Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy Eggplant Parmesan, a delightful twist on the Italian classic that's both satisfying and simple to prepare. Perfectly breaded and golden-fried eggplant slices are layered with rich marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a hint of Parmesan, then baked to bubbly perfection. With its crispy texture and cheesy goodness, this recipe offers a foolproof way to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress at gatherings. Featuring a quick salting technique to ensure tender eggplant and a seamless breading process, this crowd-pleaser is ready in just over an hour. Garnished with fresh basil for a burst of flavor, this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread, making it a versatile favorite for any occasion.
Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Lay them on a baking sheet and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Set up a breading station with three bowls: the first for all-purpose flour, the second for beaten eggs, and the third for a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour, then dip it into the eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the fried eggplant slices over the sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with sauce and the remaining mozzarella on top.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serving size | 1601.2 grams (1601.2g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 3496 |
Total Fat 203.20g | 261% |
Saturated Fat 59.70g | 299% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 67.20g | |
Cholesterol 759mg | 253% |
Sodium 13785mg | 599% |
Total Carbohydrate 290.00g | 105% |
Dietary Fiber 17.10g | 61% |
Total Sugars 30.20g | |
Protein 139.80g | 280% |
Vitamin D 123IU | 615% |
Calcium 2331mg | 179% |
Iron 20mg | 108% |
Potassium 359mg | 8% |
Source of Calories