• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Meals With Maria
  • Start Here
  • Recipes
    • Kid Favorites
    • Busy Mom Meal Prep
    • High-Protein Dinners
    • Slow Cooker and Freezer Meals
    • Snacks & Sweets
    • From Scratch
  • Shop
    • The Meal Plan App for Real, Good Food
  • About Me
Home » Recipes » One of My Favorite Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

One of My Favorite Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

Filed Under: Dinner August 18, 2023

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

This is one of my favorite baked eggplant parmesan recipes because the eggplant is baked and not fried. While I really enjoy fried eggplant, my thighs really don’t. And I find that using this method is just as delicious without all the extra calories.

baked eggplant parmesan with a side salad

I remember my mom baking eggplant parmesan for August gatherings, when I was growing up. It was a big deal and everyone looked forward to her dish. Now, I find myself craving the same August comfort and have worked to create my own, healthier version.

Eggplant Parmesan is Surprisingly Budget Friendly!

I never realized, that aside from the delicious flavor, and compliments she received from the Eggplant Parmesan, my mom had another reason for making this dish. Eggplant Parmesan is surprisingly budget friendly, especially if you have a garden. My mom now tells me she made the whole thing, aside from the cheese, from garden ingredients she grew herself. So the dish cost her next to nothing!

This year, I don’t have a garden but still take advantage of the seasonal veggies at local farm stands and grocery stores. Lately, eggplant has been on sale for $.99lb and I’ve been buying it weekly! I’ve had to come up with some new recipes to use it up and I’m not mad!

How to Make One of The Best Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipes

Start with 2 eggplants and slice them into 1/4 inch slices. I like to cut the bottom and top off of my eggplant and place the flat side down on the cutting board. I find this makes it really easy to slice off the tougher skin. Although, if you like the skin, feel free to leave it on.

Scramble up two eggs in a bowl and pour 1/2 a cup of Italian breadcrumbs into a bowl. Dip the slices of eggplant into the egg then cover them completely with bread crumbs.

Place the breaded eggplant on a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes flipping half way through.

Pour about 1/4 cup of your favorite pasta sauce into the bottom of a 13×9 baking dish.

Place the eggplant in a single layer on the sauce and pour more sauce over the top.

Sprinkle about 1/2 a cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

Repeat the eggplant, sauce, cheese process and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese.

Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes until bubbly and hot.

And this is the final product! I like to serve mine with some spaghetti and a salad.

Eggplant parmesan is one of those hearty meals that you don’t even notice doesn’t contain meat. My kids kept asking where the eggplant was, they thought it was chicken!

Watch How To Make The One of the Best Eggplant Parmesan Recipes!

You can watch me make this and 2 other fresh vegetable summer dishes in this Youtube video.

3 Fresh Summer Vegetables Recipes on my Youtube Channel

And for more summertime inspiration check out these videos:

  • 5 Canned Chicken Recipes (You’d never know it was canned chicken!)
  • 10 No Oven Meals (Don’t heat your kitchen!)
  • 15 Summer Lunch Ideas (Kids and Moms love!)

MORE SUMMER RECIPES TO TRY

  • 3 Lazy Summer Dinner Ideas
  • 10 of the best BBQ Side Dishes
  • $20, 1 Hour, Summer Meal Prep

Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

Breaded eggplant slices are baked to crispy perfection and layered with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in this classic Eggplant Parmesan recipe. A simple yet flavorful dish, it celebrates the affordability of seasonal eggplants while delivering a comforting and satisfying meal. Serve with pasta or a side salad for a budget-friendly, delightful dinner option.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 55 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups tomato sauce store bought or homemade
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Prepare the Eggplants: Slice off the ends of the eggplants and remove the skin. Cut the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
  • Bread the Eggplant: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet.
  • Bake the Eggplant: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
  • Layer the Eggplant Parmesan: In a 13×9-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange a layer of baked eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the eggplant. Repeat the layers until all the eggplant slices are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of mozzarella. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a golden crust. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. 
  • Enjoy: Serve your delicious Eggplant Parmesan with your favorite pasta, a side salad, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • You can use store-bought tomato sauce or make your own using canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and seasonings.
  • Feel free to adjust the quantity of cheese according to your preference.
  • Fresh basil leaves add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish but are optional.
Keyword beef casserole, budget casserole, budget friendly, budget meal, budget recipe, eggplant, eggplant parm, frugal, frugal meal, summer dinner, summer dinners, summer recipe, vegetarian

Maria Ronan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Links on this site may include affiliate links to Amazon and its affiliate sites on which the owner of this website will make a referral commission. Thank you for supporting Meals With Maria! My videos and website are for entertainment purposes only. Any information related to food, food safety, cooking, recipes, etc. are my opinions only. Maria Ronan is not liable and/or responsible for any advice, services, or product you obtain through this video and website.

Tagged With: budget cooking, budget meals, cheap and easy, chicken, chicken recipe, cobb salad, cobb salad recipe, cobb salad with chicken, dinner, EasyRecipes, lunch, no oven, rotisserie chicken, rotisserie chicken recipes, salad, salad recipe, summer, summer cooking, summer lunch ideas, summer recipes

Previous Post: « 3 New Cheap Family Meals Under $10
Next Post: Mind Blowing Chana Masala Recipe on the Cheap »

Primary Sidebar

Maria smiling

Hi, I'm Maria! As a wife and mom of 3, I’m passionate about making life easier in the kitchen. Whether it’s simple crockpot meals or festive holiday spreads, I love sharing recipes that bring joy to busy families. My mission? Helping moms like you cook with confidence, one meal at a time!

Find me on Instagarm, Youtube, and more!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Get the Latest Recipes:

  • 20+ Easy Father’s Day Appetizers
  • Red White and Blue Mini Cheesecakes (Clean Ingredients + Festive Flair!)
  • The Ultimate 4th of July Charcuterie Board (Even If You Usually Skip the Red 40)
  • Beautiful Brunch Charcuterie Board
  • The Perfect Charcuterie Cups – Easy and Elegant
  • How to Create the Ultimate Fruit and Chocolate Charcuterie Board: A Delicious Dessert Board Idea
  • Viral Italian Sliders Recipe Made With Homemade Rolls
  • Delicious Sourdough Bread Rolls Recipe: The Healthier Twist on Classic Rolls
  • Delicious Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies: The Perfect Spring Treat
  • How to Create the Perfect Mother’s Day Charcuterie Board
  • Healthy Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe With Chili Avocado Mayo
  • How to Make Delicious Butterflied Chicken Legs in the Air Fryer
  • Delicious and Healthy Banana Protein Muffins (Better Than Little Bites)
  • Delicious Banana Chocolate Chunk Muffins Recipe
  • Easy Santa Fe Chicken Recipe In the Crock Pot
  • How to Make a Sourdough Starter: Your Ultimate Guide
  • The Easiest Way To Make Sourdough Tortillas Using Sourdough Discard
  • The Best Sourdough Discard Waffles Your Kids Will Actually Love!
  • How To Make Your Own Grass Fed Yogurt
  • How to Make the Best Sourdough Pizza Crust: A Step-by-Step Recipe
  • The Best Air Fryer Chick-Fil-A Nuggets Copycat Recipe!
  • The BEST No-Bake Cookie Dough Bites – Tastes Amazing!
  • How To Make The Best Bailey’s Chocolate Truffles
  • Easy St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Fruit Salad – With Lucky Charms!
  • The Best St. Patrick’s Day Food You’ll Ever Make
  • Corned Beef Sliders (The Best Way to Make a Reuben)
  • The Best Avocado Deviled Eggs (Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day)
  • How To Make A Beautiful St. Patrick’s Day Charcuterie Board
  • 5 Easy Desserts For Valentine’s Day (Better Than The Restaurant!)
  • The Absolute Best Superbowl Recipes
  • 25+ Valentine’s Day Recipes You’ll Fall In Love With!
  • Easy To Make: Artichoke Phyllo Cups (The Perfect Finger Food)
  • Easy Shrimp Rangoon Recipe (Better Than The Restaurant!)
  • Simply Adorable: Valentine’s Caprese Skewers Made Easy
  • Easy and Elegant Valentine’s Charcuterie Cups
  • Bakery Quality Cherry Danish In the Air Fryer
  • Super Fun and Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberries Valentine Recipe
  • 5 Healthy Takeout Alternatives You Can Make at Home
  • Homemade Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets: A Healthy Fast Food Alternative
  • The Best In-N-Out Burger Recipe (Animal Style) with Air-Fried Fries
  • Crispy Air Fried KFC Tenders: A Healthy, Homemade Alternative
  • Hummus and Feta Dip: A New Healthy Snack for Any Occasion
  • 15 Dinner Ideas For Valentine’s Day At Home
  • Flaky Baked Haddock With Ritz Crackers
  • Easy Heart-Shaped Tortilla Pizzas for a Budget-Friendly Valentine’s Day
  • Baked Chicken Parmigiana Recipe – A Seed Oil-Free Spin on the Classic Italian Favorite
  • Cheap Healthy Aldi Meals: 5 Family Dinners for Just $60
  • Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls: Fresh, Delicious, and Easy Dinner Recipe
  • Amazing Chicken Drumsticks Tandoori Style: A Flavorful Family Meal
  • Perfect Air Fried Teriyaki Salmon: The Best Weeknight Dinner
  • The Ultimate Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls
  • 13 Busy Mom Meal Prep Recipes To Get You Through The Summer!
  • The Ultimate Totchos Recipe: Perfect for Your Super Bowl Party
  • The 24 Easiest Weeknight Dinners for 2025
  • Copycat Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup Recipe
  • Copycat Panera Bread Broccoli Cheddar Cheese Soup Recipe
  • Easy Apple Pork Chops with Sweet Potato Mashed Potatoes
  • Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese: A Sweet and Savory Delight
  • Easy Family Friendly Mexican Casserole Recipe
  • The 20 Best Christmas Dinner Ideas That Are Cheap
  • French Onion Soup Mac and Cheese: A Special Treat
  • Baked Manicotti: The Most Delicious Make-Ahead Family Favorite
  • Meatball and Mozzarella Bake: The Perfect Festive Meal!
  • Irresistible Lamb Sliders – A Festive Holiday Treat
  • Easy Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce Pot Roast
  • Oreo Pie: The Perfect No-Bake Holiday Dessert
  • The 10 Best Christmas Recipes of 2024
  • Green Beans Wrapped in Bacon with Brown Sugar: A Sweet and Savory Holiday Side Dish
  • Christmas Pasta Salad: A Festive and Flavorful Holiday Side Dish
  • Guacamole Wreath: A Fun and Festive Holiday Appetizer
  • Puff Pastry Sausage Bites: A Special Holiday Treat
  • Festive Slow Cooker Cranberry Meatballs: A Holiday Twist on a Classic
  • How to Create a Stunning Christmas Charcuterie Board on a Budget
  • Beautiful Salmon Dill Cream Cheese Appetizer
  • 14 Easy Christmas Breakfast and Brunch Recipes to Impress Your Guests
  • How To Make The Best Bagel Charcuterie Board
  • French Toast Brioche Casserole: The Best Make-Ahead Breakfast
  • The Perfect Breakfast For Christmas: Monkey Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bake
  • Cinnamon Roll Casserole Slow Cooker Recipe: Easy Breakfast Treat
  • My Favorite Easy Christmas Appetizers Under $10
  • Air Fried Jalapeno Poppers: A Spicy, Creamy Holiday Treat
  • Kielbasa In A Blanket Is A Must Try
  • Viral Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Appetizer To Surprise Your Friends
  • A New Family Favorite: Cream Cheese French Onion Dip
  • Must Make Meatballs With Grape Jelly and Chili Sauce
  • Try These Simple Cream Cheese Celery Sticks
  • Easy, Inexpensive, and Delicious Christmas Tree Shaped Appetizer
  • One Pan Creamy Ham and Cheese Casserole
  • One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice: The Ultimate Dump-and-Go Dinner
  • The Best Crock Pot Birria Tacos Recipe
  • Easy Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage
  • The Best Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
  • The Best Healthy Loaded Baked Potato Soup In The Slow Cooker
  • How To Save Money Shopping The Grocery Store Sales Flyer
  • Easy Honey Soy Chicken Drumsticks In the Slow Cooker
  • Rice Noodles With Tofu and Sugar Snap Peas – Even My Husband Loves This!
  • 7 Delicious Rollover Recipes to Transform Your Leftovers
  • This Poor Man’s Meal Is A Classic Easy Dish
  • Family Friendly Meal Plan: 7/1-7/7
  • Amazing Summer Pasta Primavera Recipe With Fiddleheads

Footer

Pages

  • Clean Eating Tips
  • Clean Eating Tips
  • Clean Snacks & Sweets
  • Contact
  • E-Books
  • Favorites
  • Freezer and Slow Cooker Meals
  • Freezer Meal Plans
  • High-Protein Dinners
  • Ingredient Swaps
  • Kid Favorites
  • Lunchbox and Sides
  • Pantry Meals
  • Pantry Staples List
  • Plus App
  • Recipes
  • Sample Page
  • Seasonal Meal Plans
  • Start Here
  • The Meal Plan App for Real, Good Food
  • Weekly Meal Plans
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • About Me
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use

Copyright © 2025 Meals With Maria on the Foodie Pro Theme