SaveEggplant Parmesan
Crispy breaded eggplant layered with marinara and melted mozzarella. Hearty even without meat.
Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026
Servings
Est. total: $12.00 · $2.00/serving
Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.
Ingredients
- 2 medium large eggplant (sliced 1/3-inch thick)
- 1 tbsp salt (for sweating eggplant, plus more to taste)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup olive oil (for frying)
- 3 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 10 leaves fresh basil
Instructions
- 1
Salt eggplant slices on both sides and lay on paper towels for 20 minutes. This draws out moisture and bitterness. Pat dry thoroughly.
2 medium large eggplant1 tbsp saltDon't skip the salting step — it prevents soggy, bitter eggplant.
- 2
Set up breading station: flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan in a third. Bread each eggplant slice.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour3 large eggs1 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs1/2 cup parmesan cheese - 3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry eggplant slices 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Work in batches, adding oil as needed.
1/2 cup olive oil - 4
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread 1 cup marinara in a 9x13 baking dish. Layer half the eggplant, 1 cup sauce, and 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers. Top with remaining mozzarella.
3 cup marinara sauce2 cup mozzarella cheese - 5
Bake 25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Top with fresh basil.
10 leaves fresh basil
Pairs With
Medium-bodied Italian red
Soft tannins and cherry fruit pair perfectly with tomato-based dishes
Irish or American red ale
Caramel malt and moderate hops complement the breading
Aperol, prosecco, soda water
Bitter orange and bubbles cleanse the palate between bites
Make It Yours
Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.
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Cooking Soundtrack
Dean Martin, Italian jazz, and bossa nova. The soundtrack to every great pasta night.
Nutrition
Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Tips
- •Salting and drying the eggplant is the most important step for texture.
- •Let it rest before cutting — the layers need time to set.
Substitutions
- eggplant → thick-sliced zucchini
- Italian breadcrumbs → gluten-free breadcrumbs
- marinara sauce → homemade crushed tomato sauce
Leftovers
Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Leftover Ideas
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.
Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.
Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.
Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
