Best-Ever Eggplant Parmesan Recipe That Everyone Will Love
Indulge in the comforting layers of our Best-Ever Eggplant Parmesan Recipe That Everyone Will Love. This delightful dish features crispy breaded eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese, creating a savory masterpiece that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Even the pickiest eaters will be coming back for seconds! With straightforward preparation steps, this hearty vegetarian entrée is not only satisfying but also versatile enough to pair with salads, crusty bread, or pasta. Plus, it’s a make-ahead option for extra convenience—just bake it before serving!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Sprinkle sliced eggplants with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to sweat out moisture; pat dry.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with half the Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides; drain on paper towels.
- In a baking dish, layer marinara sauce, fried eggplant slices, mozzarella cheese, and remaining Parmesan; repeat layers finishing with cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the dish (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 150mg