Easy Eggplant Parm Recipe - Classic Italian Dish

Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is one of those classic dishes that just screams comfort food. When baked to perfection, it becomes a delightful combination of crispy eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. If you're looking for a simple yet delicious recipe to impress your friends and family, you've come to the right place. In this post, we'll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to make the best oven-baked eggplant parm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the preparation, let’s gather everything you’ll need. Here’s your shopping list:

• 2 medium-sized eggplants

• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian style)

• Olive oil spray or two tablespoons of olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you've rounded up your ingredients, let's dive into the preparation!

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Start by washing and slicing the eggplants into ½-inch thick rounds. Lay them out on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process helps to remove excess moisture and bitterness from the eggplant. After 30 minutes, rinse the slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Breading the Eggplant
Set up a breading station: place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow dishes. Begin by dipping each eggplant slice into the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Arrange the breaded slices on a baking sheet.

Step 3: Baking the Eggplant
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray the breaded eggplant slices with olive oil to help them crisp up while baking. Bake the slices for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Layering the Dish
In a large baking dish, start layering your ingredients. Spoon a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom, followed by a layer of baked eggplant, and then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layering process until you've used all your ingredients, finishing with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.

Step 5: Baking the Eggplant Parmesan
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Once your oven-baked eggplant parmesan is ready, allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal or my favorite eggplant parm. sandwiches. Enjoy your delicious creation!