Hello, easy cheesy comfort food! When the temperatures start to drop, rich and hearty meals like eggplant parmesan start calling my name. I make this recipe a little different than the original, but I promise that even though it is easier to make, it is every bit as delicious.
Our favorite eggplant parmesan recipe
We start with unbreaded (gasp!) baked eggplant. Typically, the eggplant is breaded (messy!) and then fried (time-consuming!) before it’s used in the eggplant parm. Baking the eggplant turns it perfectly creamy and forgetting the breadcrumbs means they don’t get weird and soggy.Then we make a simple marinara sauce using a couple of tips I have for boosting the flavor.Once it’s all put together, with several handfuls melty cheese, it becomes something that dreams are made of.And that crispy browned cheese on top? That’s pure magic.And because this is a grain-free and gluten-free eggplant parmesan recipe, we think it’s pretty healthy, too.
How to make eggplant parmesan
While some eggplant parmesan recipes are fussy and time-consuming, this one isn’t. If you work quickly, you can have the assembled eggplant parm in the oven in about a half an hour. Once it’s in the oven, tidy the kitchen, pour a glass of wine, and congratulate yourself on being a pro in the kitchen! Once the eggplant parmesan comes out of the oven, you’ll want to let it rest for 15-30 minutes. If you try to cut into it right away it will all fall apart and you will be sad. Trust me on this one.
Tips for making a quick marinara sauce
I have two tips for making a simple marinara sauce taste like it’s been simmering on the stove for hours. That’s it! Those two little tricks will transform your quick marinara sauce.
What to serve with eggplant parm
Eggplant parmesan is a one pan meal that can easily hold its own on the dinner table. But if you want to serve it with a side dish, I would recommend opting for a hearty salad. Here are a few of my favorites that go well with eggplant parm:
Crispy Kale Salad with Roasted BeetsArugula and Wild Rice SaladRoasted Brussels Sprouts Caesar SaladThe Best Kale Salad
If you’d like to serve the eggplant parmesan as a side dish, my Perfect Baked Chicken Breasts and Juicy Baked Pork Chops go really well with it. Remember to subscribe to THE ENDLESS MEAL’S NEWSLETTER for FREE to get healthy and delicious recipes each week + our cookbook!
Favorite Eggplant Recipes
Vegetarian Eggplant ParmesanBest Easy Eggplant InvoltiniSweet and Spicy Asian EggplantCrispy Eggplant Fries with Chipotle AioliRoasted Eggplant with Creamy Harissa and PistachiosChickpea, Tofu, and Eggplant CurryThe BEST Baba Ganoush
Did you make this?
We love to see what you made! Tag @theendlessmeal or hashtag #theendlessmeal!
