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Crispy Baked Eggplant parmesan

Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Wire Rack optional but recommended
  • Shallow bowls for dredging
  • Large skillet
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large eggplants sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 1 tablespoon salt for draining
  • 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions
 

Prep the Eggplant

  1. Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit in a colander for 30 minutes. This draws out excess moisture and helps prevent sogginess. Afterward, rinse and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Set Up the Breading Station

  1. In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Bread the Eggplant

  1. Dip each eggplant slice into the egg mixture, then coat it evenly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
    breading station for preparing Eggplant Parmesan

Bake Until Crispy

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper. Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Layer and Bake Again

  1. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Add a layer of crispy eggplant, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Repeat until all eggplant is used, finishing with a layer of cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

  1. Let the Eggplant Parmesan rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm. Enjoy it as a main course or alongside other veggie dishes.