Y’all, we all know that sometimes we just need a good, hearty dish to bring some comfort. Today, let’s dive into making a classic that feels like a warm hug: Easy Eggplant Parmesan. Trust me, it’s baked—not fried—so you can enjoy all that cheesy goodness without the guilt. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Easy Eggplant Parmesan
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Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- Salt (for sweating the eggplant)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by preparing your eggplant. Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This step helps draw out excess moisture and bitterness. After 30 minutes, rinse the slices and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, set up a dredging station: Place the flour in one bowl, beat the eggs in another, and put the breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning in a third bowl.
- Now let’s bread these eggplant slices! First, coat each slice in flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well coated for that crispy goodness.
- Lay the breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Time to assemble! In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, layer half of the baked eggplant slices over the sauce. Top with half of the remaining marinara, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan. Repeat the layers, finishing off with the rest of the cheese on top.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you want to get fancy with it! Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite.
So there you have it! A tasty, easy-to-make dish that you and your crew will absolutely love. This Easy Eggplant Parmesan is perfect for any gathering or just a cozy night in. Enjoy, fam!