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This authentic Italian-American Eggplant Parmesan features crispy breaded eggplant slices layered with rich marinara sauce and melted cheeses. A labor-intensive but incredibly rewarding vegetarian dish that originated in Southern Italy and became a staple in American Italian restaurants. The key to perfection is properly salting the eggplant and achieving the perfect golden crust.
Total Time
135 mins
Servings
5
Calories
485
Difficulty
hard
about 3 pounds total
for salting eggplant
for dredging
beaten
Italian seasoned
freshly grated, divided
homemade or quality jarred
fresh, sliced
for frying
torn leaves
freshly ground
Slice eggplants into 1/2-inch rounds. Layer in colander, salting generously between layers. Place weight on top and let drain for 30 minutes to remove bitterness.
Rinse eggplant slices thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy coating.
Set up breading station: flour in first dish, beaten eggs in second, breadcrumbs mixed with 1/2 cup parmesan in third.
Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Place on wire rack.
Heat olive oil in large skillet to 350°F. Fry eggplant slices in batches until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in 9x13 inch baking dish.
Layer half the eggplant slices, overlapping slightly. Top with half remaining sauce, half mozzarella, and 1/2 cup parmesan.
Repeat layering with remaining ingredients, finishing with cheese on top. Sprinkle with oregano and pepper.
Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake until bubbly and golden, about 15 more minutes.
Let rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Per serving (5 servings)
Calories
485
Daily Value
24%
Dietary Information
Per serving • Based on 5 servings
* Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
💡 Want personalized DV% based on your health profile? Download the CalorieGram app for customized nutrition tracking tailored to your goals.
about 3 pounds total
for salting eggplant
for dredging
beaten
Italian seasoned
freshly grated, divided
homemade or quality jarred
fresh, sliced
for frying
torn leaves
freshly ground
Slice eggplants into 1/2-inch rounds. Layer in colander, salting generously between layers. Place weight on top and let drain for 30 minutes to remove bitterness.
Rinse eggplant slices thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy coating.
Set up breading station: flour in first dish, beaten eggs in second, breadcrumbs mixed with 1/2 cup parmesan in third.
Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Place on wire rack.
Heat olive oil in large skillet to 350°F. Fry eggplant slices in batches until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in 9x13 inch baking dish.
Layer half the eggplant slices, overlapping slightly. Top with half remaining sauce, half mozzarella, and 1/2 cup parmesan.
Repeat layering with remaining ingredients, finishing with cheese on top. Sprinkle with oregano and pepper.
Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake until bubbly and golden, about 15 more minutes.
Let rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Per serving (5 servings)
Calories
485
Daily Value
24%
Dietary Information
Per serving • Based on 5 servings
* Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
💡 Want personalized DV% based on your health profile? Download the CalorieGram app for customized nutrition tracking tailored to your goals.