Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Are you in the mood for a delicious and comforting Baked Eggplant Parmesan but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this easy and tasty baked eggplant parmesan recipe! With only a few simple ingredients and a minimal amount of prep time, you can create a satisfying and flavorful meal that will impress your taste buds and your dinner guests. So put on your favorite Italian music and let’s get cooking! This recipe requires 16 ounces of tomato sauce with mg.
Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Equipment
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup of marinara sauce
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Slice the eggplant into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In another mixing bowl, whisk the egg.
- Dip each eggplant slice first in the egg mixture, then in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Place the coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet that has been lightly coated with olive oil.
- Bake the eggplant in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the eggplant from the oven and spread a layer of marinara sauce over each slice.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the marinara sauce.
- Return the eggplant to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the baked eggplant parmesan hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for parmesan and mozzarella cheese, you can use any other types of cheese that you prefer. Try using a blend of Italian cheeses for even more flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layer of eggplant slices ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake them. You can also assemble the entire dish ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
How do I make sure the eggplant slices are crispy?
To ensure that your eggplant slices are crispy and have an even layer, make sure to coat them evenly with the breadcrumb mixture and space them out on the baking sheet so that they don’t overlap. You can also turn them over halfway through the baking process to ensure that both sides are evenly crispy.
Tips for How to make Baked Eggplant Parmesan
- Use Panko Bread Crumbs in a shallow bowl for the breading
- Place them on a paper towel after baking to absorb the moisture
- Air frying is the best way
Storing the Leftovers
Making baked eggplant parmesan can be a great meal for any occasion. But what do you do with the leftovers? To store the leftovers, let it cool down to room temperature first. Then wrap it tightly with cling film or aluminum foil and refrigerate within two hours of preparing it.
You can also store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag if you plan on freezing it for later use. When reheating, make sure to preheat your oven to 375°F degrees f and bake until hot and bubbly (about 20-25 minutes). Enjoy your delicious eggplant parmesan all over again! Don’t forget to line your baking dish with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
Eggplant Lasagna
If you’re looking for a variation on traditional lasagna, try making eggplant lasagna! Simply slice the eggplant into thin, wide pieces like pasta noodles and layer them with your favorite meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella.
Bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown for a hearty and delicious meal. You can also prepare this ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Enjoy the tasty and nutritious alternative to classic eggplant parm lasagna!
Make Eggplant Italian
Looking for another way to enjoy eggplant cuisine? Try making Eggplant Italian! Slice the eggplant into thin rounds and sauté with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil in olive oil. Serve over pasta or alongside crusty bread for a delicious and easy meal.
You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of seasoning flavor. Enjoy the flavors of Italy right in your own home with this tasty dish!
Chicken Parmesan Casserole
Chicken Parmesan Casserole is an easy and delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. This casserole version of Chicken Parmesan is made with fried chicken cutlets, tomato sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. To make it even more flavorful, you can add some herbs like basil or oregano or italian seasoning to the tomato sauce.
The best part about this casserole is that it’s a one-pot meal which means less clean up after dinner! This dish is perfect as a main course for any dinner party or family gathering.
Baked Eggplant Parmigiana
Baked Eggplant Parmigiana is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. To make this dish, you will need fresh medium eggplants, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. Start by slicing the eggplants into thick rounds and salt them to remove any bitterness.
Then, dip them in egg and coat them with breadcrumbs before baking them until they are golden brown. Layer the baked eggplant slices in a 13-inch baking dish with tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese before topping it off with grated parmesan cheese. Bake the dish until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This delicious and hearty meal is perfect for any occasion!
Homemade Breadcrumbs
Making homemade breadcrumbs is a great way to add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your baked eggplant parmesan. Simply toast a few slices of bread until they are crispy, then pulse them in a food processor until you have coarse crumbs. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, dried basil, and parsley to the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Once you have your breadcrumbs ready, use panko breadcrumbs to coat your eggplant slices before baking for a deliciously crispy and flavorful dish.
Nutrition
Baked eggplant parmesan is not only a delicious meal, but it is also packed with nutrition. Eggplant is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great addition to any diet. Additionally, the tomato sauce used in this recipe provides lycopene, an antioxidant that can help protect against certain types of cancer.
The cheese used in this dish is a good source of protein and calcium, which can help support bone health. By incorporating baked eggplant parmesan into your diet, you can enjoy a tasty meal while still getting the nutrition your body needs, including saturated fat and vitamin c.
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Can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can! Simply use a colander to strain the parmesan cheese or use a vegetarian parmesan substitute. You can also use a vegetarian marinara sauce instead of one that contains meat and is gluten-free.
What can I serve with baked eggplant parmesan?
Baked eggplant parmesan is a delicious and filling dish on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine would also complement the flavors of this dish perfectly. Enjoy!
How many layers should eggplant parmesan be?
It depends on personal preference and the size of the eggplant slices. Some recipes call for 2-3 layers of eggplant slices, while others may have more layers. As a general guideline, aim for at least two layers of eggplant slices with tomato sauce and cheese in between each single layer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making baked eggplant parmesan with easy eggplant is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic Italian dish. Whether you use parmesan and mozzarella cheese or opt for a blend of other cheeses, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
To ensure crispy eggplant slices, coat them evenly with breadcrumbs and space them out on the baking sheet.
You can also turn them over halfway through baking for even crispiness. This dish can be made ahead of time and pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. Don’t hesitate to try this vegetarian-friendly recipe with a sprinkle of black pepper!
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