Olive Garden Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

Olive Garden’s Eggplant Parmesan is a really nice blend of crispy and tender textures, complemented by rich marinara and gooey mozzarella.

I love making this with my kids (the older ones at least!).

You start by slicing the eggplant into rounds, then breading and frying them until golden.

Although it’s tempting to skip, salting the slices to draw out moisture ensures a perfect final texture.

After layering with sauce and cheese, a quick bake in the oven marries all the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Olive Garden Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 large Eggplants
• 3 cups Marinara Sauce
• 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 2 cups Breadcrumbs
• 2 Eggs
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

This is an important start because you want that oven nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.

Step 2:

Slice each eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds, keeping them as consistent as possible for even cooking.

Step 3:

In separate bowls, prepare your flour, a mixture of eggs and milk, and breadcrumbs.

Coat each eggplant slice in flour, then dip in the egg wash, and finally cover with breadcrumbs.

Step 4:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Fry the eggplant slices for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5:

Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.

Layer fried eggplant slices over sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and repeat until all ingredients are used.

Then, bake for 20-25 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Eggplants

Fresh eggplants have better taste and texture, so don’t compromise when selecting your produce.

Look for eggplants with shiny, smooth skin and no blemishes.

Avoid Soggy Eggplant

Salt the slices lightly before frying to draw out excess moisture.

This will help them crisp up nicely.

Cheese Lovers: Customize

Feel free to adjust the cheese to your liking, adding more mozzarella if you love it extra cheesy, or even trying some provolone for added flavor.

You’ll find these small adjustments can really make the recipe your own!

What to Serve with Olive Garden Eggplant Parmesan

Classic Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with garlic bread when serving eggplant parmesan.

The crispy texture and garlic butter flavor of this bread complement the savory, cheesy, and tangy flavors of the dish beautifully.

It’s quick to make, and you can easily bake it alongside your eggplant parmesan.

Fresh Green Salad

For a refreshing side, consider a fresh green salad.

A simple mix of lettuce, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes dressed with olive oil and lemon juice adds a nice balance to the meal.

The crispness of the vegetables offers a delightful contrast to the richness of the eggplant parmesan.

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a delicious and slightly smoky addition to your meal.

The subtle flavors of grilled zucchini pair well with eggplant parmesan, adding a mild and refreshing taste.

With a sprinkle of lemon juice, this dish becomes even more tantalizing for your taste buds.

Roasted Broccolini

Roasted broccolini is a vibrant and tasty side dish you might enjoy.

Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of broccolini and adds a slight crunch, which is a wonderful contrast to the soft, cheesy eggplant.

A dash of sea salt and olive oil enhances its flavor perfectly.

Chile Verde

If you want to try something unique, Chile Verde can be an exciting choice.

This Mexican pork stew with green tomatoes, garlic, and butternut squash provides a wonderfully spicy and savory option.

Its complex flavor profile makes it an interesting pairing with the classic Italian dish, introducing lively aromas to your meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Alternatives

If you’re avoiding gluten, just switch the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones.

This small tweak keeps the texture you love without the gluten.

Remember to check all your ingredients to make sure nothing sneaky slips in.

Spice It Up

To bring a bit of heat, sprinkle cayenne or smoked paprika into your breadcrumbs.

Another idea is to lightly coat the eggplant slices with these spices before frying.

These spices add a delightful kick and depth of flavor to the dish!

Cheese Options

Parmesan is fantastic, but consider trying other cheese types like provolone or asiago.

These varieties offer a unique twist to the traditional recipe.

Layer them in with mozzarella for a richer taste experience.

How to Store Leftover Olive Garden Eggplant Parmesan

Here’s how you can make your leftovers taste just as delicious as the first time you made it!

Simply store any leftover eggplant parmesan in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and texture.

The container should be stored in the refrigerator where it should remain fresh for up to three or four days.

Portioning

If you know you’ll be using only a portion each time, consider separating the leftovers in advance.

Cutting it into individual servings before storing will make it more convenient to grab just what you need.

You won’t have to defrost or reheat more than necessary, preserving flavor and texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze your leftover eggplant parmesan with excellent results.

Wrap each portion separately in plastic wrap or foil and then place them in a freezer bag.

Removing as much air as possible will help maintain freshness while freezing.

Labeling

It’s helpful to label your containers with the date of storage.

This way, you’ll remember how long it’s been there and ensure you’re consuming it within the best time frame.

Finding eggplant parmesan in your fridge or freezer will always be a delight when it’s stored properly!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thick Slices

Cutting your eggplant into thick slices is a common mistake.

Aim for slices no thicker than half an inch.

This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the flavors perfectly!

Skipping the Salting Step

Don’t skip the salting step! Salting the eggplant helps draw out excess moisture and bitterness.

Leave them to sit with salt for at least 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

This simple step enhances taste and texture.

Overloading on Oil

Avoid overloading your eggplant with oil during cooking.

Use just enough to achieve golden brown slices without making them greasy.

A non-stick pan or an air fryer can help maintain crispiness without excess oil!