![- 2 medium eggplants - 3 cups marinara sauce - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To create a delicious Baked Eggplant Parmesan, you need fresh and quality ingredients. Let’s break it down. First, we start with two medium eggplants. Choose firm and shiny ones for the best flavor. Next, you will need three cups of marinara sauce. You can use homemade sauce or store-bought. Both work well! Cheese is key in this dish. You will want two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. This cheese melts beautifully and adds that gooey texture. Also, use one cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a nice salty kick. For breading the eggplant, gather one cup of all-purpose flour, two large eggs, and one cup of breadcrumbs. Italian seasoned breadcrumbs can add extra flavor. Finally, you will need two teaspoons of dried oregano to boost the taste. For seasoning, add one teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This will enhance the dish’s overall flavor. Don’t forget some fresh basil leaves for garnish! They add color and a lovely aroma. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. It will guide you through the cooking process! First, slice your eggplants into ½-inch thick rounds. Lay the slices on a clean towel. Sprinkle a good amount of salt on both sides. Let them rest for about 30 minutes. This step helps to draw out any bitterness. After 30 minutes, rinse the slices under cold water. This removes the salt and any bitterness. Pat them dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture. Next, set up your breading station. Use three shallow dishes. Put all-purpose flour in the first dish. In the second dish, place the beaten eggs. In the third dish, mix breadcrumbs with dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Now, take a slice of eggplant. Dredge it in the flour, then dip it in the egg. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mix. Place the breaded slices on lined baking sheets. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the breaded eggplant slices for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through so both sides get crispy. While they bake, grab a large baking dish. Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Add a layer of baked eggplant slices. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used. Always end with marinara sauce and a generous layer of cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes. The cheese should melt and turn golden. Once done, let it cool for about 10 minutes before cutting. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Choosing the right eggplant is key. Look for medium-sized eggplants. They should be firm with smooth skin. Avoid any that feel soft or have blemishes. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste. A pinch of salt can enhance the flavors well. If you like it spicy, add some red pepper flakes. For a great presentation, cut the eggplant into squares. Place them on a plate and drizzle with marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil for a vibrant touch. This adds color and freshness. Serve alongside a simple salad or garlic bread. A light red wine pairs well with this dish. One common mistake is over-salting the eggplant. This can make your dish too salty. Always rinse your eggplant after salting. Another mistake is uneven baking. Make sure to flip the slices halfway through. This helps them bake evenly and get crispy all over. {{image_4}} - You can use whole wheat breadcrumbs. This adds fiber and makes it healthier. - Consider low-fat cheese options to cut down on calories but keep the flavor. - For a vegan twist, use chickpea flour or flaxseed meal instead of eggs. - Plant-based cheese alternatives can replace regular cheese. Look for brands that melt well. - Adding spinach or bell peppers boosts nutrition and flavor. - Try different sauces, like pesto or arrabbiata, for a new taste. - Experiment with seasonings like smoked paprika or crushed red pepper for a kick. These variations make baked eggplant parmesan fun and tasty. Enjoy creating your own version! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your uneaten eggplant parmesan fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This will help keep it safe for 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. Just remember to let it cool completely before storing. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The oven is the best method. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the dish inside. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 to 25 minutes. If you use the microwave, it can heat unevenly. Heat in short bursts, checking often. This can make it less crispy, so the oven is better. In the fridge, your eggplant parmesan lasts about 3 to 5 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for an off smell or mold. If it smells sour or looks strange, it’s best to throw it away. You want to enjoy this dish at its best, so trust your senses! To stop bitterness in eggplant, use the salting technique. Start by slicing the eggplant into rounds. Then, sprinkle a good amount of salt on both sides. This step draws out excess moisture and any bitter taste. Let the slices sit for about 30 minutes. After that, rinse the slices under cold water. Pat them dry with a towel. This method helps you enjoy a sweeter, more flavorful dish. Yes, you can prepare Baked Eggplant Parmesan ahead of time. To do this, bake the breaded eggplant slices. Once they are cool, layer them with marinara and cheese in a dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. You can bake it later when you are ready to serve. This makes it easy for busy days or gatherings. Eggplant Parmesan pairs well with many sides. Consider a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. Garlic bread is also a great choice for soaking up sauce. For drinks, serve a nice red wine or sparkling water. You can even try a fruity iced tea. These options bring out the flavors of the dish. Baked Eggplant Parmesan can be made gluten-free. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. You can find these in most grocery stores. For the flour, opt for almond flour or a gluten-free blend. These substitutions ensure everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. Baked Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious dish you can easily make at home. You learned the key ingredients, from eggplants to cheeses and spices. I provided step-by-step instructions to prep and bake your dish perfectly. We covered tips to avoid common mistakes and explored tasty variations. Finally, I shared helpful storage instructions to keep your leftovers fresh. By using these insights, you can impress friends and family. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor every bite.](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/69902aff-261a-406d-8453-f5c8e060696b-250x250.webp)
- Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Discover the irresistible flavors of Cheesy Baked Eggplant Parmesan! This delicious recipe features layers of crispy, breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese for a comforting meal everyone will love. Learn how to prepare the perfect eggplant and create a stunning dish that's great for any occasion. Click through to explore this easy recipe and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!