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When making Baked Eggplant Parmesan, you will need simple ingredients that create rich flavors. Here’s what you’ll gather: - 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds - 1 ½ cups marinara sauce - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 3 large eggs, beaten - 2 cups panko breadcrumbs - Seasonings: salt, black pepper, dried oregano - Fresh basil (for garnish) - Olive oil spray These ingredients work together to make this dish a savory delight. The eggplant forms the base, while the cheeses create a creamy, cheesy layer. Marinara sauce adds a tangy touch. Using panko gives the eggplant a great crunch. Each ingredient plays a role in making this recipe special. Get ready to enjoy a comforting meal that feels like a restaurant dish at home. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the cooking process. Start by prepping the eggplant. Slice the two large eggplants into 1/2 inch rounds. This thickness helps them cook evenly. Place the slices in a colander and sprinkle them with salt. This step draws out moisture and bitterness. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. After that, rinse the slices under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Next, set up your breading station. Use three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. The second dish should hold three beaten large eggs. In the third dish, mix 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs with one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of black pepper, and one tablespoon of dried oregano. Now it’s time to start breading the eggplant slices. Dip each slice first in the flour. This helps the egg stick better. Next, place it into the beaten eggs. Make sure the egg covers the entire slice. Finally, coat each slice in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the eggplant to ensure they stick well. Once breaded, arrange the slices in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil for a crispy finish. Bake the eggplant in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Flip the slices halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. They should come out golden and crispy. Next, it's time to layer the ingredients in a baking dish. Start by spreading a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Place the baked eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Then, sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until you use all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of cheese on top. For the final baking session, place the assembled Eggplant Parmesan in the oven. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and golden. You can find the full recipe here and enjoy your delicious creation! How to choose the best eggplants Look for firm, shiny skin. The eggplant should feel heavy for its size. Avoid any with soft spots or wrinkles. Smaller eggplants tend to be sweeter. Choose medium-sized ones for the best flavor and texture. Importance of salting the eggplant Salting eggplants is key. It pulls out moisture and bitterness. This means a better texture and taste. After salting, rinse the slices and pat them dry. This step makes your dish much better. Ensuring even browning To get even browning, space the eggplant slices well. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Use a light spray of olive oil on each side. Flip them halfway through baking for a nice golden color. Tips for achieving crispy texture Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. They are lighter and crispier than regular ones. Make sure to coat each slice well. A light spray of oil helps achieve that crunchy finish. Best side dishes to accompany Eggplant Parmesan Serve your Eggplant Parmesan with a fresh salad. Garlic bread or a side of pasta works well, too. For a lighter option, a simple vegetable medley can be great. Presentation ideas for serving Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color. Serve in a nice dish to show off the layers. Cut into squares for easy serving. A sprinkle of extra cheese on top adds a nice touch. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_2}} You can make Baked Eggplant Parmesan even healthier. For gluten-free options, swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones. You can find many brands that taste great. They help keep your dish crispy without the gluten. If you're looking for low-fat cheese, try part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat Parmesan. These cheeses melt well and cut down on calories. You still get that cheesy goodness without the guilt! Want to take your Eggplant Parmesan to the next level? Try adding spices or vegetables to the layers. Fresh garlic or crushed red pepper can add a nice kick. You can also layer in spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. Using homemade marinara sauce can boost the taste even more. A simple sauce made with fresh tomatoes and herbs will shine. However, if you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought sauce works too. For a great meal, pair your Eggplant Parmesan with a fresh salad. A simple salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette is perfect. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a classic touch. If you want more protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp on the side. This will make your meal more filling and balanced. Enjoy your delicious dish with friends or family! To keep your Baked Eggplant Parmesan fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact. You can enjoy the leftovers for up to three days. If you want to save it for later, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This method prevents freezer burn. You can keep it frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat your leftovers, reheating them right is key. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Eggplant Parmesan in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If you prefer using a microwave, be careful. Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat it in short bursts, around 30 seconds. Check often to avoid sogginess. To keep the texture nice, try reheating in the oven whenever you can. Enjoy your delicious meal anytime! For the full recipe, check out the entire guide. Can I make Baked Eggplant Parmesan ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Just layer the eggplant and sauce in a baking dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, bake it as usual. This helps the flavors marry nicely. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese? If you need a substitute, try nutritional yeast for a vegan option. You can also use pecorino romano for a similar taste. Grated cheddar works well too, but it will change the flavor a bit. How can I make Eggplant Parmesan vegan-friendly? To make it vegan, use a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer instead of eggs. Choose non-dairy cheese for the layers, and make sure your marinara sauce is vegan. This way, you keep the dish tasty and plant-based. What is the total cooking time? The total cooking time is about one hour. This includes 25 minutes for baking the eggplant and an additional 25-30 minutes for the assembled dish. How long does it take to cool before serving? Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to slice. Caloric content per serving Each serving has around 350 calories. This can vary depending on the cheese and sauce you use. Common allergens in the recipe This recipe contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. If you have allergies, consider alternatives like gluten-free breadcrumbs and dairy-free cheese. In this article, we explored how to make Baked Eggplant Parmesan. We covered ingredients, preparation steps, and tips for perfecting your dish. I shared variations for healthier options and ways to store leftovers. Enjoying this rich meal can be simple and fun. With practice, you can create a delicious Eggplant Parmesan that everyone will love. Keep experimenting with flavors and techniques. Your kitchen will become a place of creativity and joy.

Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Delight in this Cheesy Baked Eggplant Parmesan recipe that will surely elevate your dinner game! Layered with crispy, breaded eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this dish is a true comfort food favorite. Follow simple steps to create a mouthwatering meal perfect for any occasion. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this deliciously cheesy dish!
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Ingredients
  

2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds

1 ½ cups marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup all-purpose flour

3 large eggs, beaten

2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (to garnish)

Olive oil spray (for greasing)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Place the sliced eggplant in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. After 30 minutes, rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

      Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in a second dish, and breadcrumbs mixed with oregano, salt, and pepper in a third dish.

        Dip each eggplant slice first in flour, then in the egg, and finally coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture.

          Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Lightly spray with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.

            In a baking dish, start layering the baked eggplant. Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom, followed by a layer of eggplant, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.

              Bake the assembled Eggplant Parmesan for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6