Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Richa 45 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

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.

Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (1)

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!

Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (2)

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!
Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (3)

More Vegan Casserole dishes

Tex Mex Rice Casserole

Peanut Butter Noodle Casserole Vegan

Jalapeno Chili Cornbread Casserole

Baked Kitchari Casserole (Spiced Lentil Rice Casserole)

Baked Lentil Curry casserole

Recipe Card

Save This Recipe in Your Inbox

Share your email and we will send this recipe! Plus, enjoy all the new recipes as they post!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Vegan Richa.

Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (4)

Print Recipe

5 from 28 votes

Baked Tofu Parmesan

This Tofu Parmesan Bake has layers of pressed tofu with spinach, cheese and marinara sauce for the perfect comfort food dinner. Vegan Parmigiana Nutfree. Gluten-free option

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Main

Cuisine: American, Italian

Keyword: baked tofu parmesan, tofu lasagna, tofu parmigiana

Servings: 4

Calories: 250kcal

Author: Vegan Richa

Ingredients

  • 14 ounces of firm or extra firm tofu pressed for at least 15 minutes and then sliced into ⅛ 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
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the topping:

  • ¼ 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.

    (Variation: bake this tofu for 15 mins or so for firmer tofu layer)

  • 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

Video

Notes

To make this gluten free just omit the breadcrumb topping or use gluten free breadcrumbs or coarsely crushed oats

Vegan cheese substitute: Use my vegan mozzarella.

Oilfree: omit the oil.

Soyfree: make my Eggplant Parmigiana. Homemade marinara recipe is also on the eggplant parm post.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Baked Tofu Parmesan

Amount Per Serving

Calories 250Calories from Fat 126

% Daily Value*

Fat 14g22%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Sodium 687mg30%

Potassium 490mg14%

Carbohydrates 19g6%

Fiber 5g21%

Sugar 3g3%

Protein 13g26%

Vitamin A 4387IU88%

Vitamin C 17mg21%

Calcium 224mg22%

Iron 4mg22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Did you make this recipe?Please do leave a comment and rating below.. Tag me on Instagram @veganricha

Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (5)

Ingredients:

  • for this recipe, we need firm or extra firm tofu, pressed for at least 15 minutes and then sliced into ⅛ 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

Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (6)

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.

Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (7)
Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (8)
Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (9)
Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (10)

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.

Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (11)

Top the tofu with more pasta sauce then add ⅓ or half of the spinach mixture and even it out then add another layer of tofu, some more pasta sauce and repeat.

Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (12)
Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (13)
Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (14)
Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (15)

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.

Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (16)

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.

Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (17)

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.

Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (18)
Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (19)

Storage:

Store refrigerated in a closed container or baking dish covered with foil for upto 3 days.
Freeze for upto a month

Sharing is caring!

Share on PinterestShare on FacebookShare on WhatsAppShare on X (Twitter)Share on Email

More Casserole

  • Smoky Vegan Mac and Cheese Bake
  • Spicy Quinoa Casserole (nut-free, gluten-free)
  • Delicata Squash White Bean Casserole
  • Baked Jackfruit Biryani (Kathal Biryani, soy-free, gluten-free)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️If you Love the Recipe, Please consider rating it using stars in comments! It helps readers and helps more people find the recipe online! I love hearing from you all! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment and Rating

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Lois

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (24)
    Easy and delicious. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      Happy to hear!

      Reply

  2. Laurey Drvaric

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (25)
    This recipe is delicious! I used fresh spinach. My meat eating husband loved it.
    I will try adding the no boil lasagne noodles next time as another reviewer mentioned.

    Reply

  3. Vegan_hen

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (26)
    Taste was amazing but I used homemade pasta sauce, and it was a little watery. But it still was amazing.

    Reply

  4. jennifer

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (27)
    WOW! Another Richa winner! I made a lasagna out of it since I still had no-boil noodles from your skillet lasagna recipe. 😉 So added a couple layers of noodles for more heft; next time I’d use more tofu also – and yes, baked it first. Frozen chopped kale since the store was out of spinach, and I’m glad for that. It’s soooo yummy! And super easy to put together!

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      yay!

      Reply

  5. Cara

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (28)
    What an amazing recipe! I made a few modifications but it still turned out perfectly. I baked my tofu slabs in the air fryer for a few minutes before assembling into the casserole dish. I think that enhanced the texture a little. I also used fresh spinach and chopped it up a bit before mixing with the cheese. I also doubled the recipe and I’m glad I did because we wanted even more of it! We ate it with baked spaghetti squash and sourdough bread. So delicious!

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      so glad you enjoyed!

      Reply

  6. Jennifer

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (29)
    I had mushrooms, grated carrots, zucchini and tomatoes that were going to waste if I didn’t use them so I added them in layers to this. DELICIOUS!! I sautéed the mushrooms but the zucchini, tomatoes and carrots went in only to bake. I also added fresh basil, rosemary and thyme. This is a winner!

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      yay! i love when we can salvage ingredients. glad this worked for you!

      Reply

  7. Janey Archey

    I just found how to use up some items before I go out of town!!!

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      yay! don’t forget to rate – it really helps!

      Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      yay! thank you so much, Rita!

      Reply

  8. 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

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      either! if thawing, just cook for less time.

      Reply

  9. Shirley

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (31)
    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!

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      Rao’s is sooo yummy! Happy to hear your family likes this recipe and glad that your son can enjoy too!

      Reply

  10. Lauren

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (32)
    Wow this was so good! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      yay!

      Reply

  11. Greg Williams

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (33)
    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.

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      So happy to hear, Greg! Thank you for the kind comment.

      Reply

  12. Tina

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (34)
    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.

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      Wonderful to hear, Tina!

      Reply

  13. Amanda

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (35)
    So, so, soooooooo delicious! The flavors are spot on. Simple to make and taste like an entree at a restaurant.

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      Thank you!

      Reply

  14. Roy

    Which cookbook is this recipe from? Thank you.

    Reply

    • Richa

      The recipe is right here on the post. Not in my cookbooks

      Reply

  15. Vicky Rowe

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (36)
    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.

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      Haha wonderful! Thank you.

      Reply

  16. 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?

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      It does make 4 portions, which is a bit smaller than the 6-8 portions like some of my recipes.

      Reply

      • Richa

        It’s 4 served with pasta etc

        Reply

  17. Stacey

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (37)
    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💗

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      I’m so glad to hear!

      Reply

  18. Michelle

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (38)
    This was delicious and very easy to make! I will definitely be making this again.

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      I’m so glad you enjoy!

      Reply

  19. Jayne

    Can you use fresh spinach instead of frozen please?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  20. Me

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (39)
    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!

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      Thank you!

      Reply

  21. Kelly

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (40)
    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.

    Reply

    • Vegan Richa Support

      I’m so happy the whole family enjoyed!

      Reply

  22. Becky

    Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (41)
    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.

    Reply

    • Richa

      Awesome!!

      Reply

Vegan Tofu Parmesan Bake (Parmigiana) - Vegan Richa (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 6354

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.