Eggplant Parmesan (Printable)

Crispy breaded eggplant layered with marinara and melted cheeses, baked until golden and bubbly.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
02 - 1 teaspoon salt for sweating eggplants

→ Breading

03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2 large eggs, beaten
05 - 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Sauce

09 - 2 cups marinara sauce
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Cheeses

12 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for layering

→ Garnish

14 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Lay eggplant slices on a rack or paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt and let sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
03 - Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in a second, and combine breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, oregano, and pepper in a third dish.
04 - Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, then dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture. Arrange on prepared baking sheets.
05 - Bake eggplant slices for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
06 - Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
07 - Spread 1/2 cup of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half the baked eggplant slices over the sauce. Top with half the remaining sauce, half the mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat layers with remaining eggplant, sauce, and cheeses.
08 - Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
09 - Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between crispy eggplant and tender melted cheese creates pure comfort in every bite
  • Make it ahead and reheat throughout the week for meals that taste even better the second time
02 -
  • Patting the eggplant completely dry after salting is the difference between soggy layers and crispy ones
  • Letting the finished dish rest for 10 minutes seems impossible when it smells this good but it keeps your layers from sliding apart
03 -
  • Frying the eggplant slices instead of baking them adds restaurant level richness though baking keeps things lighter
  • Homemade marinara makes this dish sing but a good jarred sauce works beautifully when time is tight
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