Description
Savor the wholesome flavors of Healthy Baked Eggplant Parmesan, a lighter twist on the classic comfort dish. Roasted eggplant, sautéed veggies, rich marinara, and gooey cheese come together in a perfectly baked casserole that’s both nutritious and irresistible.
Ingredients
For Baked Eggplant:
- 1 large eggplant, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 tsp oregano
For Sautéed Veggies:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (2 reserved from earlier), smashed
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For Assembling:
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- Prepared roasted eggplant
- Prepared sautéed veggies
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 5 tbsp breadcrumbs, divided
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
Prepare the Eggplant:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay out eggplant slices in a single layer.
- Mix olive oil, smashed garlic, and oregano in a small bowl. Brush the mixture onto both sides of the eggplant slices.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the reserved garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss in bell peppers, onion, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper and Italian seasoning. Cook for 6-8 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Assemble the Eggplant Parmesan:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half the roasted eggplant slices over the sauce.
- Top with half the sautéed veggies, followed by a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and half the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers: marinara, eggplant, veggies, breadcrumbs, and mozzarella.
- Finish with remaining breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake the Dish:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm with a salad or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian