Looking for the perfect eggplant parmesan recipe? Try this baked version that's easy, delicious, and sure to impress your taste buds!

If you're on the hunt for a delicious and easy-to-prepare vegetarian dish, look no further than this Best Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipe. Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it's also a healthier version of the classic Italian comfort food. But don't let that fool you - this dish is just as satisfying and indulgent as the original. So grab your apron and get ready to create a masterpiece in the kitchen. Here's how to make it:

Introduction

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. It's a dish that is perfect for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. However, the traditional recipe can be quite heavy and time-consuming to prepare. In this article, we will show you the best-baked eggplant parmesan recipe that is easy to make and much lighter than the traditional version.

Ingredients

The ingredients needed for this recipe are:

2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
1 cup of all-purpose flour
3 eggs, beaten
2 cups of Italian breadcrumbs
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups of marinara sauce
2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2: Prep the eggplant

Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will help to remove any excess moisture from the eggplant. After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 3: Coat the eggplant slices

Set up a breading station with three bowls. In the first bowl, put the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.Dip each eggplant slice in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated eggplant slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 4: Bake the eggplant slices

Bake the eggplant slices in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Assemble the dish

In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce. Arrange the baked eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh basil over the eggplant.

Step 6: Repeat the layers

Repeat the layers of marinara sauce, eggplant slices, mozzarella cheese, and basil until all of the ingredients are used up. Make sure to finish with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake the dish

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and enjoy!

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Conclusion

This baked eggplant parmesan recipe is easy to make and is a healthier alternative to the traditional version. The breadcrumbs add a crispy texture to the eggplant, while the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese create a delicious and comforting meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy a classic Italian dish without all the fuss!

Best Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meat-based Italian dishes, look no further than this best baked eggplant parmesan recipe. With its crispy breading, savory tomato sauce, and ooey-gooey melted cheese, this classic dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Follow these simple instructions to create a mouth-watering meal that will have your taste buds singing for joy.

1. Preheat the Oven

Before beginning the preparation process, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that your eggplant parmesan bakes evenly and to perfection.

2. Prepare the Eggplant

Slice the eggplant into rounds that are approximately 1/4 inch thick. Place the slices on a baking sheet and brush each one with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Create the Breading

In a large bowl, mix together bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, lightly beat two eggs.

4. Dip the Eggplant

Dip each slice of eggplant into the egg mixture, ensuring that it is coated evenly. Then, coat the eggplant in the breading mixture, pressing firmly to ensure that it sticks.

5. Bake the Eggplant

Place the breaded eggplant on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping each round halfway through.

6. Prepare the Sauce

While the eggplant is baking, begin preparing the sauce. In a saucepan, heat up tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

7. Layer Ingredients

In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce. Place the baked eggplant on top of the sauce. Spread a layer of mozzarella cheese on top of the eggplant. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used.

8. Complete the Dish

Top the final layer of eggplant with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Let Cool

Once the baking is complete, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

10. Enjoy!

Serve this delicious baked eggplant parmesan with a side salad or garlic bread. Enjoy the fantastic flavors and textures of this classic Italian dish! With these step-by-step instructions and approachable tone, you're sure to have success in creating the best baked eggplant parmesan recipe.

As a food enthusiast, I have always been on the lookout for recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to make. One of my all-time favorites is the Best Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipe.

Point of View: Instructions Voice and Tone

The recipe is laid out in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for even novice cooks to follow. The instructions voice is friendly and helpful, with a positive tone that encourages you to give it a try.

Ingredients:

1 large eggplant, sliced into rounds
1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
Dip each eggplant slice into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Place the slices onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the coating is golden brown.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add a layer of the baked eggplant slices, then top with more marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat with another layer of eggplant, sauce, and cheese until all ingredients are used up.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top before serving.

And there you have it, the Best Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipe! This dish is perfect for any occasion and will surely impress your family and friends. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors and aromas of this classic Italian dish.

Thank you for taking the time to explore our recipe for the best baked eggplant parmesan. We hope that you found this article informative and helpful, and that you learned a few new tips for cooking this delicious Italian classic.

If you're looking to make a healthy and flavorful meal that's also easy to prepare, then this recipe is definitely worth trying. By baking the eggplant instead of frying it, we've managed to cut down on calories and fat without sacrificing taste. The result is a dish that's light, crispy, and full of flavor.

We encourage you to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to make this recipe your own. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, we believe that everyone can create a delicious and satisfying meal with a little bit of effort and creativity. So go ahead and give it a try – we're sure that you won't be disappointed!

Once again, thank you for visiting our blog and reading about our favorite baked eggplant parmesan recipe. We hope that you'll come back soon for more cooking tips, recipes, and inspiration. In the meantime, happy cooking!

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People also ask about the Best Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipe:

How do I make crispy eggplant parmesan?

The key to making crispy eggplant parmesan is to properly prepare the eggplant. Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out the moisture. Rinse the eggplant and pat dry. Dredge the eggplant in flour, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat in breadcrumbs before baking.

Do I need to peel the eggplant?

It's personal preference whether or not to peel the eggplant. The skin is edible and contains nutrients, but some people find it tough. If you prefer to peel the eggplant, use a vegetable peeler or a knife to remove the skin.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

If you want to make a gluten-free version or just prefer not to use breadcrumbs, you can substitute them with almond flour, cornmeal, or panko breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed crackers or even crushed potato chips for added flavor.

Can I make eggplant parmesan ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the eggplant parmesan ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and bake it when ready.

What should I serve with eggplant parmesan?

Eggplant parmesan is delicious on its own or served with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it with pasta, such as spaghetti or penne, and topped with marinara sauce.