Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
Breaded eggplant slices are baked to crispy perfection and layered with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and grated Parmesan in this classic Eggplant Parmesan recipe. A simple yet flavorful dish, it celebrates the affordability of seasonal eggplants while delivering a comforting and satisfying meal. Serve with pasta or a side salad for a budget-friendly, delightful dinner option.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups tomato sauce store bought or homemade
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Eggplants: Slice off the ends of the eggplants and remove the skin. Cut the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Bread the Eggplant: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Place the breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet.
- Bake the Eggplant: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
- Layer the Eggplant Parmesan: In a 13x9-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange a layer of baked eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the eggplant. Repeat the layers until all the eggplant slices are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake and Serve: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of mozzarella. Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a golden crust. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve your delicious Eggplant Parmesan with your favorite pasta, a side salad, or crusty bread.
Notes
- You can use store-bought tomato sauce or make your own using canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, and seasonings.
- Feel free to adjust the quantity of cheese according to your preference.
- Fresh basil leaves add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish but are optional.