Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a timeless Italian favorite that combines crispy breaded and fried eggplant slices with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This hearty, comforting dish is perfect for family dinners and a surefire way to impress your guests. It’s rich, savory, and packed with layers of flavor that come together beautifully when baked in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Eggplant Parmesan offers a satisfying combination of textures—from the crispy, golden eggplant to the gooey melted cheese and tangy marinara sauce. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy vegetables in a flavorful and hearty dish that everyone will love. This recipe is ideal for vegetarians and is perfect for any occasion when you want a dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. The layers of cheese, sauce, and eggplant make each bite irresistible.

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized eggplants

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 cup fine Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 4 cups marinara sauce

• 1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Wash and dry the eggplants, then slice them into 1/4-inch slices (peeling is optional). Lay the slices on a cooling rack, sprinkle both sides with salt, and let them sit for about an hour to draw out excess moisture. After an hour, blot the eggplant slices with a paper towel to remove the salt and liquid.

2. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.

3. Dip each slice of eggplant into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumbs. Repeat until all slices are coated.

4. Heat half of the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron). Once hot, add several slices of eggplant and cook until golden brown on both sides. Continue cooking in batches, adding more oil as needed, until all the eggplant is fried.

5. While frying, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

6. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with a single layer of fried eggplant slices. Then layer half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese on top. Spread half of the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese.

7. Add another layer of eggplant, followed by the remaining mozzarella, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese.

8. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.

9. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

• Resting Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Variations

• Add Meat: If you want to make this dish even heartier, you can add cooked ground beef or sausage to the marinara sauce for a meat version of Eggplant Parmesan.

• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.

• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, you can use a plant-based cheese substitute, such as dairy-free mozzarella, and skip the Parmesan.

• Herbs: Add fresh or dried basil, oregano, or thyme to the marinara sauce or sprinkle on top before baking for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Eggplant Parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make Eggplant Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time, layer it in the baking dish, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. When ready, bake it as instructed.

2. Can I bake the eggplant instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the eggplant slices at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative to frying.

3. How do I prevent the eggplant from being soggy?

Salting the eggplant before cooking helps draw out excess moisture, which helps to prevent sogginess. Additionally, blotting the eggplant after salting ensures there’s no excess liquid left.

4. Can I freeze Eggplant Parmesan?

Yes, Eggplant Parmesan freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen, adding a few extra minutes of baking time.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like provolone, mozzarella di bufala, or ricotta in place of the mozzarella. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

6. Can I skip the frying step and just bake the eggplant slices?

You can, though the texture and flavor won’t be the same. Baking without frying may result in a softer, less crispy texture, but it’s a healthier option.

7. How do I get the eggplant crispy?

Ensure that the eggplant is properly salted to draw out moisture, and make sure the oil is hot enough when frying. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the eggplant slices cook evenly and crisp up.

8. How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with plant-based versions, and use a non-dairy egg replacer for breading the eggplant.

9. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?

Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly in this recipe, though homemade sauce will elevate the dish even further.

10. How do I know when the Eggplant Parmesan is done?

The Eggplant Parmesan is done when the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is bubbling. It should also be golden and slightly crispy on top.

Conclusion

Eggplant Parmesan is the perfect comfort food, offering rich layers of crispy eggplant, savory marinara sauce, and melted cheese. This classic dish is guaranteed to satisfy and is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With its delicious flavor and hearty texture, this homemade Eggplant Parmesan will become a staple in your recipe collection!

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