![To make a delicious crispy baked eggplant parmesan, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 2 large eggs, beaten - 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients create layers of flavor and texture. The eggplant provides a meaty base, while the breadcrumbs give the dish a satisfying crunch. The cheeses melt into gooey goodness, and the marinara adds tangy richness. To make this dish, you don’t need fancy tools. A sharp knife, a cutting board, and baking sheets will do. You can find most ingredients at your local grocery store. If you want to save time, feel free to use store-bought marinara sauce. For the best results, choose a firm eggplant with smooth skin. This will help ensure a tasty dish. You can find the full recipe in the article. Enjoy getting started with these ingredients! - Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will help the eggplant get crispy. - Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup. - Slice the eggplant into 1/2 inch rounds. Then, sprinkle salt on the slices. - Let the eggplant sit for 30 minutes. This draws out moisture and bitterness. - After 30 minutes, rinse the slices. Pat them dry with paper towels. - In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. - This breadcrumb mixture adds flavor and crunch. - Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten eggs first. Let excess egg drip off. - Then, coat the slice with the breadcrumb mix. Press gently so it sticks well. - Place the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer on the baking sheets. - Drizzle a bit of olive oil on each slice. This helps them get crispy in the oven. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking. They should be golden brown. - In a baking dish, spread some marinara sauce on the bottom. - Layer half of the crispy eggplant on top. Then, add half of the marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. - Repeat this with the remaining eggplant, sauce, and cheese. - For the final bake, put the dish in the oven for 15-20 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly golden. - Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil leaves. - Enjoy your crispy baked eggplant parmesan! For the complete steps, refer to the Full Recipe. To get that perfect crunch, salting the eggplant is key. Sprinkle salt on the sliced eggplant. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. This step draws out moisture and reduces bitterness. After waiting, rinse the slices and pat them dry with paper towels. You want them as dry as possible. Adding olive oil helps too. Drizzle a little olive oil over each eggplant slice before baking. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your eggplant. If your oven runs hot, check for doneness a bit early. Generally, you’ll bake the eggplant for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the slices halfway through for even cooking. Look for a golden brown color to know they are done. Eggplant Parmesan pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread. For a fresh touch, add a side of sautéed greens. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top for more flavor. Fresh basil leaves make a great garnish, adding color and freshness. For the full recipe, check out the details laid out earlier. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_2}} For those with dietary needs, you can switch ingredients. - Gluten-free breadcrumb options: Use ground oats or gluten-free panko. - Vegan substitutes for cheese: Try cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. These swaps keep the flavor while fitting your diet. Don't hesitate to experiment! Want to boost taste? Add spices or herbs. - Adding spices or herbs for extra flavor: Mix in crushed red pepper for heat or fresh herbs like thyme. - Different types of sauces to use: Marinara is classic, but pesto or Alfredo can change the dish. These tweaks can make your eggplant parmesan unique and exciting. How you serve can change the vibe. - Individual stacks vs. traditional casserole style: Stack slices for a fancy look, or layer them in a dish for family-style. - Making mini eggplant parmesan bites: Cut smaller slices and serve as appetizers. Each style offers a different way to enjoy this delicious dish. Check the [Full Recipe] for more ideas! To keep your baked eggplant parmesan fresh, store it properly. First, let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, place leftovers in an airtight container. You can also use a glass dish with a lid. This will help keep it moist and tasty. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you reheat eggplant parmesan, you want it crispy again. The best way to do this is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover portion on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp it up. If you need to use a microwave, that’s fine but less ideal. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. Check it often so it doesn’t get soggy. The oven is the best for keeping the texture nice. Remember these tips for the best reheated eggplant parmesan. For the full recipe, check above! How do I make eggplant less bitter? To reduce bitterness, sprinkle salt on sliced eggplant. Let it sit for about 30 minutes. The salt draws out moisture and bitterness. Rinse and pat dry before cooking. This method helps improve the flavor. Can I prep this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prep Eggplant Parmesan ahead. Bread the eggplant and store it in the fridge. You can also layer the dish and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold. What can I use instead of marinara sauce? You can use pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a homemade tomato sauce. Each sauce will give a unique flavor. Experiment to find what you like best! Can I freeze baked eggplant parmesan? Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Baking from frozen is also possible, but it will take longer. How to tell when eggplant is fully cooked? Check if the eggplant is golden brown and crispy on the outside. A fork should easily pierce the flesh. If it’s tender, it’s ready to eat! Best way to roast or grill eggplant When roasting, slice the eggplant evenly for uniform cooking. Use a hot oven and space out the slices on a baking sheet. For grilling, brush slices with olive oil and grill until tender and charred. Both methods bring out the natural sweetness. How to slice eggplant for even cooking Slice eggplant into 1/2 inch rounds. This size allows for even cooking and crispiness. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, which also helps maintain the eggplant's shape. We covered how to make a delicious Eggplant Parmesan from start to finish. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and tips to ensure crispiness. We explored variations and storage tips to help you adapt the dish to your liking. Eggplant Parmesan is versatile and satisfying. With these methods, you can enjoy it any time. Dig in and impress others with your new cooking skills!](https://recipespursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/7a006375-c9c0-4516-b155-e56939fd377c-250x250.webp)
Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Discover the deliciousness of crispy baked eggplant parmesan! This easy recipe features layers of breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella, delivering a delightful twist on a classic dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this meal is sure to impress family and friends. Ready to make a flavorful feast? Click through for step-by-step instructions and get ready to enjoy this mouthwatering treat!