Indulge in the deliciousness of Eggplant Parmesan Bake with this easy recipe! Layer crispy, breaded eggplant with rich marinara and gooey cheeses for a comforting dish that everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this bake is both satisfying and simple to make. Ready to impress?
2 large eggplants, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
![For a delicious Eggplant Parmesan Bake, you need these key ingredients: - 2 large eggplants, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned) - 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients create layers of flavor. The eggplant gives a nice texture. The cheese adds creaminess, while the marinara brings moisture and tang. You can make this dish your own! Consider adding these optional items: - Sliced mushrooms for an earthy taste - Spinach for added greens - Red pepper flakes for some heat - Fresh oregano or thyme for more herbal notes Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Customizing this dish can elevate the flavor and make it unique. Eggplant Parmesan Bake offers a good balance of nutrients. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition: - Calories: Approximately 350 per serving - Protein: About 20 grams - Carbohydrates: Around 30 grams - Fat: Roughly 17 grams This dish is filling and satisfying. It provides protein from cheese and eggs, along with fiber from eggplants. Enjoying it in moderation can fit well into a balanced diet. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets it ready for baking. While the oven warms, take your eggplants and slice them into ½-inch thick rounds. Generously sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices. Place them on a wire rack or paper towels. Let them sit for about 30 minutes. This process pulls out moisture and bitterness. After thirty minutes, rinse the slices under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels until no moisture remains. Next, create your breading station. Place the flour on one plate. Pour the beaten eggs into a shallow bowl. On another plate, mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This setup makes breading easier and faster. Now, it's time to fry the eggplant. Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded slices in batches. Fry them until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer the fried eggplant to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps to drain excess oil. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom. Next, layer half of the fried eggplant slices over the sauce. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and a little Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat this with another layer of marinara, the rest of the eggplant, the remaining mozzarella, and more Parmesan. For the final touch, spread the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Add a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After this, carefully remove the foil. Continue baking for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes. This cooling helps the layers set, making serving easier. Just before serving, add fresh basil leaves on top. They add color and flavor, making your Eggplant Parmesan Bake even more special. For the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. To make the best eggplant parmesan, start with fresh eggplants. Choose ones that are firm, smooth, and shiny. Look for a deep purple color. Avoid any that show soft spots. Next, salt your eggplant slices. This step removes excess moisture and bitterness. Lay the salted slices on a wire rack or paper towels for about 30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry afterward. This method helps your bake taste great. For crispy eggplant, ensure your oil is hot before frying. Medium heat works well. Fry each slice for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This golden-brown color adds flavor and crunch. Coating each slice with flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs is key. The flour helps the egg stick, and the breadcrumbs give that satisfying crunch. If you want extra crunch, try double-dipping your eggplant slices in egg and breadcrumbs. Eggplant parmesan bake pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad adds freshness and balances the richness. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting touch. For wine lovers, a glass of Chianti or a light Pinot Grigio complements the dish nicely. If you want to add some fun, try adding fresh basil leaves on top. They bring a bright flavor and a pop of color. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe mentioned above. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just switch the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free options. Look for gluten-free flour blends and breadcrumbs made from rice or corn. They work well and keep the texture nice. You will still enjoy that crispy layer, making it just as good as the classic version. Want to mix things up? You can add different veggies. Try sliced zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor. You could also layer in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Adding these veggies gives more color and taste. It makes this dish even more healthy and fun. For a dairy-free or vegan version, use plant-based cheeses. Brands like Daiya or Violife offer great mozzarella-style shreds. You can also skip the cheese entirely and use a cashew cream sauce. Just blend soaked cashews with garlic and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty eggplant bake. For more on how to make this dish, check out the Full Recipe. After enjoying your Eggplant Parmesan Bake, let it cool down. Once cool, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’s best to store them in the fridge. This keeps the flavors fresh. Remember to consume the leftovers within three to five days for the best taste. To reheat, use the oven for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover bake in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the oven keeps the cheese melty and delicious. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. First, let the bake cool completely. Then, slice it into portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your tasty comfort food anytime! You can find the full recipe above to make this dish again. If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or cornflakes instead. Panko is also a great choice. It gives a crispy texture. You can even grind oats or nuts for a different flavor. Just keep the taste in mind when you choose a substitute. Yes, you can use frozen eggplant. However, fresh eggplant tastes better. Frozen eggplant might be softer. Thaw it before cooking. Press out excess water with a towel to avoid a soggy dish. Eggplant Parmesan Bake lasts for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave when ready to eat. Absolutely! You can prepare Eggplant Parmesan Bake a day ahead. Assemble it but wait to bake until you are ready. Cover it with foil and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you need a tasty meal. For the full recipe, check out the details above. In this article, we explored the key ingredients for Eggplant Parmesan Bake and step-by-step instructions to create it. I shared tips for the perfect texture and tasty variations, including gluten-free and vegan options. Remember, the right storage and reheating methods keep the dish fresh. With this guide, you can create a delicious meal that suits your needs. Enjoy sharing this dish with family and friends, and have fun customizing it to your taste!](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/95919eb7-7508-4007-b3d4-5d58375dd837-250x250.webp)