There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about this classic Italian-American dish, and the Skillet Eggplant Parmesan Recipe takes it to the next level by combining crispy, golden eggplant slices with gooey mozzarella and rich marinara sauce all cooked right in your skillet. This dish perfectly balances textures and flavors in every bite, making it an absolute favorite for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Whether you’re craving that hearty, cheesy warmth or want a vegetarian main that truly impresses, this Skillet Eggplant Parmesan Recipe will quickly become your go-to meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Skillet Eggplant Parmesan Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role, from the tender eggplant creating the base, to the combination of cheeses that adds creamy depth and umami. Let’s dive into the essentials that make this dish sing.
- 2 medium eggplants (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds): Choose firm, fresh eggplants for a tender yet sturdy base that holds up through cooking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Used to draw out moisture from the eggplant, preventing sogginess and concentrating flavor.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the eggplant slices get a light coating that crisps up beautifully when fried.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Acts as the perfect binding layer for the breadcrumbs to stick to the eggplant.
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs: These seasoned crumbs add texture and a punch of Italian herb flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided): Parmesan brings a sharp, nutty flavor that complements mozzarella and marinara.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more as needed): For frying, giving the eggplant slices a golden crust without heavy greasiness.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Rich and tangy tomato sauce creates the comforting, saucy base of the dish.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to luscious, bubbly perfection adding creamy, cheesy richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning: Adds subtle herbaceous notes to elevate the layers.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): A pop of color and freshness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Skillet Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Start by sprinkling the sliced eggplant with salt and letting them rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is essential because it draws out moisture and bitterness, leaving you with tender, flavorful eggplant after cooking. After the rest, pat the slices completely dry with paper towels to ensure your breading sticks nicely and fries up crisp.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Get ready to dredge by placing the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in the second, and in a third bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs with half of the grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup). This layering ensures every slice gets a perfect coating that crisps and flavors the dish.
Step 3: Bread the Eggplant Slices
Take each slice and dip it first into the flour, making sure it’s lightly coated. Then, dunk it into the egg wash and finally roll it in the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Set each breaded slice aside on a plate, ready for frying.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden Brown
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until beautifully golden and crisp. Add more olive oil if needed between batches, and transfer the fried slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Layer and Broil
Wipe out the skillet to remove any crumbs and oil residue. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom. Layer half the fried eggplant slices, then add more sauce, sprinkle half the shredded mozzarella and some Parmesan, followed by a dusting of dried basil or Italian seasoning. Repeat the layering with the remaining eggplant, sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs. Position your oven rack close to the broiler and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden.
How to Serve Skillet Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh basil leaf or two placed on top right before serving adds a pretty, bright green contrast and a refreshing herbal lift that balances the richness of the cheese and eggplant.
Side Dishes
Serve this Skillet Eggplant Parmesan Recipe with some crusty garlic bread or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a complete meal. Pasta tossed in olive oil and fresh herbs also pairs wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering this dish in deep individual ramekins for personal servings or cut it into squares after broiling and serve it as a hearty appetizer at your next gathering. The golden, bubbling cheese and vibrant sauce make it hard to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! To freeze, cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly again, about 15 to 20 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and the cheese perfectly melted—microwaving tends to make it soggy, so oven reheating is definitely the way to go.
FAQs
Can I bake the eggplant instead of frying?
Absolutely! For a lighter version of this recipe, bake the breaded eggplant slices at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This reduces oil use while still delivering good texture.
What can I use instead of Italian-style breadcrumbs?
You can make your own by combining plain breadcrumbs with dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley—this way, you control the seasoning and freshness.
Is the Skillet Eggplant Parmesan Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is completely vegetarian, featuring hearty eggplant and cheese as star ingredients. Just make sure your breadcrumbs don’t contain animal products.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can bread and fry the eggplant slices ahead of time, then assemble and broil just before serving for maximum convenience and fresh flavor.
What if I don’t have a broiler or oven-safe skillet?
No worries! Assemble the layers in a baking dish and bake at 400°F until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10 minutes. You can also melt the cheese under a grill pan lid on the stovetop.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Skillet Eggplant Parmesan Recipe enough for when you want that hearty, cheesy, and colorful dish that feels like a warm hug. The combination of crispy eggplant, rich sauce, and melted cheese is downright irresistible. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Skillet Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Broiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Skillet Eggplant Parmesan recipe offers a delicious italian-american vegetarian main course featuring breaded and fried eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, finished under the broiler for a melty, golden topping. It’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Eggplant Preparation
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
Breading Station
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for breadcrumbs)
Cooking and Assembly
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese (divided: 1/4 cup for breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup for layering)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Salt the Eggplant: Sprinkle the eggplant slices evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and let them sit for 20 to 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After resting, pat the slices dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any liquid.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, one with 2 beaten large eggs, and one with a mixture of 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs combined with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the Eggplant: Dredge each eggplant slice first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat completely with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture. Set aside the breaded slices.
- Fry the Eggplant: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Add more oil if necessary during frying. Remove fried slices and set aside.
- Preheat the Broiler: Once frying is complete, preheat your oven broiler to prepare for melting the cheese topping.
- Prepare the Skillet for Baking: Wipe out any excess oil from the skillet. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of the skillet to create a flavorful base layer.
- Layer the Ingredients: Arrange half of the fried eggplant slices over the marinara sauce. Spoon additional marinara sauce on top of the eggplant, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and divide 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese evenly. Repeat the layering with the remaining eggplant, remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning.
- Broil the Dish: Place the skillet under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, monitoring closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown at the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, skip frying and bake the breaded eggplant slices at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until crisp.
- Serve the Skillet Eggplant Parmesan alongside pasta, a fresh salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Make sure to pat the eggplant dry well after salting to avoid sogginess when frying.
- You can substitute Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with plain breadcrumbs plus added Italian herbs.
