Description
Eggplant Parmesan Bake is a savory, cheesy dish featuring crispy breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a comforting vegetarian meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
2 large eggplants, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
4 large eggs, beaten
2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
1 cup marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplants: Place the sliced eggplant rounds in a large colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 30 minutes. Rinse and pat them dry.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In separate bowls, prepare the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb mixture with basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Bread the Eggplant: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Dip each eggplant slice into the flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the Eggplant: Bake the breaded eggplant slices for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Layer the Bake: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add half of the baked eggplant, followed by 1/3 of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers and finish with marinara and the remaining cheese.
- Final Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the dish cool for a few minutes, slice, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Tomato Sauce: Use store-bought marinara or make your own for a richer flavor. Chunky marinara adds extra texture.
Cheese Options: Fresh mozzarella or ricotta cheese can be used for added flavor.
Make Ahead: Assemble a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Adjust baking time if baking from cold.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
