Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan is easy to make! This dish is baked, not fried! We have included Dairy-free and Vegan options too!
Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
Eggplant is actually one of my husband's favorite food items. It is not something that I often use in my cooking. I need to get better about that, I’m sure he would appreciate it!
Did you know that eggplants are actually nightshades? It is actually related to potatoes and tomatoes! There really isn’t a vegetable that compares to eggplant, it’s a very unique flavor and texture that makes it an excellent hearty vegetarian entree.
Simple Recipe for Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan
Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan is actually easier than you think. It may have multiple steps but they are simple.
I have broken down the steps into pictures for you. While the steps are simple, they do take some time. So plan accordingly with your time.
I promise, you won't be disappointed with this Vegetarian Breaded Eggplant Parmesan. Remember, if you need dairy-free or vegan options, check at the bottom of the recipe. You can easily make this a vegan gluten free eggplant parmesan recipe by using a vegan mozzarella substitute and your favorite egg substitute.
Looking for an air fryer eggplant parmesan recipe? We have one! Air Fryer Gluten Free Parmesan Recipe We adapted this baked eggplant recipe for the air fryer! Check it out.
INGREDIENTS IN VEGETARIAN EGGPLANT PARMESAN
Gluten Free Organic Spaghetti - we used Explore Cuisine Chickpea Spaghetti.
Marinara Sauce - Choose your favorite brand.
Eggplant - Find a medium sized eggplant for this recipe.
Eggs - Eggs help create the breading on the eggplant.
Gluten Free Panko Breadcrumbs - This gives the eggplant the perfect amount of crunch.
Italian Seasoning - this blend of herbs is perfect for seasoning the eggplant.
Parmesan Cheese - Optional, but a delicious addition to this eggplant parmesan
Mozzarella Cheese - pre-shredded mozzarella makes this recipe super simple.
Fresh Basil and Cilantro - for garnishing.
If you have any questions about the ingredients in vegetarian eggplant parmesan, please leave a comment below and I will get back to you ASAP!
HOW TO MAKE VEGETARIAN EGGPLANT PARMESAN
- So first, we are starting with our eggplant. You are going to slice your medium eggplant into ¼ inch pieces. Do your best to keep the slices the same width, but don’t worry too much about it. This eggplant recipe is pretty forgiving in that way.
- Then you are going to salt the eggplant. My kitchen tip for you is to place your eggplant slices onto a paper towel lined, lipped baking sheet. This set up will allow you to salt the eggplant and have the extra salt fall to the paper towels and baking sheet.
- Bread your eggplant slices by dipping first into beaten eggs and then into gluten free breadcrumbs mixed with Italian Seasoning.
- Bake the eggplant slices as directed in the recipe below until they are golden brown.
- Top each eggplant slice with marinara sauce.
- Then top with mozzarella cheese. Bake as directed in the recipe until cheese is melted.
These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. For the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please see the recipe below.
Are you making gluten free dairy free eggplant parmesan?
I'll give you a sneak peak at your dairy-free and vegan eggplant parm options here. Dairy-free options are to omit the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses or you can use vegan cheese. For a vegan option, you can use maple syrup instead of eggs!
Paleo? Need more gluten free eggplant recipes? Check out this Paleo Eggplant Parmesan from A Mindful Mom.
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey - If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below. Make sure you follow me on Pinterest, and Facebook, too!
Vegetarian Eggplant Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 box 8 oz of Spaghetti
- 2 cup of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1 medium eggplant
- 2 eggs
- 1.5 cups gluten-free panko crumbs
- ⅓ c parmesan cheese optional
- 1 T Italian Seasoning
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- fresh basil and cilantro
Instructions
- Slice your medium eggplant into ¼ inch pieces.
- Place eggplant on top of paper towels in a lipped baking sheet. Salt the eggplant and let it sit for 15 minutes. Flip the eggplant slices and salt again. Let sit again for 15 minutes.
- In a small bowl beat eggs, set aside. In a small bowl mix panko, Italian Seasoning and parmesan. Dip each eggplant piece into the egg mixture, followed by the panko mixture to coat. Make sure you do both sides.
- Bake the eggplant in the oven at 375 degrees F for 12 minutes. Then you are going to flip over each eggplant piece and bake for an additional 12 minutes.
- Gently spoon sauce onto each individual piece of eggplant.
- Equally divide cheese among eggplant pieces. Bake until cheese is melted.
- Prepare pasta per the directions on the box. Toss pasta with remaining sauce. Divide pasta among 4 plates.
- Place 2-3 eggplant pieces on each plate on top of pasta. Garnish with basil and cilantro.
Notes
Nutrition
I love that your Gluten Free Eggplant Parmesan is baked instead of fried! What a deliciously healthier version of a classic recipe!
It doesn't take much convincing to get me to eat my veggies, but this sounds just so amazing! I don't often buy eggplant for home, but I adore it. Definitely motivated to make this for myself and my family (if I feel like sharing).
We make roaster eggplant quite often. You should try the white eggplant - it is so much better than the green!
I can do this!!
This gluten free eggplant parm looks so amazing! My 8-year-old hates all things that are yummy and she stopped and asked when I am making this!
I made this tonight and we loved it! Thanks for a great recipe. I will definitely make it again and again.
You are so welcome, so glad you enjoyed this gluten free eggplant parmesan!