Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmigiana
This Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmigiana is a lighter, healthier twist on the classic dish without sacrificing flavor. Originally inspired by Recipe #179903, this version uses cottage cheese for added protein and creaminess while keeping calories and sodium in check. The eggplant is sliced into thick rounds, coated with a savory cottage cheese mixture, and rolled in a flavorful blend of seasoned bread crumbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection, these eggplant rounds are golden and crispy, making them a fantastic side dish or a delightful main course for anyone looking to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence.
N/A
Servings
67
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cottage cheese
1/2 cup (pureed in a blender)
Onion
1 tablespoon (minced)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 cup (none)
Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons (none)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Eggplant
1 lb (unpeeled and sliced into 1/2 inch rounds)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a non-stick baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the pureed cottage cheese, minced garlic, minced onion, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
3
In a shallow dish, blend together the seasoned bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Ensure everything is mixed evenly.
4
Wash the eggplant and slice it into 1/2-inch thick rounds, keeping the skin on for texture and added nutrients.
5
Take each eggplant slice and generously spread the cottage cheese mixture on both sides. Next, roll each slice in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
6
Arrange the breaded eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd them.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the eggplant is tender and the coating is lightly browned and crispy. Flip the slices halfway through for even cooking.
8
Once baked, let the eggplant cool for a few minutes and serve warm. Enjoy as a standalone dish or as a delightful topping for salads or pasta!
Nutrition Information
2.3
Fat
7.5
Carbs
4.2
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmigiana?
It is a lighter, healthier twist on the classic Italian dish that uses cottage cheese for creaminess and protein instead of a heavy frying process.
Is this eggplant parmigiana recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 67 calories.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How thick should the eggplant slices be?
The eggplant should be sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
Do I need to peel the eggplant before slicing?
No, keeping the skin on provides better texture and adds extra nutrients.
How is the cottage cheese prepared for this recipe?
The cottage cheese should be pureed in a blender until smooth before being mixed with seasonings.
How long does it take to bake the eggplant?
It takes about 15 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the coating is crispy.
Should I flip the eggplant slices while baking?
Yes, you should flip the slices halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
What is in the breadcrumb coating?
The coating consists of seasoned bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, it can be served as a delightful main course or as a healthy side dish.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are approximately 2.3 grams of fat per serving.
What are the primary seasonings used in this recipe?
The main seasonings include minced garlic, minced onion, salt, and Italian seasoning.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides about 4.2 grams of protein.
What kind of baking sheet should I use?
Use a non-stick baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly coated with cooking spray.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-sodium diet?
Yes, it is designed to be sodium-conscious, containing only 1/4 teaspoon of added salt for the entire recipe.
How much eggplant do I need?
You will need 1 lb of eggplant.
Can I use this eggplant as a salad topping?
Absolutely, these crispy rounds make an excellent topping for fresh salads.
What is the purpose of the cottage cheese in this recipe?
The pureed cottage cheese acts as a binder for the breadcrumbs while adding protein and a creamy texture.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic.
What kind of bread crumbs should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1/3 cup of seasoned bread crumbs.
Can I serve this with pasta?
Yes, it works perfectly as a topping for your favorite pasta dishes.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
You will need 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much Italian seasoning is used?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning.
Is this recipe considered low calorie?
Yes, at 67 calories per serving, it is a very low-calorie option.
How do I prepare the onion?
The 1 tablespoon of onion should be finely minced.
Should I wash the eggplant?
Yes, you should wash the eggplant before slicing it.
How should the eggplant be arranged on the baking sheet?
Arrange the breaded slices in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them.
How long should I let the eggplant cool?
Let the eggplant cool for just a few minutes after baking before serving it warm.