The Best Baked Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy dish to impress your guests or satisfy your family’s cravings? Look no further than this Baked Eggplant Parmesan recipe. With its crispy exterior, gooey cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

1. Great flavors: The combination of crispy eggplant, tangy marinara sauce, and melted cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
2. Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can have this dish on the table in no time.
3. Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days, as this dish reheats beautifully.

Ingredient Notes:

• Medium eggplants sliced into ½-inch rounds: Eggplant adds a meaty texture to the dish and absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Salt for sweating the eggplant: Helps draw out excess moisture from the eggplant, preventing sogginess.
• Large eggs: Used to coat the eggplant slices before breading.
• Italian-style breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy coating to the eggplant slices.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a gooey texture.
• Marinara sauce: Provides a rich tomato flavor to the dish.
• Olive oil spray: Used to help crisp up the eggplant slices.
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Adds a pop of freshness to the finished dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Sweat the eggplant slices with salt and let sit for 30 minutes.
3. Dip the eggplant slices in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
4. Arrange the coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Helpful Tips:

• For a healthier version, try using whole wheat breadcrumbs.
• To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Expert Tips for the Best Results:

1. Be sure to sweat the eggplant slices to remove excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
2. Use high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
3. Try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve this Baked Eggplant Parmesan with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of red wine for a perfect dinner combination.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

To store leftovers, place in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through to maintain the crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use zucchini instead of eggplant? Yes, you can substitute zucchini for eggplant in this recipe.
2. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze Baked Eggplant Parmesan for up to 3 months.
3. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Absolutely, feel free to use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce.
4. Can I make this dish vegan? Yes, you can make this dish vegan by using plant-based cheese and egg substitutes.

Conclusion:

Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the Best Baked Eggplant Parmesan, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re serving this dish for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!

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