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Crispy Cheesy Keto Eggplant Parmesan - Comfort Food With Low-Carb Crunch

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, European, Italian
Calories: 440

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium eggplants (about 2 pounds total), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt (for sweating the eggplant)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for richer egg wash)
  • 1 cup finely ground almond flour
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided; half for breading, half for layering)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano and basil)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 2 cups low-carb marinara sauce (look for no added sugar)
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil (for brushing the eggplant)
  • 1 handful Fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

  • 1-2 sheetpans
  • 1 medium baking dish

Method
 

  1. Prep the eggplant: Slice eggplant into 1/2-inch rounds and lay them on a sheet pan. Sprinkle both sides with the kosher salt. Let sit 30 minutes to draw out water. Pat very dry with paper towels. This step keeps your layers from turning soggy.
    2 medium eggplants, 1 tbsp kosher salt
  2. Heat the oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Line two sheet pans with parchment and lightly oil them.
  3. Make the breading: In a shallow dish, mix almond flour, half the Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
    1 cup finely ground almond flour, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  4. Make the egg wash: In another dish, whisk the eggs and heavy cream until smooth.
    2 large eggs, 2 tbsp heavy cream
  5. Bread the slices: Dip each eggplant round in the egg wash, let excess drip off, then press into the almond-Parmesan mix to coat both sides. Place on the prepared sheet pans.
  6. Oil and bake: Brush or drizzle the tops lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp on the edges.
    3 tbsp Olive Oil
  7. Lower the oven: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  8. Assemble the layers: Spread a thin layer of marinara in the dish. Add a layer of crispy eggplant, then spoon more marinara over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and some of the remaining Parmesan. Repeat layers until everything is used, finishing with cheese.
    2 cups low-carb marinara sauce (look for no added sugar), 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  9. Bake to melt and brown: Bake 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. For extra color, broil on high for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  10. Rest and serve: Let the dish rest 10 minutes so it sets. Garnish with torn fresh basil. Slice and serve hot.
    1 handful Fresh basil