Best Mediterranean Eggplant Parmesan

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy eggplant slices layered with cheese and tomatoes, baked to golden perfection. This mediterranean (vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes pairs eggplant, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (11 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss eggplant slices with 1 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes until tender, then flip and bake 10 minutes more.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Dip each eggplant slice in tomato sauce, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
  3. Step 3: Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet. Top with mozzarella balls and bake for 10 minutes until cheese melts and browns.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with basil and additional Parmesan. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Mediterranean Eggplant Parmesan take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Mediterranean Eggplant Parmesan?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep eggplant from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Mediterranean Eggplant Parmesan?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Mediterranean Eggplant Parmesan for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Best Mediterranean Eggplant Parmesan vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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