Baked Eggplant Parmigiana Delight
Indulge in our Baked Eggplant Parmigiana Delight! This healthier twist on the classic dish maintains all the savory flavors without the guilt. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe allows for a quick morning prep, easily stored in your fridge until baking time. With layers of tender eggplant, rich pasta sauce, and gooey reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, your family will love this effortless, nutritious meal that pairs perfectly with a fresh salad or a side of pasta.
4
Servings
200
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplants
1.5 lbs (sliced into 3/4-inch thick slices, skin on)
Pasta Sauce
2 cups (use your favorite)
Shredded Reduced-Fat Mozzarella Cheese
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for initial preparation.
2
Lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and lay the eggplant slices in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
3
Mist the top of each slice with additional cooking spray to ensure even cooking.
4
Place the baking sheet in the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the eggplant becomes tender and lightly golden brown.
5
In a 9x9 inch baking dish, create layers starting with baked eggplant slices, followed by a generous spread of your favorite pasta sauce, and a layer of shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese.
6
Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, typically forming about three layers, and make sure the top layer is mozzarella cheese.
7
If preparing ahead, cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
8
When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
9
Bake the layered eggplant dish uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
10
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your dish with a side of fresh salad, crusty bread, or as a filling for sandwiches.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
15g
Carbs
15g
Protein
5g
Fiber
6.25g
Sugar
500mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baked Eggplant Parmigiana Delight?
It is a healthier twist on the classic Italian dish that uses baking instead of frying to maintain savory flavors without the guilt.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it consists of eggplant, pasta sauce, and cheese.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the initial oven temperature for prepping the eggplant?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C) for the initial eggplant baking.
Should I peel the eggplant before slicing?
No, the recipe recommends leaving the skin on for the eggplant slices.
How thick should the eggplant slices be?
The eggplant should be sliced into 3/4-inch thick rounds.
How long do the eggplant slices bake on their own?
Bake the eggplant slices for 25 minutes or until they are tender and lightly golden brown.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x9 inch baking dish is recommended for layering the ingredients.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the layers in the morning and store the dish in the fridge until you are ready to bake.
How should I store the assembled dish if making it ahead?
Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid and keep it in the refrigerator.
What is the oven temperature for the final bake?
The final bake should be done at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the assembled dish need to bake?
Bake the layered dish uncovered for 30 minutes.
How many layers does the recipe typically have?
The ingredients typically form about three layers.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese.
Is this recipe considered low-fat?
Yes, it is tagged as low-fat and uses reduced-fat cheese.
What are some recommended side dishes?
This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or a side of pasta.
How much pasta sauce do I need?
You will need 2 cups of your favorite pasta sauce.
How much eggplant is used?
The recipe requires 1.5 lbs of eggplant.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 15g of protein.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
This recipe contains 5g of fiber per serving.
How much sugar is in the Baked Eggplant Parmigiana Delight?
There is 6.25g of sugar per serving.
What is the sodium content per serving?
The dish contains 500mg of sodium per serving.
Can I use this recipe as a sandwich filling?
Yes, the baked eggplant parmigiana makes an excellent filling for sandwiches.
How do I know when the dish is finished baking?
The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Should the dish be covered during the final 30-minute bake?
No, bake it uncovered to allow the cheese to bubble and brown.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Is any oil used in the cooking process?
The recipe uses cooking spray to coat the pan and mist the eggplant slices.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much total fat is in one serving?
One serving contains 10g of fat.
What should be the top layer of the dish?
The top layer should always be the shredded mozzarella cheese.