So cheesy and delicious, this Vegan Eggplant Parmesan is my take on an Italian classic. The slices of baked eggplant slices are covered in marinara sauce and vegan parmesan before everything is baked to perfection. Can it get any more comforting than that? Dredging eggplant slices in a mixture of crushed cornflakes (crazy, right!?), cashews, and Italian seasonings takes this normally rather bland vegetable way up a notch to make each bite extra crunchy and savory. The slices tenderize and soften on the inside and crisp up on the outside as they bake. The layers of tomato sauce and vegan cheese don’t hurt either! This better-than-average weeknight dinner is even more delicious with Caesar salad and garlic bread on the side. On those extra cold days, layer the baked eggplant over a bowl of pasta with tomato sauce and vegan ricotta. You’ll warm right up with this cozy meal!
How to make vegan eggplant parmesan
First, we have to coat and bake the sliced eggplant. Just like my Crispy Tofu Nuggets, the cornflake coating will crisp up the outside as the eggplant tenderizes on the inside. Place them on a prepared baking sheet, then bake. Ready to assemble? Great! First, spread some marinara sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish. Add half of your baked eggplant slices. Pour more marinara sauce on top, then a layer of shredded vegan mozzarella cheese. Repeat until you run out of eggplant, marinara, and cheese. Bake the casserole uncovered until the cheese melts. Serve with a hefty sprinkle of vegan parmesan and fresh basil and enjoy!
Tips and substitutions
Is eggplant too bitter for your taste? You can draw out the bitter-tasting liquid by lining the slices of eggplant on paper towels and sprinkling each one with a teaspoon of salt. Let them sit for 1 hour, then rinse the slices under some water and pat them dry. I truly didn’t find it necessary though.Nut free – Instead of using cashews in the dry mixture, replace them with sunflower seeds.Gluten free – Simply swap the all purpose flour for your favorite gluten free flour.Don’t want to use cornflakes? The cornflake crumbs are truly the best option, but you can use panko breadcrumbs if that’s all you have at home.Peeling the eggplant – You can leave the peel on or remove it. Eggplant peel is completely edible, so the choice is up to you!
Serving suggestions
Eggplant parmesan is served just like lasagna. It’s so hearty and comforting as a main dish and pairs well with kale Caesar salad and garlic bread on the side. Another delicious way to serve vegan eggplant parmigiana is over a bowl of freshly cooked pasta with marinara sauce, and vegan parmesan cheese or ricotta cheese on top. Don’t forget the fresh basil!
Looking for more comforting vegan mains?
Vegan MoussakaRoasted Eggplant CurryPumpkin Pasta BakeMushroom Stroganoff
