These Mediterranean-inspired baked eggplants melts are easy to prepare and can be served as a side dish or a vegetarian main. Think of this recipe as a deconstructed, healthier version of eggplant Parmesan. You get all the delicious flavors of eggplant Parmesan with a lot less fat and calories, and it’s much less time-consuming to prepare than traditional eggplant Parmesan too.
Eggplant Parmesan is one of those quintessential Italian comfort foods and it often reminds me of nonna’s home-cooking, bringing me back to her basement kitchen where she spent the majority of her time whipping up homemade meals. Eggplant Parmesan is a labour of love, but it’s so worth the effort and time it takes to prepare it. Having said that, as much as one might want to, we don’t always have the time to prepare such labour and time-intensive meals. With this dish you’re essentially making that same comfort food, just a lighter and less time-consuming version of it. You can also feel good about making this recipe because you are reducing the amount of fat and calories by using less mozzarella and by baking the eggplant as opposed to deep-frying it. Although (in my opinion) the fresh tomato sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe, you can cut more corners by preparing this with jarred tomato sauce. This dish might seem less flavourful than the traditional recipe but I can assure that the flavour of the eggplant really shines through and is the perfect canvas for the tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and refreshing basil leaves.
If you try this recipe (and love it!) be sure to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram with #bitesforfoodies so I can see your creation!
The presentation of the dish alone looks completely awesome. It looks like one prepared in those high-end restaurant. I’ll have to try this recipe one time, and I won’t be stingy in mozzarella cheese.
Thank you! The key for me is fresh mozzarella – the kind packed in water!
I love eggplant parm! This looks absolutely delicious. I’d love to see how it would taste without the cheese or with a non dairy alternative. Can’t wait to try!
I actually make this with a non-dairy alternative for myself! Just as delicious as regular mozz!
I don’t think we’ve ever had Eggplant Parmesan – did just have Chicken Parmesan past night – I do love new recipe ideas like this – so am looking forward to trying your great sound recipe!
Baked eggplant is such a tasty idea! We all love eggplants so I am always looking for something new. We love eggplants any way, but Parmisan is the best dish. This is a valid alternate!
Oh yummy! This looks really good! I would love to try this out. I love anything that has veggies in it lately and would like to try this because eggplant is a new favorite as well!
Oh my gosh. I love eggplant parm but I know it isnt that great for you and it takes a long time to make. THIS looks like a great option. I love eggplant but do not have many recipes to use it in.
There’s nothing like traditional eggplant Parm, but if you are watching your diet this recipe would be ideal!
Would you believe that I have not cooked with eggplant? To top that, I haven’t eaten it either! I am not opposed to it; I have not made the opportunity to do so. I am not sure that my husband would try it.
Eggplant parm is one of my fave foods of all time. I love that this recipe uses grilled eggplant. I have been trying to watch my calories recently, so I really like that this one is not fried. I am totally going to make this soon!
The flavour is still there…minus all the oiliness!
Can’t wait to try it!! I haven’t had eggplant in a looooong time!!
This couldn’t have come at a better time. First, this recipe looks absolutely scrumptious. Second of all, I just thought to myself: “Whoa, we have lots of eggplants right now.” Perfection!
Looks really good! I’m the only one in our household who eats eggplants (waah), so I might try this when I have visitors I know likes eggplants. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
That’s too bad..they’re so versatile too!
Mmmm! EGGPLANT IS JUST SO DANG GOOD! I haven’t had it in what feels like EONS though – so I need to change that!!!