Irresistible Classic Eggplant Parmesan Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Nestled in the heart of Italian cuisine, this classic eggplant parmesan recipe promises a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Layers of tender eggplant slices mingle with rich marinara sauce and melted cheese, creating a comforting dish that speaks to generations of home cooking.

Golden-brown and crispy edges give way to a soft, luxurious interior that melts in your mouth.

Each bite tells a story of traditional cooking methods passed down through family kitchens.

The harmonious blend of herbs and cheese transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece of comfort food.

Succulent and satisfying, this eggplant parmesan invites you to savor every single forkful of culinary magic.

Grab a plate and let the deliciousness transport you straight to the Italian countryside.

Classic Eggplant Parmesan – Why It’s a Comfort Food Favorite

• Create restaurant-quality eggplant parmesan right in your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Choose between frying or baking methods depending on your dietary preferences, making this recipe adaptable for health-conscious cooks or those craving a crispy texture.
• Learn professional breading skills that transform ordinary eggplant into a crispy, golden masterpiece infused with Italian seasonings and premium cheese blends.
• Enjoy a classic Italian dish that appeals to all ages, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone loves hearty, cheesy comfort food.

Everything Needed for a Hearty Eggplant Parm

• Eggplant: A versatile vegetable that forms the core of this classic Italian dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A traditional tomato-based sauce that adds rich flavor and moisture to the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A soft, melty cheese that creates a creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that adds depth and complexity to the dish.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, golden exterior for the eggplant.
• Flour: Helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere to the eggplant slices.

• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Herbs: Brings traditional Mediterranean seasonings to the recipe.

• Eggs: Serves as a binding agent for the breading process.
• Olive Oil: Used for frying or baking the eggplant to achieve a golden, crispy texture.
• Basil: Provides a fresh, aromatic garnish.
• Oregano: Adds a classic Italian herb flavor to the finished dish.

Tools That Make Eggplant Parmesan Simple

• Skillet or Large Frying Pan: Essential for frying eggplant slices to golden perfection.
• Baking Sheet: Needed if choosing the baking method for cooking eggplant.
• Food Processor: Perfect for creating homemade breadcrumbs quickly.
• Three Mixing Bowls: Crucial for setting up the breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
• Paper Towels: Great for drying eggplant and absorbing excess oil after frying.
• Casserole Dish: Large dish for layering and baking the final eggplant parmesan.
• Cutting Board: Used for slicing eggplants and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to remove eggplant stems and slice vegetables.
• Whisk: For beating eggs in the breading station.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helpful for precise ingredient measurements.

How to Cook Up a Classic Eggplant Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare Eggplant Rounds

Remove stems from eggplants and slice into thin rounds about 1/4 inch thick.

Sprinkle each slice with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.

Use paper towels to firmly pat the slices dry, removing excess salt and water.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Breading

Toast bread slices and pulse in a food processor to create fresh breadcrumbs.

• Homemade breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian herb blend
• Grated parmesan cheese

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

• First dish: All-purpose flour
• Second dish: Whisked eggs
• Third dish: Prepared breadcrumb mixture

Coat each eggplant slice first in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally press into breadcrumb mixture.

Shake off excess breading and keep hands clean with paper towels.

Step 4: Bake Eggplant Slices

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil.

Arrange breaded eggplant slices in a single layer.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Step 5: Layer Casserole

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.

• Baked eggplant slices
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Step 6: Final Bake and Garnish

Bake the assembled casserole at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Sprinkle with fresh basil and oregano before serving.

Let cool for 5 minutes to set the layers.

Eggplant Parmesan Cooking Tips for Crispiness

• Salting eggplant helps remove bitter juices and excess water, ensuring crispy breading and preventing soggy texture during cooking.
• Use one hand for dry ingredients and another for wet to keep breading station clean and prevent clumpy, messy coating.
• Heat oil to medium-high and maintain consistent temperature for even browning without burning the breading.
• Oven-baking reduces oil consumption while still achieving a crispy golden exterior, perfect for those watching calorie intake.
• Alternate sauce and cheese layers evenly to distribute flavors and ensure each bite has balanced, delicious components.

Easy Ways to Tweak Eggplant Parmesan

• Zucchini Parmesan Swap: Replace eggplant with thinly sliced zucchini for a lighter, fresher vegetable version that maintains the classic cheesy texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs made from rice or corn to create a celiac-safe recipe without compromising taste.
• Vegan Cheese Option: Substitute dairy cheese with cashew-based mozzarella and nutritional yeast parmesan for a plant-based alternative that delivers similar creamy and savory notes.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate additional herbs like za'atar, sumac, and fresh mint to give the dish a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor complexity while keeping the core cooking technique intact.

Serving Suggestions for Italian Night

• Rustic Italian Feast Companion: Pair this classic eggplant parmesan with crusty garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce and add delightful texture to your meal.
• Vibrant Side Salad Boost: Create a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to balance the rich, cheesy eggplant dish.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which enhances the tomato and herb notes of the dish.
• Family-Style Serving Suggestion: Present the casserole directly in the baking dish, allowing everyone to scoop generous portions and enjoy the bubbling, golden-brown cheese together.

Storing Eggplant Parmesan Like a Pro

• Transfer cooled eggplant parmesan to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and prevent other food odors from seeping in.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate.

FAQs

• What's the purpose of salting eggplant before cooking?

Salting helps draw out excess moisture and bitterness from eggplant, which improves texture and prevents sogginess during cooking.

• Can I skip breading the eggplant?

Breading adds crispy texture and helps eggplant hold its shape, so skipping it will change the dish’s traditional taste and consistency.

• How do I know when the eggplant is perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown color and a crispy exterior. The eggplant should be tender but not mushy when you bite into it.

• Is there a difference between frying and baking the eggplant?

Frying creates a crispier texture and richer flavor, while baking is a healthier option with less oil and a lighter result.

Classic Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic eggplant parmesan invites culinary adventurers to savor authentic Italian comfort. Layers of breaded eggplant, rich marinara, and melted cheese create a satisfying Mediterranean experience you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium to large eggplants
• 1 lb mozzarella cheese
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce

Coating and Breadcrumb Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 6 bread slices
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 2 teaspoons Italian herb blend
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped

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Instructions

1. Eliminate eggplant stems and slice into uniform 1/4-1/2 inch rounds. Generously sprinkle coarse salt on both surfaces and allow moisture to release for 10 minutes.
2. Thoroughly blot eggplant slices with paper towels, removing excess liquid and salt completely.
3. Create breadcrumb mixture by processing toasted bread into fine crumbs. Incorporate garlic powder, salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and parmesan cheese until well combined.
4. Establish three separate coating stations: flour, whisked eggs, and seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
5. Individually coat each eggplant slice first in flour, then dredge through eggs, and finally press into breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coverage.
6. Heat skillet with oil to medium-high temperature, approximately 350F. Fry eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes per side until achieving golden-brown coloration.
7. Drain fried eggplant on paper towels to remove excess oil, repeating cooking process with remaining slices.
8. Preheat oven to 400F. Spread marinara sauce across bottom of casserole dish.
9. Layer eggplant slices, mozzarella, additional marinara, and parmesan cheese, creating multiple overlapping tiers.
10. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until cheese melts and develops golden-brown surface.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and oregano before serving hot.

Notes

• Choose firm, glossy eggplants without blemishes for the best texture and flavor in your dish.
• Salt the eggplant slices to draw out moisture, which prevents soggy breading and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly option.
• Maximize flavor by using freshly grated parmesan and allowing the eggplant to absorb seasoning before breading.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg