21 Best Eggplant Parmesan Recipes to Wow Your Dinner Guests – Ostrali.com
My friend Jessica recently hosted a dinner party where she served the most incredible eggplant parmesan I’ve ever tasted. As soon as I took a bite, I knew I had to get the recipe. It turns out she had experimented with several different versions before landing on her perfect method.
Let’s start with a timeless favorite. This classic crispy eggplant parmesan is all about achieving that perfect golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. To make this dish, you’ll need eggplants, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella, marinara sauce, and fresh basil.
Begin by slicing your eggplants into 1/4-inch rounds. Salt them generously and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry, then dip each slice in beaten eggs followed by a mixture of seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Fry the breaded slices until golden brown on both sides. Layer the fried eggplant in a baking dish with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, then top with fresh basil before serving.
For those looking for a lighter version of this Italian classic, try this healthier baked eggplant parmesan. This recipe skips the frying step, resulting in a dish that’s lower in calories but still packed with flavor. You’ll need eggplants, whole wheat breadcrumbs, egg whites, low-fat mozzarella, and your favorite tomato sauce.
Start by slicing and salting your eggplants as in the classic recipe. Instead of frying, you’ll coat the slices in egg whites and whole wheat breadcrumbs, then bake them in the oven until crispy. Layer the baked eggplant slices with tomato sauce and low-fat mozzarella in a baking dish. Bake until the cheese is melted and golden. This version is just as satisfying as the original but leaves you feeling lighter after the meal.
Cooking Time: 30 min.
Rating: 4.9.
Ingredients: Marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, olive oil, chili flakes.
Source: Google.com
Take your eggplant parmesan outdoors with this grilled version that’s perfect for summer gatherings. You’ll need eggplants, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. This recipe is all about showcasing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Slice your eggplants into 1/2-inch rounds and brush them with a mixture of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Grill the slices until they’re tender and have nice grill marks. Then, create stacks by layering a grilled eggplant slice with a slice of fresh mozzarella, a slice of tomato, and a basil leaf. Repeat to create beautiful stacks of flavor. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of salt before serving.
For a fun twist on the traditional layered dish, try these eggplant parmesan rollatini. This elegant version is sure to impress your guests with its presentation. You’ll need long, thin slices of eggplant, ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan, mozzarella, and marinara sauce.
Start by grilling or baking thin slices of eggplant until they’re pliable. Mix ricotta cheese with spinach, Parmesan, and herbs. Spread this mixture onto each eggplant slice, then roll it up. Place the rolls seam-side down in a baking dish, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella, then bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. These little rolls are not only delicious but also make for a beautiful presentation on the plate.
Who says you need dairy to enjoy eggplant parmesan? This vegan version is so delicious, even non-vegans will love it. You’ll need eggplants, plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, breadcrumbs, vegan mozzarella, and your favorite marinara sauce.
Prepare your eggplant slices as usual, then dip them in plant-based milk mixed with nutritional yeast before coating with seasoned breadcrumbs. Bake the slices until crispy, then layer them in a baking dish with marinara sauce and vegan mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and gooey. The nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without any dairy, making this a perfect option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to cut back on animal products.
For a comforting, family-style meal, try this eggplant parmesan casserole. It’s a great way to feed a crowd and can be prepared in advance. You’ll need eggplants, ricotta cheese, eggs, Parmesan, mozzarella, and marinara sauce.
Instead of breading individual slices, this recipe calls for layering grilled or roasted eggplant slices with a mixture of ricotta, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. Alternate layers of eggplant, cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella in a large baking dish. Bake until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through. This version is less labor-intensive than traditional eggplant parmesan but just as satisfying.
Turn your eggplant parmesan into a handheld meal with these delicious sandwiches. They’re perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. You’ll need small eggplants, ciabatta rolls, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and marinara sauce.
Slice your eggplants into rounds, bread them, and fry or bake until crispy. Toast your ciabatta rolls, then layer crispy eggplant slices, fresh mozzarella, marinara sauce, and basil leaves on the bottom half. Top with the other half of the roll and press down gently. If you like, you can wrap the sandwiches in foil and bake them for a few minutes to melt the cheese. These sandwiches are a fun and portable way to enjoy all the flavors of eggplant parmesan.
Eggplant parmesan is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit any taste or dietary preference. Happy cooking!
