Luscious Barefoot Contessa’s Roasted Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

Sizzling and golden, this roasted eggplant Parmesan recipe from Barefoot Contessa promises a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite.

Layers of tender eggplant meld with rich marinara and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering dish that sings with Mediterranean flavors.

Ina Garten’s culinary magic shines through every carefully crafted bite of this comforting meal.

The secret lies in perfectly roasting the eggplant to achieve a crisp exterior and creamy interior.

Each slice promises a harmonious blend of herbs, cheese, and robust tomato sauce that dances on your palate.

Seasonal ingredients and simple techniques come together to elevate this timeless recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress with this irresistible Italian-inspired masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

Roasted Eggplant Parmesan: Ingredients List

• Eggplant: Meaty vegetable that creates a luxurious, tender foundation with silky texture and robust flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps eggplant roast evenly and develop golden, crispy edges while adding rich Mediterranean essence.
• Oregano: Classic herb that infuses Mediterranean warmth and earthy undertones into the eggplant slices.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and highlight the natural eggplant flavors.

• Mozzarella, Goat Cheese, Parmesan: Creamy, tangy cheese combination that melts beautifully and provides complex, multi-dimensional dairy richness.
• Basil: Fresh herb that adds bright, peppery notes and classic Italian garden freshness.
• Marinara Sauce: Vibrant tomato base that creates moisture and traditional Italian comfort.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides delightful crunch and textural contrast to soft underlying layers.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that introduces deep, pungent flavor complexity.
• Olive Oil: Helps breadcrumb topping achieve golden, crisp finish.
• Salt: Balances and heightens the overall topping flavor profile.

Tools for Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

• Baking Sheets: Three large, flat pans for roasting eggplant evenly.
• Ceramic Baking Dish: 25×35×5 cm (10×14×2-inch) for layering ingredients.
• Food Processor: Essential for creating crispy breadcrumb topping.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing eggplant into uniform pieces.
• Pastry Brush: Used to coat eggplant slices with olive oil.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient quantities.
• Cutting Board: Surface for preparing ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide for Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan Magic

• Oven Preparation Warmth and space for three baking sheets, create an even cooking environment by positioning racks perfectly in the oven at 200°C (400°F).
• Eggplant Transformation Slice eggplant into elegant rounds, generously coating each piece with olive oil and sprinkling with aromatic herbs and seasoning for maximum flavor development.
• Roasting Dance Carefully arrange eggplant slices on baking sheets, allowing each piece to become tender and golden. Rotate trays midway to ensure consistent caramelization and prevent uneven cooking.
• Layering Symphony Create a delicious landscape in a ceramic baking dish by alternating marinara sauce, roasted eggplant, fresh herbs, and an abundance of creamy cheeses. Build layers that promise incredible taste complexity.
• Crunchy Topping Craft a crispy crown by blending breadcrumbs with fragrant garlic and basil, drizzling with olive oil to create a texture that will elevate the entire dish.
• Final Baking Journey Place the assembled masterpiece in the oven, allowing cheeses to bubble and topping to transform into a stunning golden crust. Watch as flavors meld and intensify during this transformative cooking process.
• Resting Moment Allow the dish to settle and release its aromas, letting flavors harmonize before serving this culinary creation to eager guests.

Enhance the Flavor of Eggplant Parmesan

• Choose firm, glossy eggplants without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like ricotta, fontina, or provolone to customize your dish's richness.
• Toast panko breadcrumbs separately for extra crunch, or add chopped nuts like pine nuts for a nutty twist.
• Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator and baking just before serving to save time and enhance flavors.
• Mix fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley into the breadcrumb topping for an aromatic flavor explosion that elevates the entire dish.

Ideas to Plate Roasted Eggplant Parmesan

• Pair with Crisp Salad: Toss a light, refreshing green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy eggplant dish.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and catch every last drop.
• Wine Companion: Choose a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the robust flavors of the eggplant Parmesan.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish.

Make-Ahead Tips for Eggplant Parmesan

• Refrigerate with Care: Store leftover eggplant Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, keeping it fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat Gently: Warm individual portions in the microwave or restore crispy top by baking in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 15-20 minutes, ensuring even heating without drying out.
• Portion and Prepare: Divide into single-serving containers for quick lunches or meal prep, making weekday dining a breeze with this flavorful, make-ahead dish.

Rustic Barefoot Contessa Roasted Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s roasted eggplant parmesan elevates classic Italian comfort with golden-crusted eggplant layers and rich marinara. Cheese melts luxuriously between herb-seasoned slices, creating a Mediterranean masterpiece you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.1 kg (2.5 lbs) eggplant, unpeeled, halved lengthwise, and sliced 6-8 mm (¼–⅓ inch) thick
• 450 g fresh buffalo mozzarella, thinly sliced
• 225 g garlic and herb goat cheese
• 150 g (1.5 cups) freshly grated Italian Parmesan
• 700 g marinara sauce
• 240 ml (1 cup) olive oil
• 130 g (1.3 cups) fresh breadcrumbs
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1.5 tbsps kosher salt
• 1 tsp salt
• 1.5 tsps freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Position three racks evenly and heat to 200°C (400°F) for consistent roasting environment.
2. Eggplant Transformation: Distribute eggplant slices across three baking sheets in single layers. Brush generously with olive oil, then season with oregano, salt, and black pepper, creating a flavor-rich foundation.
3. Roasting Technique: Place eggplant trays in oven, flipping and rotating after 15 minutes to ensure uniform caramelization. Roast for total 25 minutes until golden and tender, maintaining original oven temperature.
4. Layering Composition: In ceramic baking dish, create a strategic flavor profile by alternating marinara sauce, roasted eggplant, basil leaves, mozzarella, goat cheese, and Parmesan. Build three harmonious layers, finishing with Parmesan topping.
5. Aromatic Crumb Topping: Pulse breadcrumbs, garlic, and basil in food processor. Incorporate olive oil and salt, blending until cohesive. Sprinkle evenly across dish surface for textural complexity.
6. Final Baking Stage: Return assembled dish to oven, baking 45-50 minutes until edges bubble and surface transforms into a golden-brown crust that promises intense flavors.
7. Resting Period: Allow dish to settle at room temperature for 10 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and layers to stabilize before serving this culinary masterpiece.

Notes

• Optimize Eggplant Roasting: Slice eggplant uniformly to ensure even cooking and prevent soggy or undercooked sections.
• Master Layering Technique: Create balanced layers by distributing ingredients evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
• Breadcrumb Perfection: Pulse breadcrumb mixture briefly to maintain texture and prevent over-processing into a paste.
• Resting is Crucial: Allow the dish to rest after baking, letting flavors meld and making it easier to serve without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg