Baked eggplant parmesan –Eggplant Parmesan is a delightful dish that many people love for its rich flavors and comforting texture. This recipe, inspired by traditional family cooking, showcases layers of perfectly baked eggplant, savory marinara sauce, and gooey cheese. It’s a perfect option for a cozy dinner with friends or family.
Grandma’s Baked Eggplant Parmesan
This version of Eggplant Parmesan is easy to follow and guarantees satisfying results. The use of fresh ingredients enhances flavors and brings out the best of this iconic dish.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- Salt, for sweating the eggplants
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- Olive oil, for frying
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the eggplants. Slice them into 1/4-inch rounds and sprinkle salt on both sides. Allow them to sweat for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness.
- After 30 minutes, rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove excess salt and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Set up a dredging station. Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs in a third.
- Dip each eggplant slice into the flour, then into the eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Arrange the breaded slices on the baking sheet.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the fried eggplant, a third of the marinara sauce, and a third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining marinara sauce and topping with the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is heated through.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired and enjoy this delicious homemade Eggplant Parmesan!
This eggplant dish is sure to impress with its delicious layers and savory flavors. Whether you are serving it as a vegetarian main course or as a side dish, it’s a wonderful addition to any meal. Enjoy the comforting taste of Grandma’s cooking with every bite!