Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that brings comfort and flavor to any table. This recipe not only highlights the rich taste of eggplants but also showcases the delightful layers of cheese and marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners, cozy gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead, Eggplant Parmesan is sure to impress. The extra step of salting the eggplant enhances its flavor and texture, ensuring a truly memorable dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Amazing Flavor: The combination of eggplant, marinara sauce, and cheese creates a rich and satisfying taste.
  • Vegetarian Delight: This dish is a fantastic option for vegetarians without compromising on flavor.
  • Layered Goodness: Each bite offers layers of crispy eggplant, gooey cheese, and savory sauce that will delight your taste buds.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients to suit dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: Eggplant Parmesan tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before we dive into making Eggplant Parmesan, let’s gather some essential tools to assist you in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Casserole dish
  • Shallow plates

Importance of Each Tool

  • Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking and browning of the eggplant slices.
  • Baking Sheet: This helps catch any drippings during cooking while providing a stable surface for your wire rack.
  • Wire Rack: Using this tool allows eggplant slices to drain properly, removing excess moisture effectively.

Ingredients

This is my favorite way to make eggplant parmesan. The extra prep step may not seem worth it to you, but trust me – it absolutely is and makes a huge difference. Those who took the extra step did not regret it and I’m sure you won’t either!

Ingredients:
1 large eggplant (sliced into 1/2 thick slices)
2 tablespoons kosher salt (DO NOT USE TABLE SALT)
1 1/2 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
4 tablespoons vegetable oil (for lightly pan-frying)
3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups whole milk mozzarella (shredded)
1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
Handful of fresh basil leaves (chopped, for garnish optional)

How to Make Eggplant Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

  1. Salt the top side of your eggplant slices and place them on a wire rack on a baking sheet. Let the liquid pull out for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  2. When your eggplant slices have finished draining liquid, brush off the excess salt with a damp paper towel.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

  1. In two shallow plates, add breadcrumbs to one and whisk eggs with milk in the other.
  2. Dip both sides of each eggplant slice into the milk/egg mixture, then cover with breadcrumbs. Shake off any excess breading.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 °F (191 °C).

Step 4: Pan-Fry Eggplant Slices

  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil.
  2. Once hot, add two eggplant slices at a time and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove them and set on a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

  1. In a large casserole dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce at the bottom.
  2. Add a layer of fried eggplant slices followed by dollops of marinara sauce on top—don’t smother them!
  3. Sprinkle generous amounts of mozzarella and parmesan cheese over each layer. Repeat until all ingredients are used.

Step 6: Bake It Up!

Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and brown on top. For an extra crispy top, broil for an additional 5 minutes while watching carefully!

Step 7: Serve Hot

Serve hot and top with chopped basil if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Eggplant Parmesan!

How to Serve Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal.

Classic Serving Suggestions

  • With a Side Salad: Pair your eggplant parmesan with a fresh garden salad dressed in vinaigrette for a light and refreshing contrast.
  • Garlic Bread: Serve slices of warm garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra marinara sauce and add crunch.
  • Pasta: Offer a side of spaghetti tossed in olive oil or marinara for a filling Italian feast.

Creative Plate Ups

  • Over Polenta: Spoon the eggplant parmesan over creamy polenta for a comforting twist.
  • As a Sandwich: Layer the eggplant between crusty bread for a delicious sandwich that’s perfect for lunch.
  • On Risotto: Serve alongside or on top of risotto to elevate the dish and add creaminess.

Garnish Ideas

  • Fresh Basil: Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch that brightens the flavors.
  • Parmesan Shavings: Add thin shavings of fresh parmesan cheese on top right before serving for an elegant finish.
Eggplant

How to Perfect Eggplant Parmesan

Creating the best eggplant parmesan requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is perfect every time.

  • Drain Your Eggplant: Salt the slices and let them rest to draw out excess moisture, preventing sogginess.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh mozzarella and homemade marinara sauce when possible; they greatly enhance flavor.
  • Layer Wisely: Don’t overload each layer with sauce; this helps maintain texture and prevents mushiness.
  • Broil for Finish: Broiling at the end gives your cheese a beautiful golden color and crispy texture—just keep an eye on it!
  • Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for about 10 minutes after baking; this helps it set up and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan pairs wonderfully with various sides that complement its rich flavors. Here are some excellent options:

  1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted with garlic adds color and nutrition.
  2. Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing offer a refreshing balance to the hearty main course.
  3. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes a perfect appetizer or side.
  4. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus brings freshness to your plate without overpowering flavors.
  5. Caprese Salad: Slices of tomato, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction create an elegant side dish.
  6. Risotto Primavera: Creamy risotto mixed with seasonal veggies provides richness that matches well with eggplant parmesan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making eggplant parmesan, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can affect the dish’s quality. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:

  • Overlooking salting – Failing to salt the eggplant slices can lead to a soggy texture. Always salt and let them drain for at least 45 minutes to remove excess moisture.
  • Skipping the frying step – Some may think baking is enough, but pan-frying adds essential flavor and texture. Don’t skip this crucial step for optimal results.
  • Using table salt – Table salt can be too salty and fine for this recipe. Always use kosher salt for better control over seasoning.
  • Not layering correctly – Smothering eggplant slices with marinara sauce can make the dish too wet. Layer thoughtfully with just enough sauce between each layer.
  • Ignoring cheese quality – Using low-quality cheese can ruin your dish’s flavor. Opt for fresh, whole milk mozzarella and high-quality parmesan for the best taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • item Store leftover eggplant parmesan in an airtight container.
  • item It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Eggplant Parmesan

  • item Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
  • item It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Eggplant Parmesan

  • Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
  • Microwave – Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 1-minute increments until warmed properly.
  • Stovetop – Heat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding eggplant parmesan to help clarify any doubts:

How long does it take to prepare Eggplant Parmesan?

The total time for preparing eggplant parmesan is about 95 minutes, including prep and cooking time.

Can I make Eggplant Parmesan ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the layers ahead of time and assemble them before baking. This allows flavors to meld together beautifully.

What sides pair well with Eggplant Parmesan?

Eggplant parmesan pairs nicely with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.

Is Eggplant Parmesan suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! You can freeze eggplant parmesan in portions and reheat it later without losing much flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

Eggplant parmesan is a delicious, comforting dish that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize it by adding different herbs or vegetables based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or as part of a larger spread, this recipe is sure to impress!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan


  • Author: Camila
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: Serves 8

Description

Eggplant Parmesan is a beloved Italian classic that perfectly balances savory flavors and delightful textures. This hearty dish features layers of crispy, breaded eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese—all baked to perfection. Not only is it a fantastic vegetarian option, but it also makes for excellent leftovers, tasting even better the next day.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large eggplant (sliced into 1/2" thick slices)
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups whole milk mozzarella (shredded)
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Salt eggplant slices and let drain on a wire rack for 45 minutes to an hour.
  2. Prepare a breading station with breadcrumbs in one plate and whisked eggs mixed with milk in another.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
  4. Pan-fry the drained eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides.
  5. In a casserole dish, layer marinara sauce, fried eggplant, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese; repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly; broil for an additional 5 minutes if desired.
  7. Let rest briefly before serving warm with chopped basil.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking/Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: To enhance flavors, consider using homemade marinara sauce and fresh herbs. For added texture, try mixing different types of cheese like provolone or fontina. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for three months.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating