Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 45 mins | Salting Eggplant: 1 hr | Total Time: 1 hr | SERVINGS: 6
This is the best-baked eggplant recipe! Eggplant slices with a crispy coating and smothered in cheese and marinara. Super easy and a fool-proof recipe perfect for anyone!
INGREDIENTS
2 large eggs
3 medium eggplants
1 c. Italian style bread crumbs
1 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 c. panko bread crumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
2 c. marinara sauce
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided
¼ c. chopped fresh basil
8 oz. fresh mozzarella sliced
1 tsp salt
How to make Best Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Step 1: Into 1/4-inch rounds, slice the eggplant. On a paper, towel-lined baking sheet lay the eggplant slices in a single layer and sprinkle with salt. Allow it to sit for an hour to release the moisture.
Step 2: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 400 degrees F. Then, lightly grease 1 to 2 baking sheets.
Step 3: For dredging, set up 3 shallow dishes. Combine the flour, salt, and pepper in the first bowl. Beat the eggs in the second. Then, place the panko bread crumbs, Italian bread crumbs, and garlic powder in the third bowl and mix well.
Step 4: In the flour mixture, dredge the slices of eggplant. Dip each piece in the egg mixture, then coat them in the bread crumb mixture. In an even layer, place the eggplant slices onto the prepared baking sheet and lightly sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. Halfway through baking, flip the eggplant slices.
Step 6: Into the bottom of a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch dish, spread 3 tbsp marinara. Place half of the eggplant slices over and spread the rest of the marinara on top. Add a layer of the mozzarella slices on top and sprinkle with half each of the basil and Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: On top, place the rest of the eggplant slices, then marinara, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the top is bubbling and turned lightly browned.
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 435kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 1798mg | Potassium: 937mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 865IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 379mg | Iron: 4.2mg