Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

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This eggplant Parmesan is a comforting version of the classic Italian dish that’s simple to make. Slices of eggplant are layered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This method skips the deep-frying step, making it lighter without sacrificing flavor. It’s perfect as a vegetarian main course and pairs well with pasta, crusty bread or a crisp green salad.

a recipe photo of Skillet Eggplant Parmesan
Credit:

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.

Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 15 mins
Servings:
4
  • This recipe uses just one skillet for easy layering and simple cleanup.
  • Meaty eggplant is low in calories and offers fiber for a satisfying yet nutritious meal.
  • Crunchy panko and fresh herbs provide a tasty, textured topping.

We’ve taken eggplant Parmesan and nixed the frying step to get a lighter Roasted Eggplant Parmesan without compromising flavor. Meaty eggplant slices are first roasted to remove some of the water and then are layered with marinara and calcium-rich mozzarella cheese. We bumped up the flavor and inflammation-fighting nutrition by adding fresh herbs and garlic to the sauce. Since we know how important the texture of the breading is to this classic dish, we added a crunchy panko-Parmesan crust to the top—you’ll love the flavor. Top with fresh basil, and you’ve got yourself a comforting meal everyone will love. Keep reading for our expert tips on which type of mozzarella to use for best results, panko suggestions and more. 

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • Roasting the eggplant ensures it cooks evenly and allows excess water to evaporate, helping to prevent a watery dish.
  • Instead of using a ball of mozzarella, you can opt for preshredded cheese. However, we recommend avoiding fresh mozzarella, as it can contribute to a watery outcome.
  • To achieve a crispy texture, we use panko breadcrumbs, and gluten-free panko is a suitable alternative. Regular breadcrumbs won’t work as well.
  • Feel free to swap out the jarred marinara sauce for your own homemade, or choose a spicy arrabbiata sauce or a creamier vodka sauce—whatever you prefer!

Nutrition Notes

  • Eggplant is a vegetable that’s low in calories and low in carbs, so it’s great for many dietary patterns. It also contains fiber, which is necessary for a healthy digestive system and regularity. 
  • We chose jarred marinara sauce for this recipe because it’s convenient, delicious and contains the antioxidant lycopene. Lycopene is more available in cooked tomato products than in fresh, so this is a good shortcut in the kitchen. Choose a sauce that does not have any added sugar and preferably has simple ingredients, such as tomatoes, olive oil, onions, garlic and spices. 
  • Mozzarella cheese can be low- or high-moisture (fresh), but we opted for low-moisture in this recipe to ensure that it’s not watered-down. Mozzarella is high in calcium, which is essential for good bone health at all ages, as well as protein, necessary for good muscle health and weight management at all ages. 
Ingredients arranged for making eggplant Parmesan including eggplant slices, tomato sauce, cheese, basil, breadcrumbs, and olive oil

Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings

  • 2 medium globe eggplants, sliced ½-inch thick

  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1 (24-ounce) jar lower-sodium marinara sauce

  • cup torn fresh basil leaves, plus small leaves for garnish

  • teaspoons chopped fresh oregano

  • 2 medium cloves garlic, grated

  • 6 ounces low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella cheese, torn (about cups

  • 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided

  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

Directions

  1. Position racks in middle and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 450°F. Coat 2 large rimmed baking sheets with cooking spray. Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Generously brush both sides of the eggplant with 3 tablespoons oil. Roast until tender and golden brown, about 20 minutes, flipping the slices and rotating the pans between the top and bottom racks halfway through.

    Slices of eggplant being brushed with oil on a baking sheet

    Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.

  2. Combine marinara, ⅓ cup basil, 1½ teaspoons oregano and the grated garlic in a medium bowl. Spoon about ⅓ cup of the sauce over the bottom of a large skillet. Arrange half of the roasted eggplant slices in an even layer over the sauce. Top with 1⅓ cups sauce; scatter half of the torn mozzarella over the sauce. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Parmesan. Arrange the remaining eggplant slices in an even layer over the Parmesan. Top with the remaining 1⅓ cups sauce, the remaining mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan. Bake until the cheese has started to melt and the sauce bubbles around the pan edges, about 10 minutes.

    Slices of eggplant arranged over tomato sauce in a skillet

    Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.

  3. Stir ¼ cup panko and the remaining 1 tablespoon oil together in a small bowl; sprinkle over the melted cheese. Return the skillet to the oven; increase oven temperature to broil. Broil until the panko is golden brown, about 4 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon Parmesan. Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil leaves, if desired.

    Pan of baked eggplant parmesan topped with melted cheese and breadcrumbs

    Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What should I look for when choosing an eggplant?

    For this recipe, we used two medium globe eggplants, totaling 1¼ pounds. You can choose any variety of eggplant, but we recommend looking for small- to medium-size ones, as their skin and seeds tend to be less bitter compared to larger varieties. Additionally, select eggplants that are firm with smooth, unblemished, shiny skin, and make sure they feel heavy for their size.

  • Do I need to peel the eggplant?

    We didn’t feel it was necessary to peel. However, if your eggplant has particularly bitter or tough skin, you should peel it. Additionally, if your eggplant contains large seeds, those can also be bitter, and you may choose to remove them if you like.

  • What if I can’t find fresh oregano?

    For this recipe, we prefer fresh oregano. However, dried oregano can be used, but remember to use only a third of the amount of fresh since it has a stronger flavor that could overpower the dish if you use too much of it.

  • How should I store and reheat leftovers?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The easiest way to reheat this dish is in the microwave or a 350ºF oven until heated through. We would refrain from freezing it.

  • What should I serve with Roasted Eggplant Parmesan?

    We enjoy pairing this eggplant dish with several recipes, such as Lemony Brussels Sprout Slaw and Garlic-Parmesan Green Beans. Additionally, serving a baguette alongside allows you to scoop up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Recipe developed by Marianne Williams

EatingWell.com, June 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

423 Calories
28g Fat
29g Carbs
16g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1¼ cups
Calories 423
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 29g 11%
Dietary Fiber 8g 28%
Total Sugars 15g
Added Sugars 0g 0%
Protein 16g 32%
Total Fat 28g 36%
Saturated Fat 9g 44%
Cholesterol 42mg 14%
Vitamin A 157µg
Vitamin C 8mg 9%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 7mg 44%
Folate 66µg
Vitamin K 51µg
Sodium 472mg 21%
Calcium 343mg 26%
Iron 2mg 14%
Magnesium 67mg 16%
Potassium 940mg 20%
Zinc 2mg 20%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Sarah Pflugradt, Ph.D., RDN, CSCS
Sarah Pflugradt

Sarah Pflugradt is a registered dietitian who holds a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her extensive background in dietetics has made her a sought-after expert in family and youth sports nutrition.

and
Linda Frahm
Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications.