eggplant parm can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat: To reheat this recipe for eggplant parmesan, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and cook the dish for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Freeze: Freezing oven-fried eggplant parmesan is a trouble-free way to meal prep in advance. Simply assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Then, wrap the dish tightly with aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw the eggplant parmesan completely when ready to eat, then bake as usual.
Bread: There’s nothing better than dipping an oven-warm slice of bread in this easy eggplant parmigiana. My Olive Bread is a crusty, no-knead recipe with just five ingredients. Or, serve up Garlic Ciabatta Bread for a buttery Italian take on classic bread recipes. Side dishes (for a vegetarian meal): Crisp and healthy, my Classic Caesar Salad and go-to Salad with Spring Mix make excellent pairs with eggplant parm casserole. Short on time? You can also whip up Oven-Roasted Asparagus or Air-Fried Green Beans in just 15 minutes. For a heartier vegetarian side, my Quinoa Tabouli will fill your table with herby, Mediterranean flavors. Meat dishes: No combination is as satisfying as this easy eggplant parmesan casserole recipe and a protein-packed main. Meat lovers will adore your classic eggplant parm alongside an elegant Pot Roast, savory Beef Tenderloin, or juicy Turkey Zucchini Meatballs.
Have more questions about this Italian eggplant parmesan recipe? Whether you’re wondering about veggie prep or even “What is eggplant parmigiana?” this guide has everything you need.
Other Eggplant Recipes You Might Like
Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and potassium, eggplants are one of my favorite healthy ingredients. Now you can satisfy your cravings guilt-free with these crowd-pleasing recipes.
Vegetarian Stuffed Eggplant Air Fryer Eggplant Eggplant Pomodoro Pasta Turkish Aubergine Dip Baked Eggplant Halves Baked Sliced Eggplant
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