Welcome to our blog series where we explore the most tantalizing dishes on the menu at favorite restaurants across the U.S. First stop, is the ever-loved Olive Garden’s Eggplant Parmigiana, renowned for its hearty, authentic Italian dishes. Join us on this culinary journey and get ready to savor the flavors of Italy right from the comfort of your home.

When it comes to Italian cuisine, Olive Garden is certain to be a recommended favorite and their Eggplant Parmigiana is a stand-out. This dish combines the harmonious flavors of eggplant, tomato, and cheese into a mouthwatering delight. In this blog post, we will dig deeper into this enticing option and discover why it’s a fan favorite.

The Unrivalled Charm of Eggplant Parmigiana

A Plate Full of Taste and Tradition

Eggplant Parmigiana is a quintessential dish that brings out the best of Italian cuisine. Its sophisticated taste and peculiar texture are delightfully combined in Olive Garden’s version, which ranks among the best in the U.S.

Layered with slices of your favorite purple veggie, rich tomato sauce, and a generous amount of cheese, this traditional meal adds a modern twist that catapults it into the realm of gastronomic achievements.

The Magic Behind the Flavors

A key feature of the Eggplant Parmigiana is its complex layering. Olive Garden ensures that each layer is visually appealing, and also packed with flavor.

Freshly-sourced eggplants are thinly sliced and then coated in a light, airy breadcrumb. This creates a crispy texture that’s a wonderful contrast to the creamy, melted cheese and tomato sauce.

The sauce plays a crucial role too. Olive Garden’s secret recipe imbues it with a distinctive tangy-sweet flavor that blends perfectly with the other ingredients. Generously spooned through each layer, it provides a well-rounded finish that’s both rich and refreshing.

And, let’s not forget the cheese Mozzarella and Parmesan, two staples of Italian cuisine, create a wonderful blend of smooth creaminess and sharp tang. The cheeses are spread liberally all over and in between the layers of eggplant, ensuring a delicious bite every single time.

What Makes Eggplant Parmigiana From the Olive Garden So Good?

There are several attributes that make this dish stand out. From the well-sourced fresh ingredients, meticulously prepared and layered, to the savory sauces and molten cheese, each aspect is carefully crafted to ensure the ultimate dining experience.

Quality ingredients

The Eggplant Parmigiana starts with ripe, fresh eggplants, picked at the peak of their flavor. These are then delicately sliced and breaded, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts with the softness of the eggplant inside.

Layering like a Pro

Precision is key during the layering process, with each ingredient meticulously arranged to maximize flavor. This careful assembly ensures the ultimate balance in each bite, with no single flavor overpowering the others.

Savory Sauce Selection

The tomato sauce imparts an authentic Italian flavor, tying everything together. The secret to Olive Garden’s sauce lies in their proprietary recipe, which combines tomatoes of varying ripeness for an unmatched depth of flavor. This sauce provides the right amount of tang and sweetness.

Cheese Perfection

The addition of melted Mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese takes the dish to new heights. The cheeses fulfill two roles – providing creaminess from the Mozzarella and an umami punch from the Parmesan.

Time & Equipment

Preparing Eggplant Parmigiana requires time and certain kitchen tools to ensure the best possible outcome.

Estimated Time

Allow 2 hours to fully prepare and cook this dish. This includes time for prepping and salting the eggplant, frying, assembling, and baking.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Cutting board and knife
• Frying pan
• Paper towels
• Baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Cheese grater
• Oven mitts

When using any kitchen tools, always remember safety first. Handle knives carefully, and always monitor your stovetop or oven while in use.

Ingredients For Eggplant Parmigiana Olive Garden Style

To recreate this Olive Garden staple in your kitchen, you’ll need the following quintessential Italian ingredients:

• 2 Large Eggplants
• Salt for seasoning
• 1 cup Flour
• 3 Eggs, beaten
• 1.5 cups Italian breadcrumbs
• Olive oil for frying
• 3 cups Tomato sauce (preferably homemade, for authenticity)
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Remember, the secret lies in the layering and the quality of these ingredients. Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best possible outcome.

How To Make Copycat Olive Garden Eggplant Parmigiana

To replicate Olive Garden’s Eggplant Parmigiana, follow these steps:

Step 1: Preparing the Eggplants

First, cut the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick slices. Then, sprinkle salt on each slice and let them rest for approximately 30 minutes to remove excess water. Pat dry after this process.

Step 2: Coating the Eggplants

Dredge your eggplant slices in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for all of your slices.

Step 3: Frying the Eggplants

Next, heat a good amount of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is sufficiently hot, add the slices and cook until golden on both sides. Remove the slices and place them on a tray lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 4: Assembling the Dish

Now, spoon a layer of tomato sauce into a baking dish. Then, add a layer of eggplant slices, followed by a generous spread of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used.

Step 5: Baking the Dish

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Step 6: Serving the Dish

Before serving, let the dish cool slightly to allow the cheese to set. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.

Now you have your very own Olive Garden-style Eggplant Parmigiana. Enjoy your homemade culinary adventure!

Special Tips for Handling Eggplant

Eggplants can be a tricky ingredient to work with, especially for those unfamiliar with them. Here are some special tips to ensure you get it right:

Choose eggplants that are firm to the touch with smooth and shiny skin. Avoid any eggplants with dark spots, bruises, or blemishes.

Salting the eggplants before cooking helps to draw out bitterness and moisture, resulting in a better texture and flavor. Remember to rinse and pat dry the slices after this process to remove excess salt.

Fresh eggplants should ideally be used within one or two days of purchase. If you need to store them, keep them in a cool place, as they don’t fare well in extreme cold or warm conditions.

Eggplants absorb oil and sauces quickly, making them ideal for dishes with rich sauces, like Eggplant Parmigiana. However, be mindful of the amount of oil used as too much can make the dish greasy.

What To Serve With Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana makes for an excellent main dish due to its hearty nature. However, it can also be paired with a few side dishes to create a full meal. Here are some suggestions:

Garlic Bread

Possibly the most classic side dish to go with any Italian fare, garlic bread, with its scent of fresh garlic and herbs, is not just for soaking up the sauce from your plate but is a delicious accompaniment to this cheesy dish.

Caesar Salad

A fresh Caesar salad with its crunchy lettuce and creamy dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Eggplant Parmigiana. The lightness of the salad balances the heaviness of the main dish.

Pasta

Pasta, simply dressed with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of chili flakes, can be a great side dish. The plain pasta allows the flavorful Eggplant Parmigiana to shine.

Roasted Vegetables

A medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes can complement the eggplant dish. A slight char on these vegetables can also add a smoky flavor that goes well with the hearty Parmigiana.

Wine Pairing Recommendation

When selecting a wine to pair with Eggplant Parmigiana, consider a medium-bodied red such as Chianti or Montepulciano. Their fruit-forward nature and balanced acidity work well with the tanginess of the tomato sauce and the richness of the cheeses in the dish.

These wines come from the same country as the dish itself, making them a natural partner. Their robust flavor profiles can stand up to the bold flavors of the Eggplant Parmigiana without overpowering it.

FREE RECIPE EBOOK PDF DOWNLOAD

How To Store Leftovers

Storing leftovers of Eggplant Parmigiana is relatively simple. It’s important, however, to let the dish cool completely to room temperature, before attempting to store it.

Here are a few steps to effectively store leftovers:

Refrigeration

• Firstly, wrap your baking dish securely with cling film or transfer the leftovers into an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
• You can refrigerate Eggplant Parmigiana for up to four days.
• For heating, simply microwave it for a few minutes until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.

Freezing

• If you want to freeze the dish for longer storage, divide it into individual servings and wrap each serving securely in a layer of plastic wrap, and then a layer of foil.
• These wrapped parcels can then be placed in a freezer-safe bag or container and labeled with the current date.
• The frozen Eggplant Parmigiana can last up to three months.
• To reheat, allow the dish to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the wrapping and reheat in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until it is heated all the way through.

Important Note

While Olive Garden’s iconic Eggplant Parmigiana is an inspiration, this recipe is not officially endorsed by or associated with Olive Garden. This is simply a copycat adaptation meant to give you a homemade version of a dish many of us love. Have fun cooking and remember, there’s always room for personal touches, so feel free to experiment with the recipe and make it your own!

Nutrition Facts of Olive Garden’s Eggplant Parmigiana

On average, a serving of homemade Eggplant Parmigiana offers the following nutritional content:

Calories

One serving of Eggplant Parmigiana can contain around 350-400 calories. These calories mainly come from eggplant, cheeses, and tomato sauce.

Carbohydrates

This dish contains approximately 30-35g of carbohydrates per serving. This primarily comes from the eggplant and the tomato sauce.

Protein

Eggplant Parmigiana provides around 15-20g of protein per serving, which comes mainly from the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese used in the recipe.

Fats

Due to the use of cheese and the oil used for frying the eggplant slices, the fat content in Eggplant Parmigiana can fluctuate. On average, a serving contains around 20-25g of fats, predominantly from the cheeses and the olive oil.

Fiber

Thanks to the eggplant, this dish is high in dietary fiber. Each serving could contain up to 10-12g of fiber, which aids in digestion and improves satiety.

Sodium

The sodium content can be relatively high, primarily due to the tomato sauce and the cheeses used. Sodium content per serving can be around 700-900mg. Bear this in mind if you’re monitoring your sodium intake.

Benefits of Olive Garden Eggplant Parmigiana

Eggplant Parmigiana is not just tasty but boasts numerous health benefits as well:

Packed with Nutrients

Eggplants are rich in a variety of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, magnesium, and potassium. This makes the dish a nutritious choice.

High in Antioxidants

Eggplants contain a good amount of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from free radicals. The skin of eggplants is particularly rich in antioxidants.

Low Calorie & High Fiber Content

Eggplant Parmigiana is a low-calorie dish that’s high in dietary fiber. The fiber not only aids digestion but also helps you feel full, which can lead to weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight.

Good for Heart Health

The fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6 found in eggplants can contribute to heart health, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease.

Blood Sugar Control

The high fiber content and low glycemic index of eggplants make this dish an excellent choice for those trying to manage their blood sugar levels. Fiber can slow the rate of glucose absorption in your body, thereby preventing spikes in your blood sugar.

Remember, while this dish is overall nutritious, the high amount of cheese can increase the calorie and fat content. Balance your meal by including a side salad or other lighter dishes.

Conclusion

One can argue that Olive Garden’s Eggplant Parmigiana is not just a dish, it’s a culinary adventure. With its mix of traditional ingredients and modern cooking techniques, it’s a delightful representation of Italy on a plate.

Whether you’re an eggplant enthusiast or not, this dish is definitely worth exploring. Like the finest wines that become better with age, Olive Garden continues to refine and improve its Eggplant Parmigiana, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a taste of authentic Italian cuisine.

Olive garden eggplant parmigiana FAQ: