Grilled Veggie Parmesan with Crispy Panko Topping
Layers of grilled eggplant, zucchini, and red onion with marinara sauce, Italian-blend cheese, and a golden panko-Parmigiano crust. Baked until bubbly and golden brown. A vegetable-forward take on classic eggplant parmesan with charred vegetables for depth.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 large red onion, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- olive oil spray, for vegetables
- 24 ounces Bertolli Traditional Marinara with Italian Herbs and Fresh Garlic Sauce, divided
- 3 cups shredded Italian-blend cheesemozzarella and Provolone mixequaldairy
maintains texture and melting
- 6 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, dividedGrana Padanoequaldairyeggs-free
similar umami and hardness
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Preheat grill to medium-high.
- 2
Lightly spray cut sides of vegetables with olive oil spray.
- 3
Grill vegetables 2 to 3 minutes on each side until crisp-tender with grill marks. Cool slightly.
- 4
Preheat oven to 400°F.
- 5
Spoon 3/4 cup marinara sauce into bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish.
- 6
Layer 1/3 each of eggplant, zucchini, and onions, followed by 3/4 cup sauce, 1 cup shredded cheese, and 1 tablespoon Parmesan.
- 7
Repeat layers twice.
- 8
Combine breadcrumbs, olive oil, and remaining Parmesan; sprinkle over layered mixture.
- 9
Top with spoonfuls of remaining sauce.
- 10
Bake until bubbling and golden brown.
- 11
Let stand 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips
Ensure vegetables are patted dry before grilling to promote even browning and grill marks.
Do not skip the 5-10 minute resting period to allow the dish to set and make clean portions.
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
Assemble through the breadcrumb layer up to 4 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding 5 minutes to baking time if starting from cold.
Cut into portions and serve warm with additional marinara sauce on the side if desired.
Common Mistakes
Skip grilling to avoid bland, watery vegetables; grilling removes moisture and adds flavor
Overcrowd the grill to avoid steaming instead of grilling; work in batches if needed
Use low-moisture mozzarella to avoid excess liquid in the finished dish
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
maintains texture and melting