Best 10 Cooking Light Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

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Eggplant parmesan, a classic Italian dish, is a delicious and versatile meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its crispy eggplant slices, tangy tomato sauce, and melted cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family gathering. Whether you're looking for a light and healthy version or a more indulgent one, there's a cooking light eggplant parmesan recipe out there to suit your taste.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

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

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

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



Eggplant Parmesan image

The traditional version of this Italian-American classic is known to tip the scales: heavily breaded and fried eggplant slices that are then buried in cheese and baked. Our makeover skips the fry and bakes the panko-crusted eggplant until it has a crisp exterior and wonderfully meaty interior. A combination of part-skim ricotta, sliced mozzarella, fontina, and Parmesan cheese allows for even coverage without hiding the eggplant or adding too much fat. Since the recipe debuted, jarred marinara brands have gotten wise to the need for options with less sodium. Our preferred brand is Dell'Amore, though you can use any low-sodium sauce you like.

Provided by Kathy Kitchens Downie, RD

Time 1h45m

Yield 10 servings (serving size: 1 slice)

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon water
2 cups whole-wheat panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
2 (1-pound) eggplants, peeled and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices
Cooking spray
1/2 cup torn fresh basil
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (16-ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Remaining ingredients:
1 (24-ounce) jar premium pasta sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
8 ounces thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup (3 ounces) finely grated fontina cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • To make eggplant, combine 2 eggs and 1 tablespoon water in a shallow dish. Combine panko and 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano in a second shallow dish. Dip eggplant in egg mixture; dredge in panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere and shaking off excess. Place eggplant 1 inch apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until golden, turning once and rotating baking sheets after 15 minutes.
  • To make filling, combine basil and next 6 ingredients (through egg).
  • To assemble, spoon 1/2 cup pasta sauce in bottom of a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer half of eggplant slices over pasta sauce. Sprinkle eggplant with 1/8 teaspoon salt. Top with about 3/4 cup pasta sauce; spread half of ricotta mixture over sauce, and top with a third of mozzarella and 1/4 cup fontina. Repeat layers once, ending with about 1 cup pasta sauce. Cover tightly with aluminum foil coated with cooking spray. Bake at 375° for 35 minutes. Remove foil; top with remaining third of mozzarella and 1/4 cup fontina. Bake at 375° for 10 minutes or until sauce is bubbly and cheese melts; cool 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 318, Carbohydrate 26.8 g, Cholesterol 99 mg, Fat 15.1 g, Fiber 4.8 g, Protein 19.3 g, SaturatedFat 8.2 g, Sodium 655 mg

EGGPLANT PARMESAN II



Eggplant Parmesan II image

This is a no fry variation of this popular dish, and is just as delicious!

Provided by Dolores Gentner-Ryan

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 7

3 eggplant, peeled and thinly sliced
2 eggs, beaten
4 cups Italian seasoned bread crumbs
6 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
1 (16 ounce) package mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
½ teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in bread crumbs. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven for 5 minutes on each side.
  • In a 9x13 inch baking dish spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with the cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 487.4 calories, Carbohydrate 62.1 g, Cholesterol 72.8 mg, Fat 16 g, Fiber 8.8 g, Protein 24.2 g, SaturatedFat 6.7 g, Sodium 1663.1 mg, Sugar 19.9 g

BAKED EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Baked Eggplant Parmesan image

Eggplant slices are coated with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese and baked between layers of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese for a filling Italian-inspired meal. Add fresh garlic and basil to taste. I use 2 to 4 cloves fresh garlic and 5 to 10 leaves of freshly harvested basil in the sauce. Fresh basil layered in one of the layers adds lots of 'fresh' flavor!

Provided by Dollface

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 4h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 eggplant, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 tablespoon salt, or as needed
1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 (28 ounce) jar garlic-and-tomato pasta sauce
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 (16 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese, or as needed
½ teaspoon dried basil

Steps:

  • Place eggplant slices in a colander; sprinkle both sides of each slice with salt. Allow to sit for at least 3 hours. Wipe excess moisture from eggplant slices with paper towels.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
  • Mix bread crumbs and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese together in a bowl.
  • Dip eggplant slices in beaten egg; coat with bread crumb mixture. Arrange coated eggplant slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned and crisp, about 5 minutes per side.
  • Cover the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a layer of spaghetti sauce; top with a layer of eggplant slices. Sprinkle with about 1 tablespoon of the remaining Parmesan cheese and 1/3 the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, ending with a cheese layer. Sprinkle with basil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is bubbling and golden brown, about 35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 473.7 calories, Carbohydrate 43.9 g, Cholesterol 118.9 mg, Fat 20.4 g, Fiber 10.4 g, Protein 29.6 g, SaturatedFat 10.5 g, Sodium 2427.6 mg, Sugar 18 g

QUICK EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Quick Eggplant Parmesan image

This eggplant goes well with some steamed green beans and French or Italian bread. Although the recipe calls for seasoned bread crumbs, you can use regular bread crumbs if you wish. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your taste.

Provided by Candice

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Vegetable Main Dish Recipes     Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1 small eggplant, cut into 3/4 inch thick slices
1 cup dried bread crumbs, seasoned
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup spaghetti sauce
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a small bowl beat the egg and water together. Place the bread crumbs in shallow dish. Dip eggplant slices in egg mixture then in crumbs, being sure to coat thoroughly.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add eggplant slices and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and tender. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over eggplant during last minute of cooking to melt.
  • While eggplant is cooking, combine spaghetti sauce and pepper flakes in a microwave-safe measuring cup. Cover with plastic wrap and cook at high power for 2 minutes or until heated through.
  • Top eggplant with sauce and Parmesan cheese and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 644 calories, Carbohydrate 63.6 g, Cholesterol 167.2 mg, Fat 28.1 g, Fiber 13.1 g, Protein 36.5 g, SaturatedFat 14.3 g, Sodium 1865.7 mg, Sugar 13.8 g

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 BAKED QUICK AND EASY



Eggplant Parmesan Baked Quick and Easy image

Tender layers of crispy breaded eggplant nestled in a rich tomato sauce, Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and seasoned with fresh oregano leaves. This is a simple quick and easy recipe for making this classic Italian dish that is sure to satisfy. It can be served as a main meal or placed on bread to make a classic parmigiana sandwich.

Provided by mkef35

Categories     Cheese

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 medium eggplants
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup flour
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove
1 small red onion
2 cups tomato puree
1 teaspoon oregano leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon oregano leaves (to garnish)
1 teaspoon olive oil, for drizzling on top
olive oil (for frying)

Steps:

  • Slice eggplant into 1 inch thick rounds, place in a shallow bowl, salt on both sides and set aside.
  • In a saucepan add 2 tablespoons olive oil ,chopped garlic and chopped onion and cook until onion is clear.
  • add 2 cups tomato puree and 1 tsp oregano leaves.
  • add salt and pepper to taste, stir, reduce heat and let simmer,.
  • rinse eggplant and pat dry.
  • dip eggplant in flour, dip in lightly beaten egg,then dip in breadcrumbs.
  • add oil to skillet and fry eggplant till golden brown on each side.
  • take 1/2 of the fried eggplant rounds and set in a baking pan or casserole dish.
  • add sauce onto each round.
  • add some shredded mozzarella to each one.
  • add another eggplant round.
  • add sauce and mozzarella to each one,.
  • top each one generously with grated parmesan.
  • garnish each with a few oregano leaves.
  • drizzle with oil , and bake in oven at 375 till cheese is melted and starting to become golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 401.3, Fat 14.5, SaturatedFat 5.3, Cholesterol 53.1, Sodium 708.7, Carbohydrate 54.4, Fiber 12.7, Sugar 12.4, Protein 17.3

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

Tips:

  • Choose small Italian eggplants, as they have fewer seeds and a milder flavor.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice the eggplant evenly. This will help them cook evenly.
  • Salt the eggplant slices and let them rest for 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to draw out the bitterness.
  • Coat the eggplant slices in flour before frying. This will help them to brown and crisp.
  • Use a large skillet or griddle to cook the eggplant slices. This will help them to cook evenly.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet or griddle when cooking the eggplant slices. This will prevent them from cooking evenly.
  • Cook the eggplant slices until they are golden brown and tender.
  • Use a good quality tomato sauce for the eggplant parmesan. This will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
  • Layer the eggplant slices, tomato sauce, and cheese in a baking dish. Repeat until all of the ingredients have been used.
  • Bake the eggplant parmesan in a preheated oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve the eggplant parmesan hot with a side of pasta or salad.

Conclusion:

Eggplant parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make at home. This recipe for Cooking Light Eggplant Parmesan is a healthier version of the traditional dish, using less cheese and oil. The result is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal.

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