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Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan

A tall stack of crispy fried Eggplant Parmesan layers with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.
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A lighter, oven-baked version of classic eggplant parmesan with a crispy breadcrumb coating. This recipe focuses on achieving crunch without frying, making it a perfect vegetarian comfort food for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium eggplants, sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Place eggplant slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Sprinkle evenly with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
  3. In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and pepper.
  4. Set up a breading station: one dish with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the panko mixture.
  5. Dredge each eggplant slice first in flour, then in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
  7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  9. Layer half of the baked eggplant slices over the sauce. Top with half of the mozzarella slices and a generous amount of marinara sauce.
  10. Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant, mozzarella, and marinara sauce.
  11. Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  12. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, ensure you pat the eggplant very dry after salting.
  • You can make this recipe ahead of time. Assemble and bake, or bake and then reheat.
  • This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
  • Consider this a great option for meal planning, as leftovers reheat well.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/eggplant-parmesan-recipe/