Eggplant Parmesan is a beloved Italian classic that brings together layers of crispy eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. With its vibrant flavors and delightful textures, Eggplant Parmesan is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients and culinary tradition. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or as a make-ahead option that can be frozen for later enjoyment.
Why You’ll Love This Eggplant Parmesan
This classic eggplant Parmesan recipe is not just delicious; it’s also versatile! Here are a few reasons to love it:
- Rich flavors with layers of marinara and cheese.
- Aubergine Parmesan is a hearty vegetarian option.
- Perfect for meal prep and gatherings.
- Can be made gluten-free with alternative breadcrumbs.
- Easy eggplant Parmesan for beginners, no culinary skills needed.
- Low-carb eggplant Parmesan options are available for health-conscious eaters.
Plus, it fits perfectly into a vegetarian diet and showcases the best of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients for Eggplant Parmesan
Gather these items:
- 2 medium eggplants (about 1.5 lbs), sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt to taste
How to Make Eggplant Parmesan Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Step 2: Slice eggplants, sprinkle with salt, and let sit in a colander for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Step 3: Rinse and pat eggplant slices dry with paper towels.
- Step 4: In the prepared baking dish, layer marinara sauce, eggplant slices, mozzarella, and parmesan; repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Step 5: Top with remaining marinara sauce and breadcrumb mixture combined with parmesan.
- Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Eggplant Parmesan
Keep these in mind:
- Enjoy it fresh from the oven or as a make-ahead option that can be frozen for later enjoyment.
- For a healthier option, try using whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Layering the eggplant with eggplant Parmesan with marinara sauce ensures every bite is flavorful.
Best Ways to Serve Eggplant Parmesan
Pair your eggplant Parmigiana with:
- Garlic bread for a hearty meal.
- A fresh green salad to balance the dish.
- Serve alongside pasta for an Italian feast.
How to Store and Reheat Eggplant Parmesan
You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dish is also great for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eggplant Parmesan
What’s the secret to perfect Eggplant Parmesan?
The key to perfect Eggplant Parmesan is salting the eggplant beforehand to draw out moisture, ensuring a crispy texture.
Can I make Eggplant Parmesan ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Eggplant Parmesan a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Eggplant Parmesan?
To avoid sogginess, make sure to salt and dry the eggplant properly and layer ingredients evenly for better cooking.
Variations of Eggplant Parmesan You Can Try
Consider these variations:
- Vegan Eggplant Parmesan recipe: Replace cheese with cashew cream or vegan cheese.
- Low-carb eggplant Parmesan recipe: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- Crispy eggplant Parmesan preparation: Fry eggplant slices before layering for extra crunch.
With its rich flavors and comforting layers, Eggplant Parmesan is a dish everyone will love. Whether you follow the traditional route or explore variations, this dish is a delightful way to enjoy eggplant!
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Delicious Eggplant Parmesan: 6 Layers of Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Eggplant Parmesan is a beloved Italian classic that brings together layers of crispy eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or impressing guests at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants (about 1.5 lbs), sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Slice eggplants, sprinkle with salt, and let sit in a colander for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Rinse and pat eggplant slices dry with paper towels.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer marinara sauce, eggplant slices, mozzarella, and parmesan; repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Top with remaining marinara sauce and breadcrumb mixture combined with parmesan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Enjoy it fresh from the oven or as a make-ahead option that can be frozen for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Eggplant Parmesan, Italian recipe, vegetarian dish








