Do you also like to eat eggplant, then make crispy oven baked eggplant parmesan at home, a very classic Italian American comfort dish.
Table of Contents
Crispy Oven Baked Eggplant Parmesan: Classic Italian American Comfort Dish
You may know eggplant parmesan by some other name, it is also called Parmigiana di Melanzane. It is a very famous American Italian food, which is made in every kitchen.
It is prepared by slicing golden bread with eggplant and wrapping it in layers with spicy marinara sauce, then melted mozzarella is put on top and Parmesan cheese is sprinkled, then it is fried.
It is very tasty and does not compromise on the texture and it is made in an oven baked way for your health.
In this, you have been given all the instructions to make perfect eggplant parmesan at home in a very easy way.
If you are looking to make something for a family dinner or a potluck or you are just craving some Italian comfort food then this recipe is a must have for you and believe me it never disappoints you can get restaurant quality delicious results right from your kitchen.
All Important Ingredients:-
With the given ingredients you can make 7 to 8 servings of Eggplant Parmesan recipe, you can adjust the quantity accordingly.
- 2 large eggplants, all about 2 pounds
- 2 cups breadcrumbs, Italian style or panko for crispiness
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon salt, to draw out moisture
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated and crumbled
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup or basil leaves, for garnish, optional
- Olive oil spray or tablespoon olive oil if baking
Step-by-step instructions:-
1. Preparing the Eggplants
- Gather the eggplants as per the quantity mentioned and wash them well then cut them into 1/4 inch thick round slices.
- Place the slices on a baking sheet, sprinkle a little salt, and let it rest for 35 to 40 minutes so that the excess water comes out and the bitterness goes away.
- Now use a paper towel and pat them dry.
Note: This step is very important for eggplant, so it should not be skipped because eggplant gets crispy after the excess moisture is removed.
2. Preparing the breading station
- First keep three bowls ready –
- First bowl – Add flour with black pepper and garlic powder.
- Second bowl – Keep the beaten egg ready.
- Third bowl – Take breadcrumbs along with 1/2 cup Parmesan and Italian seasoning.
- Dip all the eggplant pieces one by one in the flour, egg, breadcrumb mixture and place them on the baking sheet.
3. Baking the Eggplant Slices
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Sprinkle a little olive oil on the slices or drizzle a little at a time for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides are evenly golden brown.
Information: This will produce crispy, delicious slices that you can enjoy for breakfast.
4. Layering
- Take a 9*13 inch baking dish and spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce over it and then layer the baked eggplant slices evenly over it.
- Now sprinkle mozzarella over it and sprinkle parmesan over it.
- Then repeat with eggplant, sauce and cheese to use up all the ingredients.
- Finally layer the mozzarella, sauce and parmesan to finish.
5. Bake until done
- Reduce/keep your oven temperature to 375° F (190° C) to ensure even baking.
- Cover your dish tightly with the first filet and bake for 18 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the filet after 20 minutes and continue baking for another 17 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving Tips for Crispy Oven Baked Eggplant Parmesan: –
- Serve with garlic bread or spaghetti for a perfect and delicious meal.
- Garnish with fresh basil and a little Parmesan.
- Add a green salad for a classic look and serve with a balsamic vinaigrette.
Substitute Tips for Success: –
Preparing Ahead – You can prepare this recipe ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight and then bake it before serving.
Refrigerating – Bake the recipe first and cool it completely at room temperature and wrap it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 3 months.
For Cheese Lovers – If you want to get the taste of lasagna then put ricotta cheese in between the layers which tastes better and looks amazing.
Gluten Free – Use gluten free breadcrumbs and flour.
FAQ
Q. Can you fry eggplant instead of baking it?
Yes! Don’t coat the bread slices first, lightly fry them in olive oil until golden brown and then bake them, which is a slightly healthier option.
Q. How to prevent soggy eggplant parmesan?
The key is to lightly salt the eggplant and pat it dry before adding a layer of sauce and bake until crispy and be sure not to use too much sauce in between the layers.
Q. Do you need to peel eggplant before cooking it?
No! The skin softens when you bake the eggplant and when your eggplant is older and the skin is still thick you can peel it and get a better texture.
Q. Can it be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the eggs. Vegan mozzarella and parmesan are great substitutes along with one tablespoon flaxseed flour mixed with three tablespoons of water.
Q. Is there a difference between Chicken Parmesan and Eggplant Parmesan?
They both have the same breading, sauce and cheese but the eggplant parmesan slices are a vegetarian version of the chicken cutlet.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 350 calories
- 28 g carbohydrates
- 17 g protein
- 18 g fat
- 8 g fiber
Final Thoughts
Crispy oven baked eggplant parmesan is an evergreen recipe that makes everyone happy. This article has a step by step recipe in very easy steps. You will be able to make a delicious restaurant-like dish at home and a healthier version of the traditional dish and enjoy its health benefits.
It can be prepared for weekend meals or is a must-have for any festival or celebration.
Use the eggplant and roll it up your sleeve and surprise everyone with the aroma of your homemade eggplant parmesan tonight and they will come running to the table to eat.
If you like the information, please share and pin it.