Description

Cheesy baked eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian-American comfort dish made healthier by baking instead of frying. Tender slices of eggplant are breaded, baked until golden, and layered with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Eggplant Preparation

2 medium eggplants (sliced into ½-inch rounds)
1 tablespoon salt (for sweating the eggplant)

Breading

2 large eggs (beaten)
2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Assembly

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
Olive oil spray or drizzle
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat and Sweat Eggplant: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange eggplant slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle both sides lightly with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
Prepare Breading Station: Set up a breading station with beaten eggs in one bowl and a mixture of Italian-style breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in another bowl.
Bread the Eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Place the coated slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil.
Bake Eggplant: Bake the breaded eggplant slices for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Layer half the baked eggplant slices, then add more sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers, finishing with a final layer of sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
Final Bake: Bake the assembled eggplant Parmesan uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley.

Notes

To make the eggplant extra crispy, place breaded slices on a wire rack over the baking sheet while baking.
You can prepare the breaded eggplant and sauce ahead of time and assemble just before baking.
Serve this dish with pasta or a green salad for a complete meal.