Cheat’s eggplant parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana is a classic Italian comfort dish that layers tender slices of chargrilled eggplant with rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella, fresh basil, and a savory, golden topping of parmesan and herbed crumbs. It’s an elegant yet simple vegetarian main that’s bursting with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Vegetarian & Satisfying: No meat needed—eggplant is hearty, flavorful, and filling.

Quick and Easy: Using pre-grilled eggplant and jarred sauce keeps prep minimal.

Restaurant Quality at Home: Melty cheese, savory herbs, and a golden top make it feel fancy with little effort.

Great for Entertaining: It looks beautiful and tastes even better—perfect for dinner parties or holidays.

Key Ingredients

Chargrilled Eggplant – Soft and smoky, creating the “meaty” base for the layers.

Olive Pasta Sauce – A tomato-based sauce with depth from olives, perfect for Italian dishes.

Mozzarella Cheese Block – Sliced fresh for the ultimate melty cheese pull.

Fresh Basil Leaves – Adds brightness and a pop of color.

Garlic & Herb Schnitzel Mix – Gives a crisp, flavorful topping.

Shredded Parmesan – For savory depth and golden color when grilled.

Eggplant Parmigiana

Ingredients

400g jar Barilla Olive pasta sauce

200g piece Devondale Mozzarella Cheese Block (500g)

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra leaves, to serve

16 slices (about 500g) chargrilled eggplant

30g (1/4 cup) MasterFoods Garlic & Herb Schnitzel Mix

20g (1/4 cup) pre-shredded parmesan

Instructions:

Set your oven’s grill (broiler) to high and lightly grease a shallow baking tray or an ovenproof skillet. Place it under the grill for a couple of minutes to preheat.

While the tray is warming, transfer the pasta sauce to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it and microwave on high for 1 minute or until hot.

Meanwhile, slice the mozzarella thinly and tear or chop the basil leaves into smaller pieces.

Carefully remove the heated tray from the oven. Arrange 4 slices of grilled eggplant in a single layer at the bottom. Spoon over a quarter of the warmed sauce, add a layer of mozzarella, and sprinkle with some basil. Continue layering the eggplant, sauce, mozzarella, and basil until you’ve used everything, ending with mozzarella on top.

Sprinkle the garlic & herb schnitzel mix and parmesan over the final layer. Add a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.

Return the dish to the grill and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Garnish with extra basil leaves before serving.

Recipe Notes – Eggplant Parmigiana

Use pre-grilled eggplant to save time, but make sure it’s not overly oily. Pat slices with paper towels if needed to prevent a soggy base.

Slice mozzarella thinly and evenly to help it melt faster and more uniformly under the grill. Thick chunks may not fully melt before the top starts to brown.

Layer carefully: Spread ingredients evenly in each layer for consistent flavor and texture. Avoid overcrowding to keep it neat and easy to serve.

Customize your sauce: A robust olive-based pasta sauce adds richness, but a basic marinara or tomato-basil sauce works well too. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.

Don’t skip the basil: It adds a fresh, aromatic note that brightens the dish. Tear or chiffonade the leaves for better flavor distribution.

Check your grill setting: High heat is essential for a golden top, but watch closely to avoid burning—some grills heat unevenly.

Schnitzel mix is optional but adds crunch: If unavailable, substitute with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil or melted butter.

Let it rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the layers settle and makes it easier to slice and serve cleanly.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 380 kcal | Total Fat: 20 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Trans Fat: 0 g | Cholesterol: 100 mg | Sodium: 600 mg | Total Carbohydrates: 9 g | Dietary Fiber: 3 g | Sugars: 4 g | Protein: 40 g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast fillets?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast fillets if you prefer.

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

Is there a substitute for olive oil in this recipe?

You can use any neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil as a substitute for olive oil in this recipe.

Can I use different types of cheese for the topping?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan are traditional choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for a different flavor profile.

Do I need to peel the eggplant before slicing it?

It’s not necessary to peel the eggplant before slicing for this recipe.

The skin of the eggplant adds texture and nutrients to the dish.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

Adjust the baking time accordingly if the dish is cold from the refrigerator.

Can I use a different type of cheese for this dish?

Yes, you can customize the cheese topping according to your preference.

While cheddar and Parmesan are commonly used, you can experiment with mozzarella, provolone, or other cheeses for a different flavor.

Is it necessary to grill the chicken before baking?

Grilling the chicken adds a nice flavor and helps seal in juices, but if you prefer, you can skip this step and bake the chicken directly in the oven.

Can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this dish by omitting the chicken and using additional eggplant slices or other vegetables as a substitute.

Ensure the pasta sauce is vegetarian-friendly.

How can I ensure the eggplant is cooked properly?

Grilling the eggplant slices ensures they are tender and have a nice smoky flavor.

Make sure to cook them until they are soft and have grill marks on both sides.

What can I serve as a side dish with Chicken and Eggplant Parmigiana?

Steamed green beans make a delicious and nutritious side dish to accompany this meal.

You can also serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables, depending on your preference.