Extra-Crispy Eggplant Parmesan

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This eggplant Parmesan is creamy in the center with a crispy panko crust on the outside. To know when your eggplant is cooked to perfection, poke it with the tip of a paring knife. The knife tip should slide through with little resistance. If it feels a little too tough in some spots, it needs a few more minutes in the oven. You can rotate the baking sheet front to back for even browning.

a recipe photo of the Eggplant Parmesan
Photo:

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
4 servings
the ingredients to make the Eggplant Parmesan

Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium eggplant, unpeeled

  • 1 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs

  • 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour

  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

  • 1 teaspoon salt-free Italian seasoning, such as Mrs. Dash 

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

  • Cooking spray

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 cup lower-sodium marinara sauce

  • 3/4 cup shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil; set a wire rack on the baking sheet. Cut eggplant lengthwise into 4 (¾-inch-thick) slices, keeping stem intact.

    a step in making the Eggplant Parmesan

    Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

  2. Place panko, flour and egg in 3 separate wide, shallow bowls. Stir Italian seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder into the panko.

  3. Working with 1 eggplant slice at a time, dredge in flour and shake off excess. Dip in egg; let excess drip off. Dredge in panko mixture to coat, pressing to adhere. Place on the prepared rack. (Discard any remaining egg, flour and panko.)

    a step in making the Eggplant Parmesan

    Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

  4. Generously coat the tops of the eggplant slices with cooking spray. Bake until the panko is extra-crispy and browned and the eggplant is tender, about 40 minutes, carefully flipping and coating with cooking spray halfway through. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with salt.

  5. Increase oven temperature to broil; preheat for 5 minutes. Top the eggplant slices with marinara, mozzarella and Parmesan. Broil until the cheeses are melted and browned in spots, 2 to 3 minutes.

    a step in making the Eggplant Parmesan

    Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

  6. Divide the eggplant slices among 4 plates; drizzle with oil. Garnish with basil, if desired.

    a step in making the Eggplant Parmesan

    Photographer: Fred Hardy, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

EatingWell.com, November 2023

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

307 Calories
16g Fat
30g Carbs
12g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 eggplant slice
Calories 307
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 30g 11%
Dietary Fiber 7g 24%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 12g 25%
Total Fat 16g 21%
Saturated Fat 5g 23%
Cholesterol 64mg 21%
Vitamin A 101µg
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 4mg 24%
Folate 52µg
Vitamin K 22µg
Sodium 531mg 23%
Calcium 231mg 18%
Iron 2mg 11%
Magnesium 63mg 15%
Potassium 575mg 12%
Zinc 2mg 18%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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