All the flavor of a restaurant Parmigiana di melanzane, but make it vegan-friendly!
Traditional eggplant Parmesan recipes always hit different, but what if you could simplify the steps into something elegant, vegan-friendly, and easier to make than the original?
Well, here you have it: vegan eggplant Parmesan!
A quality marinara will make or break this recipe, and the gooey, melted combination of dairy-free cheeses will make it one that you’ll return to again and again.
You’ll love the simplicity of preparing this tasty feast, especially if you regularly cook vegan food. In fact, you probably already have some go-to vegan cheeses and seasonings on hand for possible substitutions and additions to give it your signature twist!
Is Vegan Eggplant Parmesan Healthy?
This is a healthy dish, with the eggplant providing fiber, and the nutritional yeast providing vitamins, minerals, and protein. Don’t skip the nutritional yeast! Not only is it delicious and cheesy, but it’s called nutritional yeast for a reason; it usually contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own.
For the optimal flavor, try to find high-quality ingredients that are already delicious by themselves. Vegan milk and cheeses vary widely in their ingredients and composition, so settle for your favorites and use the good stuff!
What About the Marinara Sauce?
Since the marinara is an essential part of this dish, be sure to create your own or buy a high-quality marinara, as it makes all the difference.
If you’re buying it, don’t be afraid to jazz it up a little with a half teaspoon of sugar or extra sautéed onion and garlic stirred in. If you go to the effort of sautéing onion and garlic, you should also let the sauce simmer for a few minutes with a whole sprig of basil leaves mixed in, and the flavors will deepen even more. Just remember to remove it before you use the marinara in this recipe, as basil can turn bitter after being cooked for a long time.
If you’re inclined to make your own sauce, my favorite is this San Marzano Tomato Sauce. You can also make a Tomato Sauce with regular canned tomatoes, or make Instant Pot Tomato Sauce for the ultimate hands-off recipe!
How To Make Ahead and Store
This dish can be prepared and assembled, then covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months before baking. Once cooked, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
You can’t go wrong with these Vegan Meatballs alongside your eggplant Parmesan. Add a green lettuce salad and Vegan Salad Dressing, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal!
And let’s not forget about dessert! Try this Raw Vegan Tart with Chocolate and Pistachios, which only has six ingredients. These Paleo and Vegan Almond Salted No-Bake Bars are worth a try, too.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup dairy-free mozzarella cheese shredded
- Dairy-free Parmesan cheese grated, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- Set up a dredging station with 3 separate bowls for almond milk, flour, and a mixture of panko, nutritional yeast, and oregano. Dip each eggplant slice in flour, then almond milk, then the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, baked eggplant slices, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers and top with more cheese.
- Bake the assembled dish at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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