Olive Garden’s Eggplant Parmesan

Introducing Olive Garden’s Eggplant Parmesan! This classic Italian dish features perfectly breaded and fried eggplant slices, layered with rich marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.

Served with a side of pasta, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s loved by many. Whether you’re dining in or recreating it at home, Olive Garden Eggplant Parmigiana. is a delicious choice for any occasion.

If you love Olive Garden try some of my other copycat recipes, such as olive garden chicken scampi, olive garden chicken tortellini alfredo recipe, olive garden stuffed ziti fritta, or olive garden chicken marsala recipe.

Ingredients Needed For Olive Garden’s Eggplant Parmesan

Here are the simple ingredients that you will need to make Olive Garden Eggplant Parmigiana.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Eggplant: Fresh, firm eggplants are the star of the dish, providing a hearty and tender base when breaded and fried.
• Marinara Sauce: A rich and flavorful tomato sauce that adds depth and moisture to the layers of eggplant.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melted and bubbly on top, mozzarella adds a creamy and gooey texture to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the eggplant Parmesan.
• Breadcrumbs: Crispy panko breadcrumbs create a crunchy coating on the eggplant slices, adding texture and flavor.
• Eggs: Beaten eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere to the eggplant slices, ensuring an even and crisp coating.
• Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms, for added flavor, you can omit them.
• Olive Oil: Used for frying the eggplant, olive oil gives it a golden brown and crispy exterior.
• Basil and Oregano: Adds some Italian flavor to the dish.

How To Make Olive Garden Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe

Here are the step-by-step directions to make Eggplant Parmesan Olive Garden:

Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place the slices in a colander and sprinkle them generously with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse the slices under cold water to remove the salt and pat them dry with paper towels.

Bread the Eggplant: Drain and dice the mushrooms. Set up a breading station with two shallow bowls, or shallow dishes: one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each eggplant slice into the flour (if using), then the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.

Cook Breaded Eggplant: Air Fry at 320 degrees F, and set cook time for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process, remove when golden brown. In order to get them to crisp you, you need to spray them generously with cooking spray (NOT AERSOSAL)

Assemble the Dish: Mix the mushrooms with the basil and oregano, and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, mix the cheese together. (reserve, 1/2 cup of cheese, for the topping) Spread ⅓ cup of the pasta sauce, on the bottom of the baking pan, and then add 2-3 tablespoons of mushrooms mixture, then the eggplant, then sauce, and then cheese, continue until you use up the ingredients. 

Cook: Set the pan into the air fryer, cook at air fryer temperature of 310 degrees F, and set cook time for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling. When the eggplant is fully cooked, and the sauce is bubbling, add a layer of cheese, return to the air fryer, and at 300 degrees F, cook until the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes.

Olive Garden Eggplant Parmesan Recipe Notes

• Choosing Eggplants: Opt for firm, smooth-skinned eggplants without any soft spots. Medium-sized eggplants tend to have fewer seeds and less bitterness.
• Salting the Eggplants: This step is crucial for removing bitterness and excess moisture, which helps achieve a better texture when frying. Allow at least 30 minutes for salting and draining.
• Breading Tip: For a crispier coating, you can double-dip the eggplant slices by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
• Layering the Casserole: When layering the eggplant, sauce, and cheese, ensure that each layer is evenly spread to maintain consistent flavors throughout the dish.
• Using Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella can add extra creaminess. If you use it, slice it thinly or tear it into small pieces for even distribution.
• Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cheese during the final baking stage. If it starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent burning.

Olive Garden’s Eggplant Parmesan Faqs

Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. While mozzarella and Parmesan are traditional, provolone or Asiago can add unique flavors to your dish.

Do I have to salt the eggplant? Salting the eggplant helps remove bitterness and excess moisture, resulting in a better texture when cooked. It’s highly recommended but not absolutely necessary.

Can I bake instead of air fry the eggplant? Yes, you can bake the breaded eggplant slices at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

How do I prevent the eggplant from getting soggy? To avoid sogginess, ensure you thoroughly salt, drain, and pat dry the eggplant slices. Also, fry or bake them until they are crispy before layering with sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Can I freeze Eggplant Parmesan? Yes, you can freeze it. Assemble the dish, then freeze before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze leftovers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Yes, using store-bought marinara sauce can save time and still result in a delicious dish. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

How do I make the dish gluten-free? To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients, like the marinara sauce, are gluten-free.

What can I serve with Eggplant Parmesan? Eggplant Parmesan pairs well with pasta, a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

More Olive Garden Copycat Recipes

• olive garden chicken scampi
• olive garden chicken tortellini alfredo recipe
• olive garden stuffed ziti fritta
• olive garden chicken marsala recipe
• olive garden creamy garlic sauce
• air fryer copycat olive garden chocolate lasagna
• air fryer olive garden copycat lasagna fritta
• air fryer copycat olive garden shrimp alfredo
• air fryer copycat olive garden chicken parmigiana
• air fryer olive garden toasted ravioli
• instant pot copycat olive garden spinach artichoke dip
• air fryer olive garden fried mozzarella

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