This recipe is perfect for a family dinner, a meatless weekend meal or any occasion when you want something warm and satisfying. The breaded eggplant slices become golden in the oven before being layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Serve baked eggplant Parmesan with garlic bread, pasta or a fresh green salad. It can also be prepared ahead of time and baked shortly before serving, making it a convenient choice for entertaining.
Why Make Baked Eggplant Parmesan?
Baking the breaded eggplant makes this version easier and less greasy than traditional fried eggplant Parmesan. You can prepare several slices at once, and there is no need to stand beside the stove frying them in batches.
The dish is also a delicious way to add more vegetables to your meals. Eggplant has a mild flavor and tender texture that pairs beautifully with marinara sauce, herbs and melted cheese.
Try more satisfying meatless recipes:
Creamy Mushroom Risotto
Chickpea Vegetable Curry
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Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more as needed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Olive oil cooking spray
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for serving
Recipe Summary
| Time | Yield | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| 1h 20min | 6 servings | Medium |
How to Make Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Cut the eggplants into slices approximately 1/2 inch thick. Arrange them on a tray, sprinkle both sides with salt and allow them to rest for 20 to 30 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture and reduces any bitter flavor.
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels. Prepare three shallow bowls: place the flour in the first, whisk the eggs with the milk in the second and combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper in the third.
Coat each eggplant slice in flour, dip it into the egg mixture and press it into the seasoned breadcrumbs. Arrange the slices in a single layer on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the slices halfway through, until the coating is golden and crisp. Remove them from the oven and reduce the temperature to 375°F.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of baked eggplant, followed by more sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients have been used, finishing with cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is completely melted. Let the dish rest for approximately 10 minutes before garnishing it with fresh basil and serving.
Tips for Perfect Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Cut the eggplant into evenly sized slices so they cook at the same speed. Salting and drying the slices is important because excess moisture can make the breadcrumb coating soft.
Do not overcrowd the baking sheets. Leave a little space between each slice so hot air can circulate and create a crisp, golden exterior.
Use a thick marinara sauce and avoid adding too much between the layers. Excess sauce may make the breaded eggplant soggy. For extra flavor, add fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Allow the finished dish to rest before cutting it. This gives the layers time to settle and makes each serving easier to remove from the baking dish.
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Conclusion
Baked eggplant Parmesan delivers crispy eggplant, rich tomato sauce and melted cheese in every bite. Because the eggplant is baked instead of fried, the preparation is simpler and the finished dish feels lighter without losing its comforting flavor.
Serve it hot with garlic bread, salad or pasta for a satisfying meatless dinner. This dependable recipe is perfect for family meals and may quickly become one of your favorite ways to prepare eggplant.
Linda Carter is a writer specializing in recipes and practical home cooking. With extensive experience helping readers prepare flavorful and accessible meals, Linda shares easy-to-follow recipes, helpful cooking tips, and creative ideas on our platform. Her goal is to make cooking simpler and more enjoyable, inspiring readers to create delicious dishes for everyday meals and special occasions.