Eggplant Parmesan Boats
I can’t stop making Eggplant Parmesan.

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I’ve made it in the slow cooker and in the oven as roasted rounds (with chicken, too!). I’ve created crispy Eggplant Parm Chips… even heavenly Eggplant Parm Fries. It’s fair to say that I’m crazyyy for this dish.

This new rendition delivers everything you crave in the Italian classic—oh, and it’s fuss-free and low in carbs. I promise you won’t miss the breadcrumbs; the marinara sauce seeps into the crevices of the juicy and tender eggplant, and the melty mozzarella blankets the top for the ultimate slice-and-bite situation. It’s simply irresistible and makes a perfect dish any day of the week.

There’s no need to peel the eggplant—the skin soaks up the sauce and adds extra flavor and nutrition, so enjoy it! And before roasting, be sure to score the eggplant flesh in a deep crisscross pattern so it cooks evenly in the oven (the smaller the crisscross squares, the better).
Pro tip: After drizzling olive oil over the top, give it an extra misting of olive oil spray to help it roast faster and soften by the 25-minute mark. Check at 20 minutes, and if the eggplant looks dry, give it another light misting and place back in the oven until its fork tender.
Looking for more eggplant recipes? Make these Ratatouille Skewers and my No-Noodle Cheesy Spinach Lasagna!

Eggplant Parmesan Boats
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant, trimmed and sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ¾ to 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- ½ cup part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper flakes, optional for heat
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 420ºF. Mist a baking sheet with nonstick oil spray.
- Score the eggplant halves by creating a cross-hatch pattern using the tip of a knife. Place cut side up on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle olive oil evenly over the tops. Sprinkle on the salt and pepper.
- Roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the eggplant becomes fork tender and juicy (you should be able to squish the flesh with a fork; if it looks dry, spritz oil spray over the top and place back in oven for 5 more minutes or so).
- Remove from oven, add sauce evenly over the tops, then sprinkle on the mozzarella cheese, parmesan and red pepper flakes, if adding.
- Place back in the oven on the top rack for about 5 more minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, watching carefully to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn. Let slightly cool and enjoy!
Notes
• There’s no need to peel the eggplant—the skin will soak up the sauce and add extra flavor and nutrition—so enjoy it! • Be sure to score the eggplant flesh in a deep crisscross pattern so it roasts evenly in the oven (the smaller the crisscross squares, the better). Misting the eggplant
After drizzling olive oil over the top, give it an extra misting of olive oil spray to help it roast faster and soften by the 25-minute mark. Check at 20 minutes, and if the eggplant looks dry, give it another light misting and place back in the oven until its fork tender.



This was delicious and so easy! Definitely adding this to the rotation!
Woohoo! So happy you’ll be adding this to your rotation, Danielle! It’s on repeat in my house 😉 xx
What can I say but this was delicious!!! I added Italian seasoning with the salt and pepper when I baked this dish. It really upped the level of this recipe. The gooey cheese on top was perfect! I am planning on adding crumbled turkey sausage on top next time.
Thank you so much, Sharon!! So happy to hear that you loved this recipe. Turkey sausage sounds like a delicious addition. Enjoy!!— Eliza (Team Joy)
Hi Sharon! Thank you so much. We’re so happy to hear that you tried (and loved) this recipe. Turkey sausage sounds like a delicious addition. — Eliza (Team Joy)
Love recipe but dont understand how the calories can be 270 when each half of eggplant gets 4oz of mozzerella?
Hi Barbara! So glad you’re loving the recipe. I think I see where the math mix-up may have happened: each eggplant half gets 1/4 cup of part-skim mozzarella (that’s 4 tablespoons, not 4 ounces), which keeps things nice and light. Here’s how it all adds up:
1/2 eggplant: ~70 calories
1 Tbsp Parmesan: 20 calories
1/4 cup part-skim mozzarella: ~90 calories
1/4 cup sauce: ~30 calories
Olive oil: ~60 calories
That lands you right around 270 per boat… hope that helps clarify things!
Love this recipe… I make it with df cheese! Any suggestions how to increase the protein intake on this meal??
Hi Cheryl! The easiest protein boost: stir white beans or cooked lentils right into the marinara before spooning it on. If you eat meat, browned lean ground turkey or shredded/cut up cooked chicken in the sauce is delicious too. And for a plant-based option that keeps the Italian vibe, try crumbled tempeh or tofu simmered in the sauce. Any of these turn the boats into a heartier, protein-packed meal!
love eggplant ,and this is perfect for one, ist great flavor and filling, thank you for your beautiful recipes.
Hi Marcy! We’re so glad this recipe hit the spot, especially in terms of serving size, flavor, and satisfaction! A triple whammy! Thank you for your kind words. Enjoy! — Eliza (Team Joy)
I’ve been making this eggplant since I first saw the recipe months ago. My fave!!! It’s so much healthier, so much easier than traditional eggplant parm, but it tastes amazing! This is my new go-to eggplant parm recipe. Thank you, Joy 🙂
Hi Cynthia!!! This is SO great to hear. Thank you so much for your nice note. Joy is thrilled that you love this recipe…and that it’s your new go-to. Enjoy every bite 🙂 — Eliza (Team Joy)
Once again, an absolutely brilliant recipe that I’ve waited years to find. I’m certain it will be a 5-star, Joyful experience!!
Thank you, Sarah!! Hope you love this recipe! Let us know what you think…we hope that it checks every box for you! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Omg i made it tonight. It was excellent. We’ll definitely be making this frequently easy and so delicious.And great for gluten, free people.Because there was no breading. The eggplant roasted beautifully soft and so delicious.Even the skin
Hi Adrianne! Thank you so much…we’re thrilled to hear that you loved this recipe. So glad that it will be on repeat in your house….enjoy every bite! — Eliza (Team Joy)
Love eggplant parmesan but not all the work. This recipe is perfect and so good! I’ve made it twice in one week and will keep it among my favorites.
Thanks, Cathy! Twice in one week is the highest compliment a recipe can get!! xx
My husband absolutely loved the eggplant! It was easy to make, pretty to 99kxat, and delicious! Thank you!
Ahhh so thrilled you both enjoyed this one, Lea! xx