This Easy Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan is a tasty dish that combines crunchy eggplant slices with cheesy goodness. It’s a healthier twist on a classic that the whole family will love!
I enjoy making this dish because it’s so simple. Just bake the eggplant, layer it with sauce and cheese, and voilà! Plus, it makes my kitchen smell amazing. 🍆💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggplants: Choose medium-sized eggplants that feel firm. If you’re short on time, you can use frozen eggplant slices, but fresh always gives the best flavor and texture.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend panko breadcrumbs for their extra crunch. If gluten is a concern, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice tang. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without the milk.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara saves time, but homemade is often tastier. You can swap it for a homemade tomato sauce or even pesto for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Get the Eggplant Nice and Crispy?
Getting perfectly crispy eggplant is all about removing moisture and applying the right technique. First, salting the eggplant helps draw out excess water, which gives it a better texture when baked.
- After salting, rinse the eggplant well to remove excess salt and then dry it thoroughly with paper towels.
- Coat each slice evenly in the egg mixture and breadcrumb mixture for a good crunch.
- Be sure to drizzle olive oil on the slices before baking. This helps with browning and adds flavor.
Easy Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Eggplant:
- 2 medium eggplants (about 2 pounds), sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
For the Coating:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Assembly:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Cooking spray or additional oil for greasing the baking sheet
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 45 minutes total. You’ll spend around 20-25 minutes baking the eggplant and an additional 20 minutes to bake the assembled dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a large baking sheet and lightly coat it with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Salting the Eggplant:
Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle both sides with salt and let them sit for about 20 minutes. This step helps draw out moisture and bitterness from the eggplant.
3. Rinse and Dry:
After 20 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the salt. Then, use paper towels to pat them dry thoroughly. This will help them become crispy in the oven!
4. Prepare the Egg Wash:
In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs until they are smooth and combined. Set this aside for coating the eggplant.
5. Make the Breadcrumb Mixture:
In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix these together until well blended.
6. Coat the Eggplant Slices:
Now it’s time to coat the eggplant! Dip each slice first in the beaten eggs, coating both sides, then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated slices back onto the baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer.
7. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Lightly drizzle olive oil over the coated eggplant slices. This little bit of oil will help them achieve that crispy texture as they bake.
8. Bake the Eggplant:
Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake the eggplant slices for about 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning. They should be golden brown and crispy when done!
9. Lower the Oven Temperature:
After the eggplant is baked, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the next step.
10. Layer the Marinara Sauce:
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. This prevents sticking and adds flavor to the bottom layer.
11. Add the First Layer of Eggplant:
Arrange half of the baked eggplant slices over the marinara sauce. Make sure to cover the sauce completely.
12. Add Sauce and Cheese:
Spoon more marinara sauce over the eggplant slices, then sprinkle with half of the remaining Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.
13. Finish Layering:
Now, add the remaining eggplant slices on top. Cover these with the rest of the marinara sauce, remaining Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
14. Final Bake:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
15. Rest and Serve:
Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will help it set a bit. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your warm and delicious crispy baked eggplant parmesan!
FAQ for Easy Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Can I Use Frozen Eggplant for This Recipe?
While fresh eggplant is ideal, you can use frozen eggplant if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before salting and coating, as thawed eggplant may be more watery than fresh.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Just cover it with foil to prevent drying out!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the eggplant slices and coat them with breadcrumbs a day in advance. Store them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake them and assemble the dish as per the instructions. Just note that the eggplant may not be as crisp when made ahead.
Can I Substitute the Cheese?
Yes! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan, while vegan mozzarella can be used instead of cheese. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly from the original recipe.
