Description
Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan is a delightful twist on the classic Italian-American comfort food. By baking the eggplant instead of frying, you can enjoy all the flavors of this beloved dish with a lighter, crispier texture.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 1 tablespoon salt for sweating the eggplant
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoon olive oil for drizzling
- 2 cup marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Sprinkle the eggplant slices with the 1 tablespoon of salt and let them sit for 20 minutes. Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels.
3. In one bowl, beat the eggs with the 1 tablespoon of water. In another bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and dried basil.
4. Dip the eggplant slices in the egg mixture, then coat them with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheets and drizzle them with the 2 tablespoon of olive oil.
5. Bake the eggplant for 20–25 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Spread 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the baked eggplant slices on top, then add more sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant, sauce, and mozzarella.
7. Bake the assembled Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Notes
Opt for high-quality panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan, and a flavorful marinara sauce to really elevate the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg