Description
A healthier twist on the classic Eggplant Parmesan, this recipe features crispy baked eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese, delivering all the flavor without the frying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- Salt (for sweating the eggplant)
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil spray or drizzle
Instructions
- Prep the Eggplant: Lay the sliced eggplant on a baking sheet lined with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle salt generously on both sides of the eggplant slices. Let sweat for about 30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Coat the Eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice into the egg mixture, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the slices on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Bake the Eggplant: Bake for 20 minutes, flip the slices, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the Parmesan: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Layer with baked eggplant, marinara, and shredded mozzarella. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with marinara and mozzarella.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with a side of pasta or salad.
Notes
- Allow the eggplant to sweat for optimal crispiness.
- Adjust baking times based on your oven and the thickness of the eggplant slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 70mg