Eggplant Parmesan
A classic Italian-American comfort dish made with breaded eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, baked until bubbly and golden.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon salt (for drawing out moisture)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Set up a breading station with flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with 1/2 cup Parmesan in a third.
- Coat eggplant slices in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry eggplant slices until golden on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer eggplant slices over sauce.
- Top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can bake the breaded eggplant instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Best served with a side of pasta or fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: eggplant parmesan, baked eggplant, Italian comfort food, vegetarian dinner