Slow Cooker Eggplant Parmesan
Slow cooker eggplant parmesan makes the Italian classic so easy. It might even be better than the original!
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 48 ounces canned tomatoes crushed or whole variety such as San Marzano
- 1 yellow onion halved
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups plain bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan divided
- 2 medium eggplant about 2 1/2 pounds total, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch rounds
- 8 ounces Italian cheese blend
- 1 pound spaghetti or other dried pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the tomatoes, onion, butter, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 45 minutes. Break up any large tomato chunks with a spoon, remove onion, and set aside. (This can be done a day ahead to save time.)48 ounces canned tomatoes, 1 yellow onion, 4 tablespoons butter, 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, pesto and milk. In a second bowl, toss bread crumbs and 1/4 cup of Parmesan.3 large eggs, 1/3 cup pesto, 1/4 cup milk, 1 1/2 cups plain bread crumbs, 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- Set aside 1/2 cup of the sauce. Coat slow cooker bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon 1/2 cup of the sauce on bottom of slow cooker.
- Dip each eggplant slice in egg mixture, then bread crumb mixture, and place on a cutting board. Layer one-third of the eggplant slices into slow cooker (about 8 pieces). Top with 1 cup sauce and 2/3 cup Italian cheese blend. Repeat twice. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 1/2 to 6 hours.2 medium eggplant, 8 ounces Italian cheese blend
- During last 30 minutes of cooking time, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook 10 minutes. Drain and toss with remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan and the olive oil1 pound spaghetti, 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Heat reserved sauce gently in microwave or saucepan. Serve alongside eggplant and spaghetti. Garnish with basil, if using.Fresh basil
