17 Easy & Healthy Eggplant Parmesan Recipes to Add to Your Menu

Eggplant Parmesan is a beloved classic that combines the rich flavors of eggplant, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.

In this collection, you’ll find 17 easy and healthy variations of this dish, ranging from air-fried and slow-cooked options to vegan and keto-friendly versions. Each recipe offers a unique twist, ensuring there’s something to suit every palate and dietary preference. Whether you prefer a traditional approach or are looking to try something new, these recipes are perfect for adding a delicious and nutritious dish to your menu.

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan

This Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan boasts a perfectly crunchy exterior with a soft and tender inside. In just 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a dish that’s seriously tasty and incredibly quick. It’s absolutely delicious!

• Prep: 15 mins
• Cook: 25 mins
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Eggplant

Batter

• egg
• all purpose flour
• Italian seasoning
• salt
• ground black pepper
• red pepper flakes

Breadcrumb

• panko breadcrumbs
• finely grated parmesan cheese

Additional Ingredients

• marinara sauce
• shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

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Crockpot Eggplant Parmesan

This Gluten-Free Crockpot Eggplant Parmesan will make everyone believe you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for effortless entertaining!

• Prep: 25 mins
• Cook: 8 hrs
• Servings: 12

Ingredients

• eggplant
• salt
• egg
• milk
• gluten free breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• marinara sauce
• mozzarella cheese
• fresh basil

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Chicken Eggplant Parmesan

Chicken eggplant parmesan merges two beloved Italian-American classics into a single dish. Ideal for nights when you can’t choose between eggplant or chicken parm, this recipe features golden fried chicken cutlets layered with marinara sauce, fried eggplant slices, Parmigiano Reggiano, and mozzarella. Some things are amazing on their own but even better together!

• Total: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the marinara sauce

• garlic
• crushed plum tomatoes
• extra virgin olive oil
• crushed red pepper flakes
• salt
• basil leaves

For the chicken

• olive
• chicken breast
• flour
• salt and pepper
• egg
• Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• Italian flat-leaf parsley
• Pecorino Romano

For the eggplant

• eggplant
• flour
• egg
• Pecorino Romano
• black pepper
• Italian flat-leaf parsley

Assembly ingredients

• Parmigiano Reggiano
• mozzarella
• marinara sauce
• basil leaves

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Eggplant Parmigiana Without Breadcrumbs

Eggplant Parmigiana (Parmigiana di Melanzane) is the epitome of comfort food. In the US, eggplant slices are typically breaded, but this lighter rendition stays true to the Sicilian original. This Sicilian-style version skips the breadcrumbs, egg, and flour, resulting in a rustic dish that highlights the rich flavor of the eggplant.

• PREP: 1 hr 30 mins
• COOK: 3 hrs 45 mins
• SERVINGS: 6

Ingredients

• eggplant
• marinara sauce
• Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• mozzarella cheese
• basil
• olive oil
• kosher salt
• black pepper

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Lighter Vegan Eggplant Parmesan (No breadcrumbs!)

This vegan eggplant parmesan offers a lighter twist on the traditional Italian dish. Roasted eggplants are nestled in a robust Pomodoro sauce and a creamy cheese sauce made from cannellini beans. True to the classic recipe, there’s no breading involved, ensuring a truly authentic experience. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

• Total: 1 hr
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

Roasting eggplants

• Eggplant
• Olive oil
• Salt

Pomodoro sauce

• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic
• Sieved tomato puree aka Tomato sauce
• basil leaves
• Salt and Pepper

Vegan melted cheese sauce

• Olive oil
• Cannellini or White beans
• Onion
• Garlic
• Dairy-free milk
• Nutritional yeast
• Apple cider vinegar
• Tapioca starch
• Salt and Pepper

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Make Ahead Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant slices are lightly fried in a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb coating and then baked with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. This recipe promises the best Eggplant Parmesan you’ll ever taste.

• Prep: 30 mins
• Cook: 40 mins
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

• eggplants
• Salt
• flour
• seasoned salt
• pepper
• egg
• milk, optional
• Italian breadcrumbs
• garlic powder
• grated Parmesan cheese, separated
• vegetable oil
• marinara sauce
• Part Skim Mozzarella, grated
• Basil, to garnish (optional)

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Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan

Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan offers a fun and easy twist on the classic dish. These baked eggplant “boats” are hollowed out and filled with chicken sausage, tomato sauce, and mozzarella.

• Prep: 15 mins
• Cook: 30 mins
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• white eggplants
• Italian chicken sausage
• small onion
• garlic, crushed
• crushed tomatoes
• basil leaves
• salt and pepper
• shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
• grated Pecorino Romano

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Eggplant Parmesan Pasta

Eggplant Parmesan Pasta is a baked casserole combining whole wheat spaghetti with baked, not fried, eggplant parmesan. This healthier alternative retains all the amazing flavors of the classic dish, with the whole wheat spaghetti adding extra fiber. You’ll love it just as much as the original—Chef’s Kiss all the way!

• Prep: 30 mins
• Cook: 1 hr 20 mins
• Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Baked Eggplant

• all-purpose flour
• egg
• panko crumbs
• dry basil
• oregano
• garlic powder
• black pepper
• salt
• eggplant

For the Spaghetti

• whole wheat spaghetti
• extra virgin olive oil
• crushed red pepper
• garlic, chopped
• white onion, chopped
• Marinara sauce
• salt
• black pepper

To Assemble Casserole (2 layers of eggplant)

• Marinara Sauce
• baked eggplant
• Marinara Sauce
• burrata cheese
• parmesan cheese
• fresh basil, julienned

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Keto Eggplant Parmesan

Keto eggplant parmesan combines crispy breaded eggplant, tangy marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese into a delicious low-carb Italian dish. Enjoy it as a meatless entrée with palmini pasta or as a side for chicken or meatballs. It’s a refreshing change of pace, minus the carbs.

• Total: 2 hrs
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Eggplant

• eggplants
• salt

For the Egg Wash

• egg
• water

For the Keto Breading

• blanched almond flour
• finely crushed pork rinds plain
• grated fresh parmesan
• Italian seasoning
• garlic powder
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

For the Eggplant Parmesan

• keto-friendly marinara
• fresh mozzarella

To Serve

• fresh basil

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Eggplant Parmesan (No Egg)

Prepare a healthy make-ahead dinner with this baked eggplant parmesan, made without eggs. Featuring layers of panko-breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, lentils, and plenty of cheese, this quick and easy lasagna-style casserole is ideal for busy days. A simple and satisfying dinner the whole family will love!

Ingredients

• eggplants
• milk (or milk alternative)
• Panko breadcrumbs (I used whole wheat)
• freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• dried oregano
• dried thyme
• red pepper flakes
• salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• marinara sauce
• lentils
• fresh mozzarella
• fresh basil leaves

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Classic Eggplant Parmesan

Your whole family will love this classic eggplant parmesan! Tender eggplant slices are coated in homemade breadcrumbs, then layered with melted cheeses and rich marinara sauce. Whether you prefer baking or frying the eggplant, this recipe offers both methods for perfect results.

• Prep: 50 mins
• Cook: 30 mins
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

Eggplant

• eggplants
• all-purpose flour
• egg
• olive oil

Homemade Breadcrumbs

• bread slices
• parmesan cheese
• Italian herb blend
• garlic powder
• salt & black pepper

Toppings

• marinara
• mozzarella cheese
• parmesan cheese
• fresh basil
• fresh oregano

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Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

These Eggplant Parmesan Stacks offer a healthier twist on the classic dish, featuring baked rather than fried eggplant. These delicious towers of eggplant parmigiana are perfect as a festive appetizer, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy the architectural redesign that makes this dish both nutritious and scrumptious.

• Total: 1 hr 30 mins
• Servings: 8 stacks

Ingredients

• eggplants
• panko bread crumbs
• dried basil
• milk
• salt and pepper
• Canola oil
• Parchment paper
• olive oil
• onion
• dried basil
• salt
• crushed tomatoes
• tomato paste
• honey
• minced garlic
• shredded mozzarella cheese
• finely ground parmesan cheese
• fresh basil leaves

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Eggplant Parmesan with Ricotta

These baked eggplant slices are topped with creamy ricotta cheese, creating a deliciously satisfying dish. Simple to prepare, the eggplant and ricotta blend perfectly for a flavorful and healthy meal.

• Total: 1 hr 25 mins
• Servings: 8

Ingredients

Salting the eggplant

• eggplant
• kosher salt

For the Breading

• all purpose flour
• eggs
• parmigiano or parmesan cheese, grated
• panko breadcrumbs
• regular breadcrumbs
• tomato sauce
• Salt and Pepper

For the Whipped Ricotta 

• whole milk ricotta
• parmesan cheese, grated
• kosher salt

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Eggplant Zucchini Parmesan

Roasted Vegetable Parmesan with Goat Cheese is a vibrant, hearty dish featuring roasted vegetables layered with tangy goat cheese and marinara sauce. This delicious, veggie-packed meal is perfect for any time of the year.

• Total: 1 hr 20 mins
• Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

• eggplant
• zucchini
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt
• fresh breadcrumbs or panko
• fresh parsley, chopped
• marinara sauce
• Parmesan cheese
• mozzarella cheese

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Eggplant Parmesan (Paleo, Vegan, Whole30, Gluten-Free)

This Paleo Eggplant Parmesan offers a healthy twist on the classic Italian dish. It features layers of tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and cashew-based “ricotta,” all baked until bubbling. This crowd-pleasing dish is so delicious, no one will even realize it’s Vegan and Whole30!

• Total: 1 hr 10 mins
• Servings: 8

Ingredients

• eggplant
• extra virgin olive oil
• salt
• garlic
• onion
• tomato paste
• chopped tomatoes
• balsamic vinegar
• chili flakes
• cashews
• almond milk
• basil

Optional Topping

• brazil nuts
• almond flour
• nutritional yeast
• melted butter or ghee

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Eggplant Parmesan Pizza

If you’re a fan of eggplant parmigiana, you have to try the Best Eggplant Parmesan Pizza recipe for dinner. It’s incredibly delicious, easy to make, meatless, and can even be adapted to be low-carb.

• Total: 40 mins
• Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients

• eggplant
• grated parmesan
• unsalted butter
• Italian panko breadcrumbs
• pizza dough
• pizza sauce
• whole milk mozzarella
• Roma tomato
• fresh basil leaves

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Instant Pot Eggplant Parmesan

This healthy Instant Pot Eggplant Parmesan is a quick 20-minute dinner that isn’t breaded or fried, requiring only 4 ingredients. Enjoy a delicious, comforting, and low-carb meal that’s perfect for busy nights!

• Total: 25 mins
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• eggplants
• marinara sauce
• water
• mozzarella cheese
• salt
• for servings: fresh basil, red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese

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