Best 8 Delicious Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

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Eggplant Parmesan, also known as Parmigiana di Melanzane, is a classic Italian dish that marries the rich, meaty flavors of eggplant with a savory blend of cheese and tomato sauce. It is an explosion of flavors and textures, where the soft and tender eggplant slices are coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, layered with gooey melted cheese, and smothered in a flavorful tomato sauce. This iconic dish is a popular choice for both casual gatherings and special occasions, captivating taste buds with its harmonious balance of tangy, sweet, and umami notes. If you're looking to elevate your culinary skills and indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the tips, tricks, and variations to create the ultimate Eggplant Parmesan recipe.

Let's cook with our recipes!

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!

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 :

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

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

DELICIOUS EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Delicious Eggplant Parmesan image

This is a great recipe for eggplant parmesan by Eva Longoria. I absolutely love this recipe. This version is made with a meatless marinara sauce, either store-bought or homemade. Eva also recommends her homemade bolognese sauce (another recipe I have posted, too), which would include meat. This would make an excellent side dish or a main course if served with a salad. Enjoy!

Provided by LifeIsGood

Categories     Vegetable

Time 1h15m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup vegetable oil, divided (or as needed)
1 large eggplant (about 1 1/2 pounds)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup italian-style dry breadcrumbs
1 1/4 cups grated parmesan cheese, divided
26 ounces marinara sauce (or about 3 cups homemade sauce)
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced (deli type, not the fresh mozzarella)

Steps:

  • Prehat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly brush or spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with vegetable oil.
  • Wash the eggplant but don't peel it. Cut it crosswise in 1/4 inch thick slices. In a pie plate, lightly beat the eggs. On a plate, combine the bread crumbs with 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, mixing well.
  • Working with 1 eggplant slice at a time, coat it on both sides with the egg and allow the excess to drip off. Put it in the bread crumbs and coat both sides. Transfer to a plate. Continue with the rest of the slices.
  • Line a baking sheet with paper towels. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add as many slices of eggplant as can fit in a single layer without crowding. Cook until golden brown and crisp on both sides - about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Transfer the eggplant slices to the paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat, adding more oil as needed.
  • Meanwhile pour the marinara sauce into a saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to just boiling. Take off the heat, cover, set aside and keep warm.
  • Arrange half of the eggplant slices along the bottom of the oiled baking dish. Top the eggplant with half of the warm sauce. Arrange half of the mozzarella slices on top and sprinkle with half of the remaining Parmesan cheese. Arrrange the remaining eggplant slices over the cheese. Cover with the remaining sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and slightly browned, about 25 to 30 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

BA'S BEST EGGPLANT PARMESAN



BA's Best Eggplant Parmesan image

Trying to slice into this eggplant Parmesan while it's molten hot creates an oozy mess, so let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

Provided by Bon Appétit Test Kitchen

Categories     Bon Appétit     Eggplant     Parmesan     Tomato     Breadcrumbs     Oregano     Basil     Mozzarella     Cheese     Vegetarian

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 25

Marinara:
1/4 cup olive oil
1 head of garlic, cloves crushed
1 large red onion, chopped
3 oil-packed anchovy fillets (optional)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/4 cup dry white wine
2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled tomatoes
1/4 cup torn basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt
Eggplant and assembly:
4 pounds Italian eggplants (about 4 medium), peeled, sliced lengthwise 1/2-3/4 inch thick
Kosher salt
3 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups finely grated Parmesan, divided
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
5 large eggs, beaten to blend
1 1/3 cups olive oil
1/2 cup finely chopped basil and parsley, plus basil leaves for serving
6 ounces low-moisture mozzarella, grated (about 1 1/3 cups)
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Marinara:
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat oil in a large heavy ovenproof pot over medium. Cook garlic, stirring often, until golden, about 4 minutes. Add onion, anchovies (if using), and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring often, until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook, stirring often, until slightly darkened, about 2 minutes. Add wine, bring to a boil, and cook until almost completely evaporated, about 1 minute. Add tomatoes, breaking up with your hands, and their juices; add basil and oregano and stir to combine. Swirl 1 1/2 cups water into one tomato can, then the other, to rinse, and add to pot; season with salt. Transfer pot to oven; roast sauce, stirring halfway through, until thick and tomatoes are browned on top and around edges of pot, 2-2 1/2 hours.
  • Let sauce cool slightly. Pass through the large holes of a food mill or process in a food processor until mostly smooth. Taste and season with salt.
  • Lightly season eggplant slices all over with salt; place in a single layer on several layers of paper towels inside a rimmed baking sheet. Top with another layer of paper towels and more slices; repeat as needed. Top with a final layer of paper towels, then another rimmed baking sheet; weigh down with a heavy pot. Let eggplant sit until it has released excess liquid, 45-60 minutes. This step gives the eggplant a creamy texture when baked.
  • Meanwhile, pulse panko, oregano, pepper, and 3/4 cup Parmesan in a food processor until very finely ground. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place flour in another shallow bowl and eggs in a third shallow bowl. Working one at a time, dredge eggplant slices in flour, then dip in egg, allowing excess to drip off. Coat in breadcrumbs, packing all around, then shaking off excess. Place on wire racks.
  • Heat 2/3 cup oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high. Cook as many eggplant slices as will comfortably fit in pan, turning once, until deep golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels and immediately press with more paper towel to absorb oil. Working in batches, repeat with remaining slices, adding remaining 2/3 cup oil and wiping out skillet as needed. Let cool. Taste and season with more salt if needed.
  • Toss chopped herbs, low-moisture mozzarella, and remaining 3/4 cup Parmesan in a medium bowl. Spread 1 cup sauce over the bottom of a 13x9" baking pan; top with a layer of eggplant slices (trim as needed). Drizzle 1 cup sauce over and sprinkle with one-third of cheese mixture. Add another layer of eggplant, followed by 1 cup sauce and half of remaining cheese mixture. Repeat layers with remaining slices, sauce, and cheese mixture. Cover with foil and bake on a rimmed baking sheet until eggplant is custardy, 45-60 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and arrange fresh mozzarella over eggplant. Increase oven temperature to 425°F and bake, uncovered, until cheese is bubbling and browned in spots, 15-20 minutes longer. Let rest 30 minutes. Top with basil leaves just before slicing.
  • Do Ahead
  • Marinara can be made 2 days ahead. Cover and chill. Eggplant Parmesan can be made 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover with foil and chill. Reheat in a 350°F oven, uncovering halfway through, until bubbling gently at edges.

CONTEST-WINNING EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Contest-Winning Eggplant Parmesan image

Because my recipe calls for baking the eggplant instead of frying it, it's much healthier than other parmesans! The prep time is a little longer than for some recipes, but the Italian flavors and rustic elegance are well worth it. -Laci Hooten, McKinney, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 large eggs, beaten
2-1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
3 medium eggplants, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 jars (4-1/2 ounces each) sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 jar (28 ounces) spaghetti sauce

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Place eggs and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Dip eggplant slices in eggs, then coat in crumbs. Place on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake until tender and golden brown, 15-20 minutes, turning once., In a small bowl, combine mushrooms, basil and oregano. In another small bowl, combine mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses., Spread 1/2 cup sauce into a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Layer with a third of the mushroom mixture, a third of the eggplant, 3/4 cup sauce and a third of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers twice., Bake, uncovered, until heated through and cheese is melted, 25-30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 305 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 102mg cholesterol, Sodium 912mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 9g fiber), Protein 18g protein.

BAKED-EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Baked-Eggplant Parmesan image

Choose firm, smooth eggplants. We bake rather than fry ours for less mess and less fat.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Main Dish Recipes     Casserole Recipes

Time 1h30m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
2 large eggs
3/4 cup plain dry breadcrumbs
3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 large eggplants (2 1/2 pounds total), peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
6 cups (48 ounces) store-bought chunky tomato sauce or homemade Chunky Tomato Sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Brush 2 baking sheets with oil; set aside. In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and 2 tablespoons water. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, 3/4 cup Parmesan, oregano, and basil; season with salt and pepper.
  • Dip eggplant slices in egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then dredge in breadcrumb mixture, coating well; place on baking sheets. Bake until golden brown on bottom, 20 to 25 minutes. Turn slices; continue baking until browned on other side, 20 to 25 minutes more. Remove from oven; raise oven heat to 400 degrees.
  • Spread 2 cups sauce in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Arrange half the eggplant in dish; cover with 2 cups sauce, then 1/2 cup mozzarella. Repeat with remaining eggplant, sauce, and mozzarella; sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Bake until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted, 15 to 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 279 g, Fat 11 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 15 g

Tips:

  • To make the eggplant Parmesan less oily, place the fried eggplant slices on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil before assembling the dish.
  • If you don't have a meat mallet, you can use a rolling pin to pound the eggplant slices before frying.
  • To make the marinara sauce from scratch, sauté chopped onion, garlic, and oregano in olive oil until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and red wine. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, for a richer flavor.
  • If you're short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce. Choose a high-quality sauce that has a rich flavor.
  • Use fresh mozzarella cheese for the best results. Fresh mozzarella has a delicate flavor and melts beautifully.
  • If you don't have fresh mozzarella, you can use shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese.
  • To make the eggplant Parmesan ahead of time, assemble the dish and bake it for 30 minutes. Let it cool completely, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the eggplant Parmesan in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion:

Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you like it cheesy, saucy, or crispy, there's an eggplant Parmesan recipe out there for you. So what are you waiting for? Give one of these recipes a try today!

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