Lighter Eggplant Parmesan Recipe for Family-Friendly Meals
This lighter eggplant parmesan recipe offers a healthier twist on a classic comfort food, perfect for family dinners.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Shallow dishes
- 9×13-inch baking dish
Ingredients
For the Eggplant
- 2 large Eggplants sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 tsp Sea Salt for drawing out moisture
For the Breading
- 2 large Large Eggs or flax egg for vegan
- 1 cup Almond Milk or regular/non-dairy milk
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese or nutritional yeast for dairy-free
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano or favorite herbs
- 1 tsp Fresh Thyme or favorite herbs
- ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional
For the Sauce and Cheese
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup Fresh Mozzarella Balls or vegan mozzarella
For Assembly
- 2 tbsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or avocado oil
- ¼ cup Fresh Basil Leaves for garnish
- ½ tsp Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F, positioning the racks in the center. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the large eggs and almond milk in a shallow dish until well combined.
- Combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, fresh thyme, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper in another shallow dish.
Breading and Baking
- Dip each eggplant slice in the egg mixture, ensuring well-coated, then dredge in the panko mixture. Place on prepared baking sheets.
- Drizzle the eggplant slices with extra-virgin olive oil. Bake for 18 minutes, until golden brown and tender.
Assembly
- Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the baked eggplant slices over the sauce. Top with 1 cup marinara and half of the mozzarella.
- Repeat with remaining eggplant, marinara, and mozzarella. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan, drizzle more olive oil, season with salt and black pepper.
Final Baking
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Broil for 2-4 minutes until cheese is browned and crispy.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Optional: Serve with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Consider using homemade marinara and reducing cheese for a lighter dish.