Description
Cheesy Baked Eggplant Parmesan is a comforting Italian-inspired dish made with layers of crispy baked eggplant slices, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tbsp salt (for sweating the eggplant)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Olive oil spray or a few tbsp for baking
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Arrange eggplant slices on a tray and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Set up a breading station: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder and oregano in a third.
- Dip each eggplant slice first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Place on baking sheets and lightly spray or brush with olive oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Layer baked eggplant slices, more sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Salting the eggplant removes bitterness and moisture, helping achieve a better texture.
- You can use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated—it tastes even better the next day!
- Serve with pasta, salad, or crusty bread for a full meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: eggplant parmesan, baked eggplant, vegetarian Italian dish, cheesy eggplant, eggplant casserole