Best 5 Makeover Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

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"Makeover Eggplant Parmesan" is a healthier version of the classic Italian dish, Eggplant Parmesan. The makeover version uses less oil and cheese, and it is baked instead of fried. The result is a dish that is just as delicious as the traditional version, but it is also lighter and healthier. This recipe is perfect for anyone who is looking for a healthier way to enjoy eggplant parmesan. It is also a great option for those who are on a gluten-free diet, as it can be made with gluten-free bread.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

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 :

MAKEOVER EGGPLANT PARMESAN



Makeover Eggplant Parmesan image

Here's a healthy version of a restaurant classic that you can easily make at home. Our recipe has 300 fewer calories and half the fat and sodium of typical eggplant Parmesan. -Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h20m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 medium onion, chopped
1-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 ounces) no-salt-added tomato sauce
1/2 cup dry red wine
1/4 cup tomato paste
1-3/4 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups dry bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 medium eggplants, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
9 ounces uncooked multigrain spaghetti
6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, halved and thinly sliced
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, saute onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, wine, tomato paste and 3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until desired consistency, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, in shallow bowl, whisk eggs and water. Place flour in a separate shallow bowl. In another bowl, combine the bread crumbs, salt, pepper and remaining Italian seasoning. Dip eggplant slices into flour then in egg mixture; coat with crumb mixture. Place on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until tender and golden brown, turning once. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions., Spoon 2 cups sauce over eggplants; top with cheeses. Bake 4-5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted., Drain spaghetti. Serve remaining sauce over spaghetti; top with eggplant slices. Sprinkle with parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 505 calories, Fat 13g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 96mg cholesterol, Sodium 716mg sodium, Carbohydrate 74g carbohydrate (13g sugars, Fiber 13g fiber), Protein 24g protein.

HEALTHIER EGGPLANT PARMESAN II



Healthier Eggplant Parmesan II image

I like this recipe because it is not fried and very tasty. I like to make it healthier by using whole wheat breadcrumbs and reducing the amount of fat. Also, by using mostly egg-whites instead of whole eggs I am able to reduce the cholesterol level.

Provided by MakeItHealthy

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Vegetable Main Dish Recipes     Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 whole egg
3 egg whites
1 tablespoon water
3 eggplant, peeled and thinly sliced
2 cups whole wheat bread crumbs
6 cups spaghetti sauce, divided
¾ pound part-skim 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).
  • Beat together egg, egg whites, and water in a shallow bowl. Dip eggplant slices in egg, then bread crumbs. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven until fork tender, 7 to 10 minutes on each side.
  • Spread spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with remaining ingredients, ending with cheeses. Sprinkle basil on top.
  • Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 424 calories, Carbohydrate 51.1 g, Cholesterol 58.6 mg, Fat 15.5 g, Fiber 12.7 g, Protein 22.4 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 1301.6 mg, Sugar 21.2 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!

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.

Tips:

  • Choose the Right Eggplant: Select firm, unblemished eggplants with a deep purple color.
  • Slice Eggplant Evenly: Consistent thickness ensures even cooking.
  • Salt the Eggplant Slices: This helps draw out moisture and bitterness.
  • Dredge in Flour, Eggs, and Breadcrumbs: This creates a crispy, golden coating.
  • Shallow Fry in Hot Oil: Use enough oil to cover the eggplant slices halfway.
  • Don't Overcrowd the Pan: This prevents the eggplant from steaming instead of frying.
  • Drain on Paper Towels: Remove excess oil after frying.
  • Use High-Quality Marinara Sauce: Homemade or a flavorful store-bought brand.
  • Layer Eggplant, Sauce, and Cheese: Repeat until all ingredients are used.
  • Bake Until Melted and Bubbling: Keep an eye on the eggplant to prevent burning.
  • Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Parsley or basil add a pop of color and flavor.

Conclusion:

Elevate your classic Eggplant Parmesan with these simple yet effective tips. From selecting the perfect eggplant to achieving a crispy coating and a flavorful filling, each step is crucial in creating a dish that's both visually appealing and bursting with taste. Remember, the key lies in attention to detail and using quality ingredients. So, gather your loved ones, whip up this delicious and comforting meal, and enjoy a culinary experience that's sure to leave a lasting impression.

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