{"id":2060895,"date":"2024-10-28T09:46:04","date_gmt":"2024-10-28T14:46:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=recipe&#038;p=2060895"},"modified":"2024-10-28T10:23:11","modified_gmt":"2024-10-28T15:23:11","slug":"eggplant-meatballs","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/eggplant-meatballs\/","title":{"rendered":"Eggplant Meatballs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Craving the comfort of classic Italian meatballs but looking for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/vegetarian-recipes-that-will-impress-the-whole-gang\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/vegetarian-recipes-that-will-impress-the-whole-gang\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">vegetarian twist<\/a>? Our Test Kitchen-approved eggplant meatballs deliver all the savory satisfaction you&#8217;re after with a vegetarian-friendly spin that&#8217;s sure to impress even the most dedicated carnivores.<\/p>\n<p>By cleverly combining roasted eggplant with a blend of aromatic herbs, cheese and crispy Panko bread crumbs, we&#8217;ve created a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/52-vegetarian-dinners-for-a-year-of-meatless-mondays\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/52-vegetarian-dinners-for-a-year-of-meatless-mondays\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">meatless marvel<\/a> that requires just 25 minutes to prep. Serve them over pasta, nestle them in crusty rolls for meatball subs or offer them as appetizers at your next gathering.<\/p>\n<h2>Ingredients for Eggplant Meatballs<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2070414\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eggplant-parmesan-meatballs_TOHD24_137182_SarahTramonte_1.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Ingredient shot of Taste Recipes Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Eggplant:<\/strong> The star of our vegetarian meatballs, eggplant provides a meaty texture and absorbs the seasonings wonderfully.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Garlic:<\/strong> Minced garlic adds a sharp and aromatic flavor that enhances the flavor of these eggplant meatballs.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Panko bread crumbs:<\/strong> Italian-style <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/what-is-panko\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/what-is-panko\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">Panko bread crumbs<\/a> help bind the meatballs together and add a distinctive crunch.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parmesan cheese:<\/strong> Grated Parmesan infuses the meatballs with a salty <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/what-is-umami-plus-why-you-should-definitely-have-it-on-your-plate\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/what-is-umami-plus-why-you-should-definitely-have-it-on-your-plate\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">umami flavor<\/a> that complements the eggplant.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Eggs:<\/strong> Eggs act as a binding agent, keeping the meatballs intact as they cook. Remember to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/bake-with-room-temperature-eggs\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/bake-with-room-temperature-eggs\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">bring the eggs to room temperature<\/a> before adding them in.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dried basil:<\/strong> Basil delivers a sweet aroma that&#8217;s typical of Italian cuisine, and it&#8217;s one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/mediterranean-diet-herbs\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/mediterranean-diet-herbs\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">herbs commonly used in Mediterranean cooking<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Marinara sauce:<\/strong> This eggplant meatballs recipe calls for a jar of marinara sauce, which complements the robustness of the meatballs. Alternatively, you can make your own <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/homemade-marinara-sauce\/print\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/homemade-marinara-sauce\/print\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">homemade marinara sauce<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Parsley:<\/strong> Minced fresh parsley is sprinkled over the eggplant meatballs just before serving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Directions<\/h2>\n<h3>Step 1: Brown the eggplant<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2070413\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eggplant-parmesan-meatballs_TOHD24_137182_SarahTramonte_2.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Step 1 of Taste Recipes Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs cook the eggplant and the garlic\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Preheat the oven to 375\u00b0F. Fit a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet with a wire rack, then coat the rack with cooking spray.<\/p>\n<p>In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed eggplant and minced garlic. Cook until browned, six to eight minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in 1\/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1\/4 teaspoon of the pepper.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: Process the eggplant<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2070412\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eggplant-parmesan-meatballs_TOHD24_137182_SarahTramonte_3.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Step 2 of Taste Recipes Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs is to process the eggplant in a food processor\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Remove the pan from the heat, and allow the roasted eggplant to cool slightly.\u00a0Transfer it to a food processor, and pulse it until the mixture reaches the consistency of ground meat.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor&#8217;s Tip:<\/em> Be careful not to overprocess the eggplant; you want some texture.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Combine the meatball ingredients<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2070411\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eggplant-parmesan-meatballs_TOHD24_137182_SarahTramonte_4.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Step 3 of Taste Recipes Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs is to combine the rest of the meatball ingredients in a bowl\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the processed eggplant, bread crumbs, 1\/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the egg, basil and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1\/2 teaspoon pepper.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 4: Form and bake the meatballs<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2070410\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eggplant-parmesan-meatballs_TOHD24_137182_SarahTramonte_5.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Step 4 of Taste Recipes Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs is to form the meatballs and bake\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Shape the mixture into 1-1\/2 inch balls, then line them on the prepared wire rack, spacing them 1 inch apart. Bake the eggplant meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they&#8217;re firm and lightly browned.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 5: Top them with sauce and cheese<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2070409\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eggplant-parmesan-meatballs_TOHD24_137182_SarahTramonte_6.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Step 5 of Taste Recipes Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs is to add the marinara sauce\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Transfer the baked meatballs to a skillet, then stir in the marinara sauce. Bring the pan to a simmer over medium-low heat, then cook for six to eight minutes or until the marinara is bubbly. Before serving, sprinkle the meatballs with the remaining 3 tablespoons of Parmesan and the freshly minced parsley.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2070407\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eggplant-parmesan-meatballs_TOHD24_137182_SarahTramonte_8.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Full yield of Taste Recipes Eggplant Parmesan Meatballs with sliced baguette with melted cheese\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Eggplant Meatball Variations<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Give them some heat:<\/strong> Add red pepper flakes to the meatball mix to amp up the spice of these eggplant meatballs. For even more heat, use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/spicy-spaghetti-sauce\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/spicy-spaghetti-sauce\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">spicy spaghetti sauce<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Switch up the cheese:<\/strong> Swap the Parmesan in the meatball mixture for mozzarella or ricotta to give this eggplant meatball recipe a very cheesy twist.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Mix up the herbs:<\/strong> Mix up the recipe with different herbs like oregano or rosemary. You can also use a teaspoon of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/italian-seasoning\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/italian-seasoning\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">homemade Italian seasoning<\/a> to amp up the Mediterranean flavors.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make it Greek-style:<\/strong> Swap the dried basil for oregano and add some crumbled feta cheese to the meatball mix for a fun Greek twist.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How to Store Eggplant Meatballs<\/h2>\n<p>Cooled leftovers of these eggplant meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. For the best results, keep the meatballs and marinara stored separately to prevent the meatballs from becoming soggy.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you freeze eggplant meatballs?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can easily freeze a batch of eggplant meatballs to use later. Place cooled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw the meatballs overnight in the fridge before reheating and serving them with marinara sauce.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you make eggplant meatballs ahead of time?<\/h3>\n<p>Absolutely! You can prepare the eggplant meatball mixture up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. For the best texture, form and bake the meatballs just before you&#8217;re ready to serve them.<\/p>\n<h2>Eggplant Meatball Tips<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-2070419\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Sarah-Tramonte-for-Taste-of-HomeTOHD24_137182_SarahTramonte_9.jpg?fit=700%2C1024\" alt=\"Sarah Tramonte For Taste Of Hometohd24 137182 Sarahtramonte 9\" width=\"700\" height=\"1024\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><span class=\"credits-overlay\"><span class=\"image-credit noskim\">Sarah Tramonte for Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>What&#8217;s the best type of eggplant to use for eggplant meatballs?<\/h3>\n<p>Choosing the right type of eggplant is key to making this recipe a delicious success. While Italian eggplant works best due to its meaty texture and mild flavor, feel free to use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/graffiti-eggplant\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/graffiti-eggplant\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">graffiti eggplant<\/a> in a pinch\u2014you&#8217;ll just want to double the amount, because two graffiti eggplants equal one large eggplant.<\/p>\n<h3>How do you prevent eggplant meatballs from falling apart in the oven?<\/h3>\n<p>Let the eggplant mixture rest for 10 to 15 minutes before forming the meatballs, as this allows the bread crumbs to absorb moisture and bind the meatballs together.<\/p>\n<h3>What can you serve with eggplant meatballs?<\/h3>\n<p>Serve these eggplant meatballs with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/the-ultimate-guide-to-pasta-shapes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/the-ultimate-guide-to-pasta-shapes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">your favorite pasta<\/a> or zucchini noodles. A loaf of crusty bread is great for soaking up the sauce. Alternatively, you can use them as a filling for a vegetarian-friendly meatball sub or as appetizers for your next <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/office-potluck-recipes\/\" data-name=\"www.tasteofhome.com\/collection\/office-potluck-recipes\/\" data-module=\"content engagement\" data-position=\"embedded links\">office potluck<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>These vegetarian eggplant meatballs transform the humble eggplant into savory, Italian-inspired bites packed with herbs and cheese. Simmer them in marinara sauce for a satisfying meatless meal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2095285,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[303971,304162,306910,304328,305271,304292,305487,304338,307673,307033,305334,303966,304988,303887,306848,305353,304268,306279,304026,306961,304350,324623,304243,303994,304020,304005,304150,303883,307614,305031],"categories-v2":[308500,309439,309906,308988,308984,308481,309216,308305,310796,308992,310648,310079,309337,308495,308935,308478,309603,309362,259483,312134,308606,309961,309001,309177,309586,308528,308594,308549,309434,308476,310591,308975],"coauthors":[340238],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Party Appetizer Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/party-appetizer-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Party-Appetizer-Meatballs_EXPS_MRRMZ16_7_C09_16_1b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Rice Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/rice-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Rice-Meatballs_EXPS_TOHD24_21460_KristinaVanni_5.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Florentine Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-florentine-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Chicken-Florentine-Meatballs_EXPS_THCSF16_47913_A06_01_2b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Piccata Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-piccata-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chicken-Piccata-Meatballs_EXPS_TOHD24_236310_KristinaVanni_6.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Pesto Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-pesto-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Chicken-Pesto-Meatballs_EXPS_SDDJ18_174952_D08_09_2b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Meatball Soup","post_link":"\/recipes\/meatball-soup\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Meatball-Soup_EXPS_TOHD24_27180_AlejandroMonfort_4.jpg"},{"post_title":"Hawaiian 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Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/chickpea-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Chickpea-Meatballs_EXPS_TOHSO22_198770_DR_05_12_3b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Vegetable Meatball Soup","post_link":"\/recipes\/vegetable-meatball-soup\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Vegetable-Meatball-Soup_exps140207_SD2401784A10_19_4bC_RMS-2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Lentil Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/lentil-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EXPS_TOHD24_273265_SarahTramonte_9.jpg"},{"post_title":"Cheese Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/cheese-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps13234_FF1450927D54A.jpg"},{"post_title":"Veggie Soup with Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/veggie-soup-with-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Veggie-Soup-with-Meatballs_exps39056_RCCF143496B04_16_3bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Venison Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/venison-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps14623_HFBZ1081941D21.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pizza Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/pizza-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Pizza-Meatballs_exps1845_FFR1554516D23A_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Potluck Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/potluck-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps9578_TH10019C33C.jpg"},{"post_title":"Venison Sausage Meatballs","post_link":"\/recipes\/venison-sausage-meatballs\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps20357_RDSC1049409D45-1.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":"","long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/EXPS_137182_IMG_5716.jpg"},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/eggplant-meatballs\/","name":"Eggplant Meatballs","datePublished":"2024-10-28","dateModified":"2024-10-28","prepTime":"PT25M","cookTime":"PT25M","totalTime":"PT50M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/EXPS_137182_IMG_5716.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Dinner"],"description":"These vegetarian eggplant meatballs transform the humble eggplant into savory, Italian-inspired bites packed with herbs and cheese. Simmer them in marinara sauce for a satisfying meatless meal.","recipeIngredient":["1-1\/2 tablespoons olive oil","1 medium eggplant (1 pound), peeled, cubed","2 garlic cloves, minced","1-1\/2 teaspoons salt, divided","1\/2 teaspoon pepper, divided","3\/4 cup Italian-style panko bread crumbs","1\/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided","1 large egg, room temperature, beaten","1 teaspoon dried basil","1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce","3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Brown the eggplant","text":"Preheat the oven to 375\u00b0F. Fit a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet with a wire rack, then coat the rack with cooking spray. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed eggplant and minced garlic. Cook until browned, six to eight minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in 1\/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1\/4 teaspoon of the pepper.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eggplant-parmesan-meatballs_TOHD24_137182_SarahTramonte_2.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Process the eggplant","text":"Remove the pan from the heat, and allow the roasted eggplant to cool slightly. Transfer it to a food processor, and pulse it until the mixture reaches the consistency of ground meat. Editor's Tip: Be careful not to overprocess the eggplant; you want some texture.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eggplant-parmesan-meatballs_TOHD24_137182_SarahTramonte_3.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Combine the meatball ingredients","text":"In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the processed eggplant, bread crumbs, 1\/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the egg, basil and the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1\/2 teaspoon pepper.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eggplant-parmesan-meatballs_TOHD24_137182_SarahTramonte_4.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Form and bake the meatballs","text":"Shape the mixture into 1-1\/2 inch balls, then line them on the prepared wire rack, spacing them 1 inch apart. Bake the eggplant meatballs for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they're firm and lightly browned.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eggplant-parmesan-meatballs_TOHD24_137182_SarahTramonte_5.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Top them with sauce and cheese","text":"Transfer the baked meatballs to a skillet, then stir in the marinara sauce. Bring the pan to a simmer over medium-low heat, then cook for six to eight minutes or until the marinara is bubbly. Before serving, sprinkle the meatballs with the remaining 3 tablespoons of Parmesan and the freshly minced parsley.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Eggplant-parmesan-meatballs_TOHD24_137182_SarahTramonte_6.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"12 meatballs","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Christabel Lobo"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 350 calories","fatContent":"18g fat (4g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"62mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"2320mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"36g carbohydrate (13g sugars","fiberContent":"7g fiber)","proteinContent":"11g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":0,"reviewCount":0,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"recipeCuisine":"Europe, Italian"},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"137182","romance_copy_dek":"These vegetarian eggplant meatballs transform the humble eggplant into savory, Italian-inspired bites packed with herbs and cheese. 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