Eggplant Parmesan (Printable)

Crispy breaded eggplant layered with marinara and melted cheeses

# 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 thoroughly with paper towels.
03 - Arrange three shallow dishes: place flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and combine breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup Parmesan, oregano, and pepper in the third.
04 - Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then press into breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Arrange on prepared baking sheets.
05 - Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
06 - Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
07 - Spread 1/2 cup sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half the baked eggplant slices over sauce. Top with half the remaining sauce, half the mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
08 - Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to set.
09 - Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil just before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crispy breadcrumb exterior gives way to impossibly tender eggplant, creating that perfect crunch to melt ratio that keeps you going back for just one more piece.
  • Unlike heavy restaurant versions, this lighter bake still delivers all the comfort without the grease, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend feasts.
02 -
  • Skip the salting step and you will end up with soggy eggplant that releases water into your beautiful layers, turning crispy crusts into mush.
  • Crowding the baking sheets when you first bake the eggplant slices prevents proper air circulation, leaving you with soft spots instead of evenly crispy results.
03 -
  • For restaurant-style crispiness, fry the breaded eggplant slices in olive oil instead of baking them, draining on paper towels before layering.
  • Mixing a handful of grated fontina or provolone with the mozzarella adds that gorgeous cheese pull you see in Italian restaurants.
Go Back