Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan

There’s something magical about the aroma of crispy baked eggplant coming from the oven, filling your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. This Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan takes about an hour to prepare and bake, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The secret to its success lies in the combination of crunchy panko, savory marinara, and gooey mozzarella cheese.

This recipe is ideal for anyone who enjoys a hearty vegetarian dish or is looking to impress family and friends at dinner parties. It’s perfect for cozy evenings or casual gatherings. Plus, you can make the eggplant ahead of time and assemble it just before baking for a stress-free meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The eggplant is tender on the inside while remaining wonderfully crispy on the outside.
• It strikes a perfect balance between the rich flavors of marinara and the creaminess of melted cheese.
• You can easily customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
• It’s a healthier twist on the classic eggplant parmesan, baked instead of fried.

What You’ll Need

Gather everything before you start cooking to make the process smoother.

For the Eggplant

• 2 medium sized eggplants, about 2 pounds total
• salt

For the Coating

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, fresh grated
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembling

• 1 and 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 and 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley, optional (for garnish)

Use Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Panko can be swapped with regular breadcrumbs.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Eggplant can be replaced with zucchini.
• Parmesan may be substituted with pecorino.
• Mozzarella can be swapped with provolone.
• Use marinara sauce or any favorite pasta sauce.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious dish.

1. Preheat the Oven

Move the oven rack so that it is in the second from the top space. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. Prepare the Eggplant

Brush 2 tablespoons of olive oil on a large baking sheet and set aside. Cut the eggplant into lengthwise planks about 1 inch thick. Sprinkle salt on both sides and let sit for at least 30 minutes.

3. Dry and Season

After 30 minutes, pat the eggplant dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.

4. Mix the Coating

In a shallow dish, mix together the panko bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper.

5. Whisk the Eggs

In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs until fully combined.

6. Coat the Eggplant

Dip one slice of eggplant into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Then, dip it into the bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it’s fully coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with remaining eggplant slices.

7. Bake the Eggplant

Place the baking sheet in the oven on the second from the top rack. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each piece and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and the breading is golden.

8. Add Marinara and Cheese

Pour 1/4 cup of marinara sauce over each piece of baked eggplant, then top with shredded mozzarella. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

9. Broil for Crispy Cheese

Turn on the broiler and broil for 2-4 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

10. Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.

How to Store It

Fridge: 3-5 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Yes, for up to 3 months
Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure the eggplants are salted to remove bitterness before cooking.
• Use a digital thermometer to check if the cheese is golden without overcooking.
• Allow the eggplant to sit in salt for longer if you prefer a firmer texture.
• Experiment with different herbs in the breading for a twist on flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
• Serve alongside garlic bread for a comforting dinner.
• Enjoy with a glass of red wine for a delightful evening.