![This Baked Eggplant Parmesan recipe is simple and fun. It uses fresh eggplants, marinara sauce, and cheeses. You can easily adapt it for your taste. - 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded for best melting) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten until frothy - 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs - Olive oil spray You can swap eggplant for zucchini or mushrooms. Use any marinara sauce you like. For a cheese change, try provolone or gouda. If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Start by washing the eggplants. Slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. Next, sprinkle salt on each slice. This helps to draw out moisture and bitterness. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. Afterward, use paper towels to pat the slices dry. This step is key for a nice texture. Now, set up your breading station. Grab three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, pour in the beaten eggs. For the third dish, mix the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs with dried oregano, basil, and black pepper. Take each eggplant slice. Coat it in flour first, shaking off any extra. Then dip it in the eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, cover the slice with the breadcrumb mix, pressing gently to stick. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip the slices halfway through to get them crispy on both sides. After baking, assemble your dish. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer half of the baked eggplant on top. Add 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Repeat with another layer of sauce and the remaining eggplant. Finish with the last of the cheeses on top. Bake again for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade Baked Eggplant Parmesan! For the complete process, check the Full Recipe. To make the best Baked Eggplant Parmesan, start with good eggplants. Choose firm, shiny ones. Slice them into 1/4-inch rounds for even cooking. Salting the slices helps remove bitterness. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. This step is key for a great texture. When you bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven cooks the eggplant evenly. Crispiness makes this dish amazing. After salting, pat the slices dry with paper towels. This removes extra moisture. For a crispy crust, use three bowls for the breading. Coat each slice in flour, dip in egg, then roll in seasoned breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the eggplant. A light spray of olive oil helps the breading crisp up in the oven. Flip the slices halfway through baking for even browning. To boost flavor, add herbs to your breadcrumbs. Mix in oregano, basil, and black pepper. For a twist, try adding minced garlic or crushed red pepper. If you like extra cheese, layer more mozzarella or Parmesan. Fresh herbs on top before serving adds brightness. Pair your dish with a simple side salad to balance the richness. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian twist, skip the eggs and use a plant-based milk instead. Dip the eggplant in the milk, then coat it with the breadcrumbs. If you want a vegan version, choose dairy-free cheeses made from nuts or soy. Many brands offer tasty mozzarella and Parmesan substitutes. This way, you keep the creamy, cheesy goodness while sticking to a plant-based diet. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs. These adjustments let you enjoy the same crispy texture without the gluten. Just check the labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. It's simple, and you won’t miss out on the delicious flavors! To boost protein in your meal, consider adding cooked lentils or chickpeas. Layer them between the eggplant slices for added texture and flavor. You can also use shredded chicken or turkey if you prefer meat. This gives your dish a heartier feel while keeping it delicious. Customize it to fit your taste and dietary needs! After enjoying your baked eggplant Parmesan, let it cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. This will keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to eat it later, follow the freezing instructions below. Reheating is easy! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover eggplant Parmesan in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until the cheese melts. You can also microwave it. Just heat for 1-2 minutes on high, checking often. To freeze, cut the baked eggplant Parmesan into portions. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remember to remove as much air as possible. This will prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using the reheating guidelines. For more details on the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can make Baked Eggplant Parmesan ahead. Prepare it fully, but don’t bake it yet. Cover it and place it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through. Baked Eggplant Parmesan pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A simple green salad with vinaigrette - Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans - A light pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic To add heat to your Baked Eggplant Parmesan, try these tips: - Mix crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce. - Use spicy Italian sausage in the sauce. - Add jalapeños or banana peppers in layers. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. Baked eggplant parmesan is healthier than fried. Baking uses less oil, making it lighter. Frying can add a crispy texture but can also add more fat. Baking still gives you a great flavor, with soft layers of cheese and sauce. Both styles bring joy, but baking is easier and less messy. In this post, you learned how to make a tasty Baked Eggplant Parmesan. We covered all the ingredients and their substitutes. You found clear step-by-step instructions for prep, baking, and tips for great results. I shared variations for different diets, plus storage and reheating tips. Baked Eggplant Parmesan is easy and fun to make. Enjoy personalizing it to fit your taste! Now, go ahead and try this dish; I know you'll love it.](https://spoonfulsavory.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/d9c3b3b7-57ed-49b2-9d9d-f0b0ac344e37-250x250.webp)
- Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Eggplant Parmesan Delight! Layered with crispy, breaded eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is sure to impress. Get the step-by-step instructions and tips to achieve the perfect savory crust. Whether for family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will become a favorite. Click to explore and bring this deliciousness to your table!