An oven-fry method creates this crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan that rivals any fried version. An easy, updated take on the classic Italian dish.
This post was originally published on September 11, 2011. It has been updated with new photos and an instructional video.
Aaahhh, cheesy Baked Eggplant Parmesan. One of my husband’s favorites. I remember making it for the first time ages ago and wondering how my kids would perceive it. I mean, there’s no meat in it! Not necessarily an easy selling point to four teenage boys.
Because it resembles lasagna they dove right in without even asking what it was… and it was love at first bite. So, there you go!
I find this oven-fry method is easier to prepare than the traditional fried version and it’s definitely a little easier on the waistline without forfeiting any of the delicious flavor or texture. Try it and you’ll see.
How to Sweat Eggplant
Don’t sweat the small stuff…. but definitely sweat your eggplant! Eggplant can have bitterness to it and this process of “sweating” helps eliminate that. Not all of them will have that bitter element, but to me it’s not worth the risk so I always take this extra step when I make this Baked Eggplant Parmesan.
Sweating is the process of salting your eggplant slices and allowing them to rest for about an hour or more. The salt will pull some of the potentially bitter liquid from the eggplant. Less moisture in the eggplant slices also helps them to crisp up nicely in the “oven-fry” method in this recipe. Once they’ve sweat, just be sure to rinse them well with cool water to remove the excess salt and blot them dry before breading them.
Should I Peel the Eggplant?
Whether you peel them is personal preference. It isn’t necessary and I love the deep purple color not to mention that there are vitamins and additional flavor in the skin. I’ve done it both ways with this Baked Eggplant Parmesan recipe but took the easy way out here and left the skin on.
You could mix things up by using different varieties of Italian cheese but for this recipe I always go with sliced fresh mozzarella and a little Parmesan. The fresh mozz has such a luscious, creamy quality and layers nicely on the eggplant stacks.
This is one of our favorite Italian-inspired meals in this house. I’ve made it countless times and it remains at the top of the list!
More fabulous ways to use eggplant:
Julia Child’s Eggplant Pizzas | Kayln’s Kitchen
Eggplant Fries with Marinara Sauce | A Family Feast
Garlic and Roasted Eggplant Hummus | Melanie Makes
Stuffed Eggplant | The Little Kitchen
Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Ingredients
- 3 eggplant, sliced ¼-inch thick (you'll need 12 slices)
- salt
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 8 ounce box Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs
- 26 ounce jar marinara sauce
- 16 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil , or 1 teaspoon dried basil
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Sprinkle some salt on both sides of each slice of eggplant. Layer the slices in a colander and place the colander in your sink. Place a heavy dish or pan over the top to press them down. Allow to sweat for 30 to 45 minutes. Rinse well with cold water to remove salt and blot dry with paper towels.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a rimmed baking sheet generously with cooking spray. Dip eggplant slices in egg, then in bread crumbs, pressing crumbs down with fingers if needed to cover evenly. Place in a single layer on oiled baking sheet and lightly spray tops of breaded eggplant with cooking spray. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes then carefully flip each slice and cook an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until nicely browned. Remove from oven and reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F.
- In a 9- x13-inch baking dish, spread just enough marinara to cover bottom of dish. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the sauce. Cover each slice with a spoon full of marinara, a slice or two of mozzarella, and then sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Repeat with one more layer. Pour any leftover marinara and around edges of eggplant slices and top with any cheese that is left. Sprinkle basil on top.
- Bake, uncovered, in preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated using generic ingredients, and is an estimate not a guarantee. For more accurate results, please refer to the labels on your ingredients at home.
Slightly adapted from Allrecipes.com
Delicious, I’ll make again. Thank you.
I often go to your site to read a new recipe, thanks for teaching me how to cook delicious and healthy food.
Can i prepare this dish a few days ahead of time.
I wouldn’t recommend it. Anything breaded will have a tendency to get soggy after sitting in liquid for several days.
This recipe was easy to make and delicious. I definitely did not miss the breading. I also loved the sauce! The balsamic was a wonderful addition. Can’t wait to eat the leftovers today!
I have tried and exactly what you described. Frying with the oven is still delicious and easy to make
I made this dish with non-dairy cheese, made it a great VEGAN recipe that everyone enjoyed!
Thank Valerie, Never had eggplant before, i saw this and it looked delicious. I want to try it.
I prepared this last night and it was delicious. I actually only used 1 eggplant. I will definitely make again.
Valerie,
This is the best eggplant parmesan recipe I have ever made! It not only tastes delicious but also looks beautiful when served. The directions were easy to follow and the video was a bonus! I look forward to trying more of your recipes! Thank you
Barbara
I love to cook and I am always looking for new recipes for my menu, which makes me always interested in my work. Today’s my lucky day, the Baked Eggplant Parmesan is great, just follow the instructions and everything is easy, I like it. Thanks for your sharing
I made this exactly like your recipe instructed. It was the best eggplant parm that I have ever eaten. No more looking for an Italian restaurant after Italian restaurant to find a great one anymore. I have made the best one in my very own kitchen. Thank you so much. The search is over. You’ve made me a happy woman.
I love this recipe. It’s my go to and I freeze the leftovers for lunch at work.
Going to make this right now. My mouth is watering. Thank you.