Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Bake (Printable)

Golden baked eggplant slices layered with rich tomato sauce and melted cheeses in a comforting Italian style.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
02 - 1 teaspoon salt

→ Breading

03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2 large eggs, beaten
05 - 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
06 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
08 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Sauce

09 - 2 cups marinara sauce
10 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Cheeses

12 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Garnish

14 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Lay eggplant slices on a rack or paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt and let rest 20 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
03 - Arrange flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in a second, and combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, oregano, and black pepper in a third dish.
04 - Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumb mixture. Place on prepared baking sheets.
05 - Bake slices for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
06 - Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
07 - Spread 1/2 cup of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the baked eggplant slices over the sauce. Top with half the remaining sauce, half the mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat layers with remaining eggplant, sauce, and cheeses.
08 - Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Allow to rest 10 minutes before serving.
09 - Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the dish just before serving, if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The crispy exterior gives way to impossibly tender eggplant inside, a texture contrast that keeps everyone coming back for seconds
  • It freezes beautifully, so you can pull together an impressive dinner on hectic weeknights without the fuss
02 -
  • Soggy eggplant usually means the salting step was rushed, so pat those slices thoroughly dry and do not cheat on the 20 minute waiting period
  • Lettting the dish rest after baking is agonizing but absolutely necessary, otherwise the cheese will slide right off when you cut it
03 -
  • Use low moisture mozzarella to avoid a watery layer between the eggplant
  • Let the finished dish rest for at least 10 minutes so the cheese sets before serving
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