Description

A cozy and cheesy Eggplant Parmesan that delivers classic comfort food vibes with layers of tender eggplant, marinara sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 medium Eggplant (Look for firm and glossy.)
Salt (For sweating the eggplant.)
1 cup Flour (All purpose or gluten free blend.)
2-3 Eggs (For dredging.)
1 cup Bread crumbs (Italian style or plain plus seasoning.)
1 cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated if possible.)
1 cup Mozzarella (Shredded low moisture.)
2 cups Marinara sauce (Store bought is fine.)
2 tablespoons Olive oil (For baking sheets or pan frying.)

Optional Ingredients

Garlic powder (Optional seasoning.)
Dried oregano (Optional seasoning.)
Red pepper flakes (Optional seasoning.)
Black pepper (Optional seasoning.)
Fresh basil (Optional garnish.)

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Instructions

Preparation

Heat your oven to 425°F and lightly oil two baking sheets.
Slice the eggplant into rounds about 1/2 inch thick, sprinkle both sides with salt, and let sit for 30 to 45 minutes.
Rinse the eggplant slices quickly and pat them dry with paper towels.

Assembly

Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder.
Coat each eggplant slice by dipping it in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
Arrange the coated slices in a single layer on the baking sheets.

Baking

Bake the slices for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.
In a baking dish, spread a little marinara sauce, then lay down a layer of eggplant, more sauce, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
Lower the oven temperature to 400°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For a crispy texture, do not use too much sauce. Use low moisture mozzarella and let the baked slices cool slightly before layering. Resting the dish before cutting is crucial for clean slices.

Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Vegetarian