A healthier twist on chicken Parmesan, this is the best baked Eggplant Parmesan recipe! It’s a melty, cheesy, wonderland of Italian flavor with the added bonus of nutritious veggies!

Eggplant is…a truly ugly vegetable to cook with.
I mean, I cut three separate pieces of this Baked Eggplant Parmesan to take photos of, and this is the best I could capture, pretty much straight from the oven.
But you know what? Ugly or not…eggplant is absolutely flippin’ delicious.
Sometimes, you just need to be vegetarian for a day or two. If you’re feeling the itch (like I was), this recipe does not disappoint!
This page includes step by step instructions, as well as tips and notes. If you’d like to skip all that, feel free to scroll down to the full, printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. There is also a “jump to recipe” button at the top of the page if you’d rather not exercise your scrolling finger!
I really can’t remember what made me decide to make Eggplant Parmesan for the first time.
I want to say I was really craving lasagna, but this was back when I was a gym regular, so I was trying to avoid unnecessary carbs and starch from the pasta.
Riiiight. Because bread crumbs have no carbs. Yep. Makes total sense.
Either way, there was cheese involved, so I had faith that it would be tasty, even if it was odd.
I picked up a couple of big, lovely eggplants at the farmer’s market, found a recipe online for a baked version (usually if I can bake something versus frying it, it’s on,) and set about stepping right out of my comfort zone and into the wide world of vegetarian cuisine.
While I can’t say that I never looked back (because, to me, there’s nothing like a big fat burger or juicy chicken breast,) I can say that I’ll never doubt weird vegetables again.
Eggplant is awesome, and I understand why vegetarians use it as a meat substitute.
What is Eggplant?
Low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals, eggplant is a tender, spongy vegetable of the nightshade family. With only 20 calories per cup, eggplant makes a great substitute for higher calorie ingredients in traditional dishes.
I know quite a few dietitians, and they all have a saying – eat the rainbow! There aren’t too many nutritious purple veggies to use in our diets, so eggplant is a wonderful one to sneak in when we can!
Don’t let its funny, bulbous shape and purple color fool you though. Eggplant is a rather mild food that can be used in dishes with bold flavors, as it tends to take on other flavors easily.
What is Eggplant Parmesan?
Eggplant Parm is the vegetarian twin of chicken Parmesan, with the substitution of a “meaty” vegetable – the eggplant.
The basic ingredients of this recipe are simple and few:
- Slices of salted, drained eggplant, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs,
- Marinara sauce,
- Lots of cheese.
I can hear you asking – with all that cheese, how is baked eggplant parmesan healthy? Well, this lower-fat no fry version melts in your mouth with delicious Italian flavors you crave while sneaking in some extra veggies, as well.
Baking the eggplant instead of frying allows you to indulge in the calories in the cheese without worrying about the ones that frying oil would add. It makes a great meatless Monday meal – any day of the week!
What does it taste like?
Since eggplant is a very mild flavor when cooked, it tends to take on the bolder flavors of the other ingredients it is cooked with. With this in mind, you can expect your veggie eggplant parmesan to encompass rich, tomatoey, cheesy, Italian flavors similar to those in Chicken Parmesan.
How to prepare eggplant for Eggplant Parm
Do you have to peel eggplant for this recipe?
When making this recipe, you will most likely want to peel the skin off the eggplant before you start (I did).
As eggplants grow larger, their skins become more tough and bitter, making them pretty unpleasant to eat. Smaller eggplants tend to have a softer skin and are less bitter than larger eggplants, so you can get away with leaving the skins on those if you’d like.
As far as nutrition goes, most of the fiber lies in the skin of this vegetable, so if you’re looking to get in some extra nutrients, you may consider leaving the skin on!
How do you avoid soggy Eggplant Parmesan?
Nobody likes a soggy eggplant. The best way to avoid mushy Parm in to salt the veggie slices first!
Once you’ve sliced your eggplant, place the slices on paper towels and salt the eggplant liberally. Allow the eggplant slices to sit for at least 1-2 hours, allowing the salt to draw out any extra moisture.
You will see beads of water rise to the surface of the slices – which is exactly what you want!
Pat the slices dry with a paper towel, season with some pepper, and proceed with the breadcrumb step. You won’t even need any additional salt, since it has soaked into the veggies already.
This is truly the most tedious step of this recipe, so make sure you set aside some extra time to do it! The rest of the prep is so quick and easy, and the results are completely worth the effort!
HOW TO MAKE BAKED EGGPLANT PARMESAN
- Layer paper towels on your countertop and set the sliced eggplant on top of them. Salt the eggplant liberally, and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. This step helps draw out the excess moisture in the eggplant, meaning no sogginess!
- Pat the slices dry with paper towels, then season them with pepper to taste.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Spray two baking sheets with cooking spray or compressed oil and set them aside.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and a bit of water. In a second bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Dip the eggplant slices into egg mixture Allow excess egg to drip off, then press both sides into breadcrumb mixture, coating them well. Place the slices in a single layer on the baking sheets.
- Bake the eggplant for 20-25 minutes, until it’s golden brown on them. Flip each slice and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the other side is nicely browned. Remove the eggplant from the oven and increase the temperature to 400 degrees F.
- Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce in a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish. Arrange half of the eggplant slices in a single layer over the sauce, shingling the slices if they’re extra large or if you have a lot.
- Cover the slices with 1 cup of sauce, then 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Layer on mushrooms if you’re using them, then cover the layer with ½ cup of sauce. Repeat the same layering with the remaining eggplant, sauce, and mozzarella, then sprinkle on some grated Parmesan.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted, then broil on high for 2 minutes to brown the cheese a bit. Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle it with additional Italian seasoning, or fresh basil and parsley.
FAQ
Can you make Eggplant Parm ahead of time?
I recommend making this recipe no more than a day in advance – anything longer than that will leave you with mushy eggplant with no texture!
If you’d still like to get the baked eggplant prep done in advance, simply bake the rounds and store them in a plastic zipper bag in the fridge. Assemble the dish when you’re ready to bake it to avoid losing the crispness of each bite.
Can you freeze prepared eggplant parm?
With all this talk of soggy eggplant, you might wonder if it’s worth freezing. Prepping it more than a day in advance to refrigerate may not be a great idea, but freezing it is!
Assemble the eggplant Parmesan, tightly cover the casserole dish with cling wrap and foil, and freeze it for up to three months.
When you’re ready to bake it, place it directly in the oven from the freezer – this will keep it from thawing slowly and soaking the eggplant with the stored moisture.
How long are the leftovers good for?
Since cooked eggplant tends to absorb a lot of moisture, leftovers of this recipe will only be as good as day one for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge.
After a few days, it might become too soggy for your liking after reheating. I recommend finishing it as soon as possible, because this dish is best eaten fresh!
What to serve with Eggplant Parmesan
This recipe is best served with a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables. Try to stick with something lighter, since your eggplant will be the main event during this meal! Try this recipe served with some of these delicious sides!
LOOKING FOR MORE EGGPLANT RECIPES?
Even more vegetarian dinner ideas!
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Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup plain or Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese finely grated; divided
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning plus more for garnish
- 3 cups pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms optional
Instructions
- Layer your countertop with paper towels, and lay eggplant slices on top of them. Salt the eggplant liberally, and allow to sit for 30-60 minutes (this helps draw out the excess moisture). Pat dry with paper towels, then season with pepper to taste.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly brush or spray two baking sheets with oil and set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and water. In another bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Dip eggplant slices in egg mixture, allowing excess drip off, then press both sides into breadcrumb mixture, coating well. Place in a single layer on baking sheets.
- Bake until golden brown on bottom, about 20-25 minute, then flip slices. Bake an additional 20-25 minutes until browned on other side. Remove from oven, and increase temperature to 400 degrees F.
- Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce in a 9-by-13-inch casserole or baking dish. Arrange half the eggplant in a single layer, shingling the slices if you have a lot. Cover with 1 cup sauce, then 1 cup mozzarella. Layer on mushrooms if desired, then cover with ½ cup sauce. Repeat layering with remaining eggplant, sauce, and mozzarella, then sprinkle on remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
- Bake 15-20 minutes until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted, then broil on high for 2 minutes to brown the cheese a bit. Remove from oven and sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning or fresh herbs.
Susan 30A Eats says
I just love Egggplant Parm! Yours looks so delicious, and your food photos so beautiful!
Medeja says
What a great dinner! I love using eggplant! Yummy!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
Lol, Erica, you crack me up. I can totally relate to photographing ugly but delicious food. But seriously, these photos are gorgeous! And I’m totally onboard with your eggplant to cheese ratio – one can never have enough cheese!
gabby says
Found the ugly vegetable comments offputting and not what I expect to see on a cooking blog. I have a sense of humor but this read as being juvenile.
Shaina says
Sometimes the ugliest foods taste the best! I’m glad you gave eggplant a shot. It’s one of my all time favorites, there are so many great ways to prepare it. This is one fabulous option!
Christie says
Oh my word that looks cheesy good!! Love a good eggplant parm!
Amanda Brooks says
I’m drooling over here just scrolling through this post! I wish I had this for dinner tonight!
Amanda
Christie says
HA! I’m the same way about cheese…and eggs…and yogurt! Love this parm. And you’re right, eggplants are hearty and easy to sub in place of meat.
Wendy, A Day in the Life on the Farm says
Really? Wine doesn’t count? My entire night is ruined!!! Good thing I love eggplant I guess.
DB, Foodie Stuntman | Crazy Foodie Stunts says
Glad you got past the eggplant’s aesthetics for this flavorful dish. Thanks for participating this week!
Betsy @ Desserts Required says
I’m pretty sure wine counts! AND…your pics are fab. AND, AND….I can’t wait to make this dish!
Meg says
This was delicious! I cheated a bit… I used my air fryer to rapidly cook and crisp the eggplant in 10 minutes. I proceeded to make it as directed and it was amazing. Looking forward to the leftovers for tomorrowโs lunch.
Reeda says
You are SO bizarre. Do u know the definition of an actual sense of humor tho?
Steve Hellweg says
LOL! You are a hoot Erica. After skinning and butchering (cut into 1/2″ slices) those poor eggplants, I must agree that this recipe will make your mouth water with all that cheese! Great simple recipe and the shrooms are a great add. Keep up the good work and I am one that appreciates your sense of humor! Cheers!
Deanna says
I love eggplant parm!! This looks simply amazing!!! I saving this to make this week for dinner!
Amanda Finks says
Love this eggplant Parmesan! Perfect comfort food! So yummy!
Kim says
Can this be made a day ahead?
Becky says
My daughter made this for the family, It was wonderful!!! I would like to try it for company, but need to know if I can either make it a day ahead or freeze it. Thanks for any help you can offer!
Sue says
Great recipe, thank you
Craig says
I’m making this for yheis evenings meal! I like to slice mine on the manidlin, lengthwise. I hope this is as good and yummy as it looks
Craig
Craig says
With this recipe I precooked all the veg, 0nion, carrot, mushrooms, garlic, celery. Then I removed the veggies, to a bowl. Then browned my Kean ground beef. Till no more pink. Added back my veggies, and simmer ed, for 20nmins. This was all being done while I wair0ted for my eggplant to sweat with the salt. After an hour oat dry and follow through with the dip and coat.๐
I still need to give it it’s egg wash bath and Ponkco crumb dressing then bake it at the suggested 375.
Patricia Jones says
I really loved your eggplant parmesan along with your inserted images..and it looks so yummy & more delicious also…i will trying to make it this weekend…Thanks for sharing……!
Becky says
Can anyone please tell me if this can be made ahead??? Thanks!!!
Jennifer says
Absolutely love this recipe and I’ve made it multiple times, but the prep time is a complete lie lol. Right off the bat it says to let the eggplant sit for 30-60 minutes, which is already more than the 20 minutes of prep time listed. It takes me about three hours total from start to finish. Worth it, but definitely more for the weekend when I have all day free than a quick worknight meal.
Erica says
You know, Jennifer, you’re absolutely right – thanks for calling me out on that one! I’ve taken your feedback and updated the recipe, and I truly appreciate your comment. Glad you love the recipe! ๐
Carole says
made this today, excellent recipe . very easy. thank you
Erica says
So happy to hear you enjoyed it, Carole, thank you for the feedback!