Easy Baked Eggplant Parmesan: A Healthier, Flavor-Packed Classic

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 Easy Baked Eggplant Parmesan:

By: The Feisty Italian

A Healthier, Flavor-Packed Classic


Looking for a lightened-up version of a classic favorite? Try this delicious Eggplant Parmesan recipe! I know what you’re thinking, "Another low-fat recipe?" But trust me, this one’s a winner. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to be gluten-free by simply swapping out the breadcrumbs.

While there are a few extra steps in this recipe, the results are well worth it. Here’s how to make this tasty dish:

Recipe:

  • 2-3 Eggplants (depending on your desired quantity)
  • 15-20 oz of marinara sauce
  • ½ lb of low-fat mozzarella cheese
  • 4 cups of Italian or panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup of Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
  • ¼ cup of milk
  • Pam spray or olive oil spray

Let’s get cooking:

  1. Warm your marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
  2. Wash the eggplant and slice it into ½-inch thick pieces. (Thin slices can result in a mushy texture.)
  3. Arrange the eggplant slices on a wire rack, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let them stand for 15 minutes. Flip and repeat, letting them stand for another 15 minutes.
  4. Rinse off the salt and thoroughly pat the eggplant slices dry.
  5. Set up a dredging station: Combine 2-3 eggs with ¼ cup of milk, in one dish and mix breadcrumbs, cheese, salt, and pepper in another.
  6. Bread the eggplant slices, place them on a baking sheet and lightly spray with Pam or olive oil spray.
  7. Bake at 375-400°F for 15 minutes, flip the slices, and bake again. (each over bakes differently)
  8. Coat the bottom of a baking dish with marinara sauce. (This step is optional, however, the bottom will be a bit crunchier.) Layer the eggplant slices in the dish, adding a bit of sauce and half the mozzarella between each layer. The eggplant should be stacked in pairs.
  9. Cover the baking dish and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.

Serve and enjoy! I like to pair this delicious dish with a side of zoodles for a satisfying, guilt-free meal.

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