Description
A classic Italian dish made with layers of breaded eggplant, marinara sauce, and cheese, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds eggplant, sliced ¼ inch thick
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups Italian bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 26 ounces marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Lay the eggplant slices on a baking sheet or tray.
- Sprinkle both sides with the kosher salt.
- Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Pat dry with paper towels.
- Place flour in a shallow dish.
- In another dish, beat the eggs.
- In a third dish, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, dried basil, and ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs.
- Coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Arrange breaded slices in a single layer and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of baked eggplant slices.
- Top with more marinara, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and some mozzarella.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Notes
- For a healthier version, consider baking instead of frying the eggplant.
- Feel free to add other vegetables or layers of meat if desired.
- Letting the dish rest before slicing helps it hold its shape.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 200mg