Eggplant Parmesan Casserole

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

A hearty, baked dish featuring crispy eggplant slices, melted cheese, and a tangy tomato sauce for a budget-friendly twist on a classic. This mediterranean ready in about 60 minutes pairs eggplant, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup bread crumbs with 1/2 cup grated parmesan, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 cup tomato sauce and stir to combine.
  3. Step 3: Layer eggplant slices in a baking dish, top with tomato sauce, then sprinkle bread crumb mixture over the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Eggplant Parmesan Casserole take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 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 Eggplant Parmesan Casserole?

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 Eggplant Parmesan Casserole?

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 Eggplant Parmesan Casserole 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.

What goes well with Eggplant Parmesan Casserole?

Mediterranean mediterranean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes