Irresistible Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan Recipe for Cozy Nights

Succulent eggplant parmesan stuffed with rich, melted cheese beckons from your kitchen’s center stage.

Layers of flavor burst through each carefully crafted bite.

Mediterranean traditions dance across your plate with this classic Italian-inspired dish.

Fresh herbs and robust marinara sauce complement the tender eggplant velvety texture.

Sharp parmesan and gooey mozzarella create a symphony of tastes that comfort and excite the palate.

Each forkful promises a delightful culinary adventure that transforms a simple vegetable into a gourmet masterpiece.

You’ll savor every morsel of this irresistible recipe that brings restaurant-quality elegance to your dinner table.

What to Get for Stuffed Eggplant Delicacy

• Eggplant: A large purple vegetable that serves as the primary vessel and base for this delicious stuffed dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A soft, creamy cheese that provides a rich and melty topping for the stuffed eggplant.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that create a flavorful and savory base for the eggplant stuffing.
• Oregano, Black Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste and provide depth to the filling.
• Olive Oil: A cooking oil that helps sauté the vegetables and adds a subtle richness to the dish.

• Bread Crumbs, Parsley: Ingredients that add texture and a fresh herbal note to the stuffed eggplant.
• Tomato Sauce: A smooth, tangy sauce that complements the cheesy and vegetable-filled eggplant.

How to Make Stuffed Eggplant Delicacy Stepwise

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 165C (325F).

This is where the magic begins for our cheesy eggplant adventure.

Step 2: Chop And Sizzle The Filling

Grab a large skillet and let it heat up with olive oil.

• Chopped eggplant centers
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic
• Oregano
• Black pepper

Sauté everything until it gets a beautiful golden-brown color and smells incredible.

Step 3: Create Cheesy Masterpiece

Take your eggplant halves and lovingly spoon the sizzling mixture inside.

• Parmesan cheese
• Bread crumbs
• Fresh parsley

Arrange them in a shallow baking dish like little flavor boats.

Step 4: Sauce And Cheese Finale

Pour tomato sauce over the stuffed eggplants, then crown them with a blanket of mozzarella cheese.

This is where deliciousness happens!

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for about 30 minutes until the eggplant turns fork-tender and the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Stuffed Eggplant Delicacy Top Preparation Tips

• Choose firm, glossy eggplants without blemishes for the best texture and flavor in your stuffed dish.
• Salt hollowed eggplant halves and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture and reduce potential bitterness.
• Use room temperature cheese for even melting and a smoother, more consistent topping on the stuffed eggplant.
• Add quinoa or lentils to the filling mixture to increase protein content and make the dish more nutritionally balanced.
• Toast dried herbs like oregano briefly in the skillet before adding to intensify their aromatic qualities and depth of taste.

Fun Stuffed Eggplant Delicacy Variations

• Mediterranean Veggie Delight: Replace eggplant with zucchini boats, use feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and add chopped spinach to the filling for a Greek-inspired version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap bread crumbs with crushed almond meal, use gluten-free tomato sauce, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add ground turkey or lentils to the filling, increase herbs like thyme and basil, and top with extra protein-rich cheese like ricotta for a more substantial meal.
• Vegan Friendly Remix: Substitute dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast and cashew cream, use plant-based meat alternatives in the filling, and add smoked paprika for depth of flavor.

Stuffed Eggplant Delicacy Serving Approaches

• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Pair with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and catch every cheesy bite.
• Protein Power-Up: Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish to create a balanced, nutritious meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.
• Fresh Side Salad Delight: Complement the rich, cheesy eggplant with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the dish's warmth and add refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the meal with a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which beautifully matches the tomato and cheese flavors.

How to Keep Stuffed Eggplant Delicacy Fresh

• Store leftover stuffed eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making each bite even more delicious the next day.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen stuffed eggplant can maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed eggplant in the oven at 175C (350F) for 15-20 minutes to restore the crispy cheese topping and prevent sogginess. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the texture intact.
• Assemble the stuffed eggplant a day before baking and store covered in the refrigerator.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are perfect choices. They melt beautifully and provide rich, creamy flavors that complement the eggplant’s texture.

• Can I use fresh or dried herbs?

Both work well. Fresh herbs like parsley and oregano add brighter flavors, while dried herbs are more concentrated and convenient if fresh aren’t available.

• Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian. It uses vegetables, cheese, and herbs without any meat ingredients.

• How do I prevent the eggplant from becoming too mushy?

By hollowing out the eggplant carefully and pre-cooking the filling, you’ll maintain a nice texture. Avoid overcooking in the oven to keep the eggplant firm yet tender.

Stuffed Eggplant Delicacy What’s So Good

• Craft Veggie Magic: Transform humble eggplant into a gourmet masterpiece with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on dietary preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe super flexible for different tastes.
• Nutritious Comfort Meal: Pack a protein-rich, vegetable-loaded dish that satisfies hunger while delivering incredible flavor and wholesome nutrition.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single baking dish, reducing post-cooking hassle and saving precious time for enjoying your delicious creation.

Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean kitchens inspire this Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan, blending rich Italian flavors with rustic charm. Crispy roasted eggplant shells cradle melted cheeses and savory herbs, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Cheesy Stuffed Eggplant Delicacy

Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants, cut in half lengthwise and hollowed out to 1/4 inch flesh rim
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the eggplant by meticulously carving out the centers, creating boat-like vessels for the savory filling. Set aside the scooped eggplant centers for the upcoming mixture.
2. Activate a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzling olive oil to create a sizzling foundation. Introduce the chopped eggplant centers, diced onion, minced garlic, aromatic oregano, and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Sauté the vegetable medley, stirring consistently until the ingredients develop a golden-brown complexion and release their fragrant essence. This process will take approximately 5-7 minutes.
4. Transfer the expertly seasoned mixture into the hallowed eggplant shells, ensuring an even distribution of the flavorful filling.
5. Elevate the culinary presentation by generously sprinkling Parmesan cheese, crisp bread crumbs, and vibrant parsley across the stuffed eggplant surfaces.
6. Nestle the prepared eggplant boats in a shallow baking dish, creating an elegant arrangement. Cascade tomato sauce over the stuffed vessels, allowing it to seep into the crevices.
7. Crown the dish with a lavish layer of melty mozzarella cheese, promising a golden, bubbling finish.
8. Position the baking dish in a preheated oven at 165°C (325°F). Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the eggplant achieves a tender consistency and the cheese transforms into a golden, effervescent blanket.

Notes

• Choose firm, glossy eggplants without blemishes for the best texture and flavor in your stuffed dish.
• Salting eggplant halves before cooking helps reduce bitterness and prevents excess moisture during baking.
• For a low-carb version, replace bread crumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to maintain crispiness.
• Try protein variations by adding ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles to the filling for extra nutrition.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg