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Crispy Eggplant Parmesan baked with golden layers and rich marinara sauce

Crispy Eggplant Parmesan

A cozy and cheesy dish that features crispy eggplant coated with breadcrumbs, layered with marinara sauce and melted cheese, perfect for sneaking in veggies.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Eggplant Preparation
  • 2 medium medium eggplants Choose firm and glossy eggplants.
  • to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
Breading Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 eggs Beaten.
  • 2 to 3 cups Italian style breadcrumbs Panko works for extra crunch.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Olive oil spray or 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
Layering Ingredients
  • 3 cups marinara sauce Store-bought is fine.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan For topping.
  • to taste Fresh basil Optional.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the eggplants evenly about half an inch thick, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 25 to 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
  2. Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels.
Breading Setup
  1. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with oregano, garlic powder, pepper, and a touch of Parmesan.
Coating the Slices
  1. Coat slices first in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally cover with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to ensure crumbs stick.
Baking the Eggplant
  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place breaded slices on a rack over a sheet pan, spray tops lightly with olive oil, and bake for 15 minutes.
  2. Flip slices and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until crisp and golden.
Layering and Final Baking
  1. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce, then layer with eggplant, more sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers and finish with cheese on top.
  2. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a darker top if desired.
Resting
  1. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before slicing to help it hold together.

Notes

Proper drying and not overwhelming the layers with sauce will keep it crispy. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add spice with ingredients like crushed red pepper flakes.