Best Eggplant Parmesan Easy Comforting (Printable Version)
Golden layered eggplant, savory marinara, and bubbling cheese baked until perfectly comforting and delicious.
# What You'll Need:
→ Eggplant Preparation
01 -
2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1.25 cm rounds
02 -
Salt, to draw out excess moisture
03 -
2 large eggs
04 -
2 tablespoons milk
05 -
2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
06 -
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
09 -
Olive oil, for frying or drizzling
→ Assembly
10 -
2–3 cups marinara sauce, quality store-bought or homemade
11 -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12 -
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 -
Fresh basil, optional, for garnish
# Steps To Follow:
01 -
Arrange eggplant rounds on a lined tray and liberally season both sides with salt. Allow to rest for 30 minutes to extract moisture and bitterness, then thoroughly blot dry.
02 -
In one bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until homogenous. In another, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Coat each eggplant round in the egg mixture, then dredge evenly in the seasoned breadcrumb blend.
03 -
For frying: Heat a generous layer of olive oil over medium heat in a sauté pan. Fry breaded eggplant slices in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. For baking: Preheat oven to 200°C. Arrange breaded eggplant on a greased baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway for even browning.
04 -
In a 23 x 33 cm baking dish, spoon a thin base of marinara sauce. Add a single layer of cooked eggplant slices. Top with more marinara, a portion of shredded mozzarella, and a scattering of Parmesan. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous cheese topping.
05 -
Preheat oven to 190°C. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
06 -
Sprinkle with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
# Notes and Tips:
01 -
Can be prepared up to one day in advance; reheat gently before serving.
02 -
Pairs especially well with roasted vegetables or herbed potatoes for festive occasions.