Ina Garten’s Roasted Eggplant Parmesan is a lighter, more refined take on the classic Italian dish, featuring crispy roasted eggplant slices layered with a rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Instead of frying, the eggplant is roasted, creating a dish that’s both delicious and slightly healthier without sacrificing flavor. This hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or an elegant gathering.

What Is Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Parmesan?

This vegetarian dish consists of thinly sliced eggplant, roasted instead of fried, and layered with homemade tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Baking it all together creates a bubbling, golden, cheesy delight with perfectly tender eggplant.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

Healthier alternative – Roasting instead of frying reduces oil content.
Rich and flavorful – Homemade tomato sauce enhances the dish.
Perfectly cheesy – Melted mozzarella and Parmesan create the ultimate comfort dish.
Great for meal prep – Can be made ahead and reheated.
Vegetarian-friendly – A hearty meat-free dish with bold flavors.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

For the Eggplant:

2 large eggplants, cut into ½-inch-thick slices
3 tablespoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28-ounce) can of crushed San Marzano tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar (if needed)
Salt and black pepper to taste
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

For Assembling:

8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness, optional)
2 tablespoons fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

Step 1: Roast the Eggplant

Preheat the oven – Set to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the eggplant – Arrange slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Roast until golden – Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

Sauté the aromatics – In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Simmer the sauce – Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes until thickened. Stir in fresh basil before using.

Step 3: Assemble the Eggplant Parmesan

Prepare the baking dish – Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer the ingredients – Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom. Arrange a layer of roasted eggplant, followed by mozzarella slices, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and more sauce. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and cheese.
Add breadcrumbs (optional) – Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top for extra crispiness.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and serve – Let it cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.

Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Parmesan recipe

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Parmesan?

Serve with garlic bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Pair with a light salad – A fresh arugula or mixed greens salad balances the richness.
Enjoy with pasta – Serve over spaghetti or angel hair pasta for a heartier meal.
Pair with a glass of red wine – A Chianti or Pinot Noir enhances the flavors.
Add roasted vegetables – Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make great sides.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

Salt the eggplant before roasting – Draws out excess moisture and prevents sogginess.
Roast, don’t fry – Keeps the dish lighter while still adding flavor.
Use fresh mozzarella – Melts beautifully and gives the best texture.
Simmer the sauce for depth – Cooking the tomato sauce longer enhances its richness.
Let the dish rest before serving – Allows flavors to meld together.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

Make it gluten-free – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them.
Add ricotta cheese – Layer in dollops of ricotta for extra creaminess.
Make it spicy – Increase red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Add mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms add a meaty texture.
Try different cheeses – Use provolone or Gruyère for a twist.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze for later – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Store sauce separately – Keeps the eggplant from becoming too soggy.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

Oven method – Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until hot.
Stovetop method – Warm in a covered skillet over low heat.
Microwave for quick reheating – Heat in 30-second intervals, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs

How do I prevent eggplant Parmesan from getting soggy?

Salting the eggplant before roasting draws out excess moisture, preventing sogginess. Also, roasting instead of frying keeps the texture firm.

Can I make eggplant Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it before or after baking.

What’s the best way to slice eggplant for this recipe?

Slice the eggplant ½-inch thick for the best balance between tenderness and structure. Thin slices may become too soft, while thick slices may not cook through.

Can I use store-bought tomato sauce instead of making my own?

Yes! A high-quality store-bought marinara sauce works as a time-saving alternative. However, making your own sauce enhances the dish’s flavor.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Roasted Eggplant Parmesan is a lighter, healthier take on the classic Italian dish, featuring perfectly roasted eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese.

Try it today for a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home!