If you're a fan of traditional Italian comfort food but like to keep your meals on the healthier side, then this baked eggplant parmesan recipe is exactly what you've been looking for.
This dish keeps the essence of the original—melty cheese, rich tomato sauce, and tender eggplant—but we are skipping the frying and baking the eggplant instead.
That means less oil, fewer calories, and a simpler cleanup. And I promise: the end result is just as satisfying. The textures are crisp and soft where they should be, and the flavors are warm, cheesy, and comforting.
So, let's dive in and see how to make eggplant parmesan at home in an easy, healthier way.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Eggplant

• Peel the eggplant. Reserve the peels and slice them into thin strips.

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• Cut the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds.

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• Salt them on both sides and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.

Make the Breading

• In one bowl, mix the eggs with flour, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt.

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• In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

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• Pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel, dip them in the egg mixture, then coat them in the breadcrumb mix.

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• Place slices on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes per side, until golden.

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Make the Sauce

• Blend the canned tomatoes with an immersion blender.
• Simmer in a saucepan with olive oil, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for 10–15 minutes.

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• Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assemble the Dish

• I prefer to bake in individual dishes, but you can totally make your eggplant parmesan in a big casserole dish.
• In your chosen oven-safe dish, add 1 tbsp of sauce to the bottom.
• Layer half of the baked eggplant slices over it.

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• Add another layer of sauce, then sprinkle grated Parmesan and mozzarella over the top. Finish with fresh mozzarella balls.

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• Repeat the process for the other dish.
• Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

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Fry the Skin Garnish (Optional)

• While baking, quickly fry the eggplant peels in hot olive oil for 1–2 minutes until crisp. Drain on paper towels.

Serve

• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil and the crispy eggplant skins for extra texture.

Behind the Dish: Modern Roots of a Classic

A Bit of History

If you are curious about some historical aspects, then you should know that eggplant parmesan recipes have roots in 18th-century Naples and Sicily. The earliest mention comes from Vincenzo Corrado, who prepared eggplants with butter, herbs, and cheese—though without the tomato sauce we love today.

However, today's version, layered with sauce and cheese and baked to perfection, evolved in the 19th century. Traditionally, the eggplant slices are deep-fried and stacked in multiple layers—delicious, yes, but not always the healthiest choice.

My Lighter Take

In our home, we wanted to preserve the soul of this recipe while cutting down on unnecessary oil. That's why we developed this healthy eggplant parmesan version. By baking the slices and using minimal oil in the sauce, we keep it lighter, yet comforting.

Why Only One Layer?

Some of you might wonder why I use only one layer. The answer is presentation. It makes individual servings prettier and less messy. You still get all the flavor of simple eggplant parmesan without it turning soggy or collapsing under its own weight.

Go Even Lighter

Want to go even lighter? Try the baked eggplant slices in the air fryer. They crisp up beautifully and make assembly even quicker.

Nutrition Notes

Finally, this dish is nutritionally rich in fiber, calcium, and antioxidants while being significantly lower in fat than the classic version.

Curious about eggplant parmesan calories? Check out the complete values below.

FAQ

Q: What does eggplant parmesan taste like?

A: It's savory, cheesy, slightly sweet from the tomato sauce, and has a wonderful balance of tender and crispy textures. Think of it as the Italian cousin of lasagna—with eggplant instead of pasta.

Q: Can eggplant parmesan be frozen?

A: Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q: How to reheat eggplant parmesan?

A: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Cover the dish with foil and reheat for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 5 more minutes to crisp up the top. The air fryer also works great for small portions.

Conclusion

I hope this easy baked eggplant parmesan becomes a regular in your rotation, just like it is in ours. It's one of those healthy eggplant recipes that proves you don't need to fry to enjoy rich, comforting flavor.

If you give it a try, don't forget to tag us on Instagram—we love seeing your kitchen wins. The full video for this recipe is now on our YouTube channel, so be sure to check it out. Don't forget to like and subscribe!

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