This Tofu Parmesan Bake layers pressed tofu with spinach, herbs, vegan cheese, and marinara sauce for the perfect comfort food Parmigiana dinner. Nutfree. Gluten-free option.
We’re in peak comfort food season. Now, comfort food is a little bit different for everyone and it depends on what cuisines you grew up eating. For many of us, comfort food definitely includes carbs – think Mac and Cheese . This recipe for vegan parmesan bake proves that we don’t have to carb load to get that comfy feeling!
For this tofu bake we layer tofu with herbed spinach cheese mix, marinara sauce and breadcrumbs. Because of the layering aspect we could call this a tofu lasagna but it does not contain any pasta. You could think of the tofu as a substitute for lasagna pasta though. The thicker tofu reminds me more of an eggplant parmigiana hence tofu Parmesan!
You can make this with homemade marinara sauce or with storebought marinara. To make marinara from scratch see my eggplant Parmesan recipe.
You can also bake the tofu brushed in olive oil for 15 mins before using for a golden and firmer tofu.
This recipe came about when I was just looking at what we had in the fridge. It uses easy ingredients and is flexible. The flavors depend on a good marinara or pasta sauce and vegan cheese shreds. I usually use a mix of 2 vegan mozzarella brands. Some have better flavor and some have better texture and together they give a fabulous result.
why you’ll love this tofu parmigiana!
- it takes just minutes to put together
- it’s super delicious way to try tofu
- It is nutfree. It can be made gluten-free by omitting the breadcrumb on top or using gf breadcrumbs
- my very picky niece loved it!
More Vegan Casserole dishes
Peanut Butter Noodle Casserole Vegan
Jalapeno Chili Cornbread Casserole
Baked Kitchari Casserole (Spiced Lentil Rice Casserole)
Baked Tofu Parmesan
Ingredients
- 14 ounces of firm or extra firm tofu pressed for at least 15 minutes and then sliced into 1/8 inch slices
- 2 teaspoons olive oil for greasing the dish
- 10-14 ounces of marinara sauce or pasta sauce or pizza sauce, thin out the sauce with 1-2 tablespoon or so water if its too thick
For the spinach cheese filling:
- 6 to 8 ounces of frozen spinach, thawed and lightly pressed to remove excess moisture
- 1 cup vegan cheese shreds. I use mozzarella or mozzarella plus Parmesan cheese and usually use a mix of 2 brand such as violife , Chao original mix, daiya, good planet parm
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the topping:
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed or coarsely crushed oats
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Vegan parmesan, Pepper flakes and fresh basil torn into small pieces for garnish
Instructions
- Press and slice the tofu if you haven’t already and set aside.
- Make the spinach cheese filling by mixing all of the ingredients that are listed under filling until mixed well.
- Start layering your parmesan bake. Use a small baking dish because this makes a small serving. I used a 8.5 by 6.5-inch baking dish. Brush it with olive oil then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pasta sauce and spread evenly. then top it with tofu slices.
- Top the tofu with more pasta sauce then add a third or half of the spinach mixture and even it out then add another layer of tofu, some more pasta sauce and repeat.
- I make 2 layers but you can also make 3. After adding the spinach cheese mixture on top layer, add some of the leftover pasta sauce in small spoonfuls all over. Then top this with breadcrumbs, fresh basil and pepper flakes. Then drizzle with olive oil and bake at 425F(220c) for 25 minutes or until the top is starting to get golden and is bubbly.
- Broil for one to two minutes until the top is even more golden. Remove from oven, and let it sit for a few minutes then slice and serve. Serve with warm garlic bread or over spaghetti.
- Store refrigerated for upto 3 days. Freeze for upto a month
Notes
Nutrition
Ingredients:
- for this recipe, we need firm or extra firm tofu, pressed for at least 15 minutes and then sliced into 1/8 inch slices
- we layer the tofu with marinara sauce or pasta sauce. Homemade is always best but storebought also does the job
- for the filling, we mix thawed frozen spinach with vegan mozzarella cheese shreds, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper..
- for the perfect crispy topping, we sprinkle some bread crumbs drizzled with a teaspoon of olive oil on top
- pepper flakes and fresh basil torn into small pieces for garnish
Tips:
- for the cheese, I use mozzarella cheese and usually use a mix of 2 brands (Violife and Chao original mix)
- You can also use my vegan mozzarella
- to make this gluten free just omit the breadcrumb topping or use gluten-free breadcrumbs
- for the best taste, use a really good olive oil and homemade marinara sauce
- some toasted pine nuts on top would be a great addition
How to make Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake
Press and slice the tofu if you haven’t already and set aside.
Make the cheese spinach filling by mixing all of the ingredients that are listed under filling until mixed well.
Start layering your parmesan bake. Use a small baking dish because this makes a serving for 2. I used a 9×7-inch baking dish. Brush it with olive oil then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the pasta sauce and spread evenly then top it with tofu slices.
Top the tofu with more pasta sauce then add 1/3 or half of the spinach mixture and even it out then add another layer of tofu, some more pasta sauce and repeat.
I make 2 layers but you can also make 3. After adding the spinach cheese mixture on top layer, drop the leftover pasta sauce in small spoonfuls all over.
Then top this with breadcrumbs, fresh basil and pepper flakes. Then drizzle with olive oil and bake at 425F (220 C)for 25 minutes or until the top is starting to get golden and is bubbly.
Broil for one to two minutes until the top is even more golden. Remove from oven, and let it sit for a few minutes then slice and serve.
To make this gluten free just omit the breadcrumb topping or use gluten free breadcrumbs.
Storage:
Store refrigerated in a closed container or baking dish covered with foil for upto 3 days.
Freeze for upto a month
Rita
Followed the recipe with no changes and it was delicious!
Vegan Richa Support
yay! thank you so much, Rita!
Elizabeth Allen
Hello, if you freeze it for later, do you thaw before baking or bake frozen? Mine is in the oven now and smells sooo good but I am freezing to have at a later date. Thank you
Vegan Richa Support
either! if thawing, just cook for less time.
Shirley
I made this tonight and it was so delicious! My son is type 1 diabetic so i love that it’s low carb. I followed the recipe exactly using violife shredded mozzarella for the filling, and follow your heart Parmesan on top. For the sauce I used Rao’s arribata which in my opinion is the best sauce and also happens to have Lower sugar than other sauces. Thank you for this recipe, we loved it!
Vegan Richa Support
Rao’s is sooo yummy! Happy to hear your family likes this recipe and glad that your son can enjoy too!
Greg Williams
Another wonderful recipe Richa! I love how the thin tofu layers elevated this dish, and it was a hit in our family. It’s an easy recipe to double too, using a bigger casserole pan. Thank you so much for all your posts! I always look forward to trying your recipes.
Vegan Richa Support
So happy to hear, Greg! Thank you for the kind comment.
Tina
This dish was delish! We doubled the recipe and added 10 minutes to the cooking time. It is good enough for company and easy for a weeknight dinner.
Vegan Richa Support
Wonderful to hear, Tina!
Amanda
So, so, soooooooo delicious! The flavors are spot on. Simple to make and taste like an entree at a restaurant.
Vegan Richa Support
Thank you!
Vicky Rowe
My 12 year olds response when he took one mouthful of this was ‘those leftovers are mine and please make this every week!’. It’s fast to assemble, impressive when it comes out of the oven and so delicious. Another cracker Richa, keep them coming. I use your recipes all the time because they are just amazing.
Vegan Richa Support
Haha wonderful! Thank you.
Darlene
The recipe says “Servings: 4”, but your comments say “Use a small baking dish because this makes a small serving.” Is the recipe enough for four people or should I double it?
Vegan Richa Support
It does make 4 portions, which is a bit smaller than the 6-8 portions like some of my recipes.
Richa
It’s 4 served with pasta etc
Stacey
All I can say is wow!! We absolutely loved this! So much that my son requested it in the weekly rotation. Thank you so much for this recipe💗
Vegan Richa Support
I’m so glad to hear!
Michelle
This was delicious and very easy to make! I will definitely be making this again.
Vegan Richa Support
I’m so glad you enjoy!
Jayne
Can you use fresh spinach instead of frozen please?
Vegan Richa Support
Yes, you can. I recommend briefly sauteeing or blanching the spinach before using in the recipe. You can add the fresh spinach raw, but it will not have the same texture as the original dish.
Me
This dish was amazing, we had it with angel hair and roasted cauliflower but I think it would stand on its own with garlic bread or a salad. I made a couple changes; I mixed about 1/2 cup vegan sour cream, garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes in with the spinach and cheese. The result was a creamy, ricotta like lasagna dish. Great job, Richa!
Vegan Richa Support
Thank you!
Kelly
Delicious, filling, and the leftovers heated up really well! The vegan cheese you use and the quantity really impacts the dish so tailor to your own preferences – we used the cheese our kids like and next time would use the cheese WE like with a light hand since we’re the spinach monsters eating the biggest helpings and they also love violife parm.
Will definitely make this again.
Vegan Richa Support
I’m so happy the whole family enjoyed!
Becky
As I was putting it together I was hesitant to think this had enough flavor to satisfy. It went together quickly and I prepared some garlic bread while it was in the oven. My teen daughter and I both loved it! Delicious and I will definitely make again.
Richa
Awesome!!