Cheesy Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food—Cheesy Baked Eggplant Parmesan! If you love melty cheese, crispy layers, and a hearty, savory tomato sauce, then this dish is about to become your new best friend. The eggplant is perfectly tender on the inside, with a crispy, golden-brown crust on the outside, all wrapped up in marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s like lasagna’s cousin, but with a healthy twist!

The best part? It’s baked, not fried, which means you can still enjoy all the deliciousness of Eggplant Parmesan without the extra grease. Trust me, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser—perfect for family dinners, weekend get-togethers, or just treating yourself to something that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Baked Eggplant Parmesan

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments of warmth and flavor that bring everyone together. Whether you’re making this dish for a casual weeknight meal, prepping for a dinner party, or just craving something comforting, here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a hearty side. It pairs wonderfully with pasta, a side salad, or crusty bread.
Healthy Twist: Baked instead of fried, this version of Eggplant Parmesan gives you all the indulgence without the guilt.
Comforting & Hearty: Layers of eggplant, marinara sauce, and melted cheese make this a filling and satisfying dish.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving vegetarians, meat-lovers, or picky eaters, this dish has a little something for everyone.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it ahead of time and bake it just before serving. It also reheats wonderfully, making leftovers a treat!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Ingredients in Cheesy Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that come together to make this dish so irresistible:

Eggplant

The star of the show! You’ll want to slice the eggplant into even rounds, then lightly salt them to draw out excess moisture. This gives them the perfect texture and helps them bake to perfection.

Panko Breadcrumbs

For that crispy, golden coating! Panko breadcrumbs give you an extra crunch that makes every bite irresistible.

Parmesan Cheese

The salty, nutty goodness of Parmesan adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy mozzarella.

Mozzarella Cheese

This is the melty, gooey cheese that makes every layer extra decadent. The mozzarella pulls beautifully when you cut into the dish, making it oh-so-satisfying.

Marinara Sauce

A classic tomato sauce that ties everything together. You can use homemade or store-bought—whatever works best for you. The tangy sauce complements the richness of the cheese and eggplant so well.

Eggs

To help bind the breadcrumbs to the eggplant and create that perfect crust.

Fresh Basil

A sprinkle of fresh basil on top brings a burst of freshness and color to the dish.

Olive Oil

A little drizzle of olive oil helps the eggplant cook up golden and tender while adding that extra touch of flavor.

Garlic & Onion Powder

For a boost of savory flavor in both the breadcrumbs and the sauce.

Salt & Pepper

A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to season everything perfectly.

Instructions

Ready to create a cheesy masterpiece? Here’s how you do it:

Preheat Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

Prepare the Eggplant

Slice the eggplant into ½-inch rounds. Lay them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out moisture. Afterward, pat them dry to remove the excess moisture and salt.

Bread the Eggplant

In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each eggplant slice into the egg wash, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded slices onto your prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Eggplant

Drizzle a little olive oil over the breaded eggplant slices and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides.

Assemble the Dish

Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Layer half of the baked eggplant slices in the dish, covering the sauce. Spoon more marinara sauce over the eggplant, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant, sauce, and cheese.

Bake to Perfection

Bake the assembled dish in the oven for another 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

Finishing Touches

Once out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes to set. Then, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Cheesy Baked Eggplant Parmesan hot, with a side of pasta, a fresh salad, or some warm garlic bread. Prepare for compliments!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Cheesy Baked Eggplant Parmesan

This dish is comforting enough to stand alone, but if you’re looking to pair it with something else, here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

With Pasta: A side of spaghetti, linguine, or penne is always a good idea to make this a true Italian feast.
Garlic Bread: Because what’s an Italian meal without some crispy, buttery garlic bread? It’s perfect for soaking up any extra marinara sauce.
Fresh Salad: Pair it with a light, refreshing salad, such as a simple green salad or a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
Roasted Vegetables: If you want to add a healthy twist, serve with some roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: You can bread the eggplant and assemble the dish a day ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready, bake it as directed!
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the texture crispy.
Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. Assemble it, then cover and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen for about 45 minutes, or until heated through.
Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond meal for a gluten-free version.
Add More Veggies: You can add layers of spinach or even mushrooms to sneak in some extra veggies for a heartier meal.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
A1: Yes, you can! Panko gives a crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs will work just fine.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can bread the eggplant and assemble the whole dish in advance. Just refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just cover tightly and freeze. When you’re ready to cook, bake from frozen and add an extra 10 minutes of cook time.

Q5: Can I add meat to this?
A5: If you’d like to make this a meat version, you can layer in some cooked ground beef or sausage between the eggplant layers.

Q6: What other cheese can I use?
A6: You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or a combination of mozzarella and ricotta for a creamier texture.

Q7: How can I make the dish spicier?
A7: Add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle them on top before baking for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Eggplant Parmesan is truly the perfect dish for any occasion. It’s a great way to enjoy the classic flavors of Italian comfort food while keeping things light and healthy. Plus, it’s so easy to make, and it’s guaranteed to impress. Serve it up with your favorite sides, dig in, and enjoy every cheesy, crispy, flavorful bite.

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