Classic Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

Eggplant Parmesan is a beloved Italian dish that brings together layers of rich flavors and comforting textures. The combination of crispy, breaded eggplant slices, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese creates a taste experience you won’t forget. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

Imagine biting into a perfectly baked slice of Eggplant Parmesan, where the eggplant is tender and flavorful, enveloped in a blanket of melted mozzarella and sharp Parmesan cheese. The homemade marinara sauce adds a delightful tang that balances the richness, making each bite absolutely satisfying.

This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily make it vegetarian-friendly, and it’s perfect for meal prepping. Serve it with a side salad or your favorite pasta for a complete meal!

The Allure of Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a cherished Italian classic that captivates with its layers of wonderful flavors and textures. The combination of crispy eggplant, savory marinara sauce, and gooey cheese creates a delightful experience that is hard to resist.

Imagine enjoying a warm slice of this dish, where tender eggplant meets a melting blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. The tangy marinara sauce enhances every bite, offering a satisfying and comforting meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Visual Appeal

The presentation of Eggplant Parmesan elevates its charm. Golden-brown layers of crispy eggplant create a visual feast, layered generously with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. Fresh basil leaves are artfully placed on top, adding a vibrant green contrast that makes the dish even more inviting.

Served on a rustic wooden table, the presentation embodies warmth and comfort, inviting guests to indulge in the delicious layers prepared with care.

Preparing the Eggplant

Before assembling the dish, the eggplant requires special attention. Slicing the eggplant into uniform rounds allows for even cooking and ensures every layer is equally delectable. Salting the slices draws out moisture, enhancing the flavor and ensuring a perfectly crisp texture when fried.

Once the eggplant is properly drained and dried, it’s ready to be breaded. A simple breading station consisting of flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs transforms the eggplant into a crispy delight, setting the stage for the flavorful layering to come.

Frying to Perfection

The frying process is crucial for achieving that sought-after golden-brown crust. Heating olive oil in a skillet allows the breaded eggplant to crisp up beautifully, turning each slice into a crunchy delight. Frying each side for just a few minutes ensures the eggplant is cooked through while maintaining its shape.

Once fried, placing the eggplant on paper towels helps absorb excess oil, keeping the dish from becoming overly greasy. This step is essential for maintaining the integrity of the layers during assembly.

Building the Layers

Assembling Eggplant Parmesan is where the magic truly happens. Starting with a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of the baking dish sets a flavorful base. Layering fried eggplant slices with more marinara and a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a harmonious blend of flavors.

This layering process is repeated until all ingredients are used, ensuring that each slice will hold a perfect balance of eggplant, cheese, and sauce. Topping it all off with a final layer of cheese before baking creates a beautifully bubbly and golden finish.

The Baking Transformation

Baking the assembled dish allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Covering the dish initially traps steam, ensuring the eggplant cooks through while keeping everything moist. Removing the foil later allows the cheese to turn perfectly golden and bubbly, adding to the visual appeal.

After baking, letting the dish cool for a few minutes before slicing makes serving easier and more appealing. Each slice reveals the comforting layers of eggplant, cheese, and sauce, ready to be enjoyed.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Eggplant: Sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Breading the Eggplant: Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the Eggplant: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
4. Assemble the Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the fried eggplant, followed by half of the remaining marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Repeat the layers.
5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Serve: Let the Eggplant Parmesan cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with your favorite side.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: 350kcal
• Fat: 16g
• Protein: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 40g