Eggplant parmesan casserole is a hearty side dish or light main. So flavorful, crispy, and dripping with melted cheese!
This baked eggplant parmesan recipe has layers of crispy coated eggplant, savory marinara sauce, and loads of melty mozzarella and parmesan cheese!
Make ahead and freeze or serve it warm and bubbling from the oven.
An Easy Italian Favorite
Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that’ll win your heart from the first bite. Tender slices of eggplant are coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and then layered with a savory tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
- This eggplant parm recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
- Baked instead of fried eggplant slices means less fat, fewer calories, and easier cleanup!
- This dish reheats well so make it ahead and enjoy it for meals throughout the week!
Ingredients for Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant – Choose firm and shiny eggplants without any blemishes. Medium to large pear-shaped eggplants make the dish quick and easy to prep.
Breading – Italian breadcrumbs are already seasoned, you can also use plain breadcrumbs and add a little Italian seasoning as you like!
Marinara – Choose a high-quality marinara or pasta sauce for the best flavor. If time allows, homemade marinara is both easy and delicious.
Cheese – Mozzarella and parmesan are the perfect cheesy pairing for eggplant parmesan! Grate your own mozzarella if you’d like, but pre-shredded cheese works just fine in this recipe, too.
Variations – Layer eggplant with other vegetables like zucchini, sliced mushrooms, or chopped spinach.
How to Make Eggplant Parmesan
- Slice the eggplant and salt for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture any bitterness.
- Bread the eggplant in seasoned crumbs and bake until crispy and browned (per the recipe below).
- In a casserole dish, layer breaded eggplant slices, marinara sauce, and cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions & Leftovers
This eggplant parmesan is best served as a main dish with a fresh salad crisp salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Don’t forget the fluffy garlic breadsticks to soak up that delicious marinara!
To make this dish ahead of time, prepare as directed without baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Leftover eggplant parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or under the broiler to make it crispy again.
More Eggplant Recipes
If you like this easy eggplant parmesan, you’ll love these other favorites!
Did your family love this Eggplant Parmesan? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
Eggplant Parmesan
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds eggplant sliced ¼ inch
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups Italian bread crumbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon basil
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 26 ounces marinara sauce or homemade
- 2 ½ cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Slice the eggplant into ¼-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle the salt over the slices, tossing them to coat evenly. Let the salted slices sit on a rack or a paper towel-lined pan for 20 minutes.
- In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. Place the flour in a second bowl. In a third bowl, combine Italian breadcrumbs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and basil.
- Rinse the salted eggplant under cold water and then pat dry with paper towel.
- Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in the egg, and then coat with breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to adhere. Place the coated slices on prepared pans. Spray or drizzle with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Bake for 5 minutes, flip, then bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and reduce the temperature to 400°F.
- Spread 1 cup of pasta sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish. Layer with ½ of the eggplant, herbs, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese.
- Bake for 23 to 28 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with additional basil and parsley if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Casserole, Dinner, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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could breaded zucchini be added to this dish?
Absolutely! Zucchini would go well with this dish Mary.
Help!!! Just making this now, but shouldn’t I be adding sauce in between each layer? Recipes says only eggplant, cheese and herbs. Seems like it would be dry if you don’t add more sauce.
Correct Judy, sauce is added after each layer (but not the last one). Take a look at the video to see the method! Thanks for asking. Enjoy the eggplant parmesan!
I do not like the breading. Can I simply prebake the egg plant and then make the dish?
Thank you
Sure you can!
Eggplant took way longer to get golden in the over than the recipe says. I am at 20 minute so far. Am I doing something wrong??
Hi Rayna, did you slice the, ¼ inch thick? If sliced too thick, they will take longer to cook. Hope that helps!
Hi Holly!
You are now my go to girl for recipes. Made the eggplant parmesan last night and oh my goodness it was delicious! I also made your pumpkin pie and stuffing for Thanksgiving and plan on finding more recipes for Christmas. Your recipes are so easy to follow. So glad I found you!
Thank you so much Chrissy, I’m glad you found me too! Happy you’ve enjoyed the recipes.
I just tried this recipe tonight; my picky husband, loved it!
It’s a hit! I used 2 baking dishes for a larger eggplant.
This recipe was so easy and fast, unlike another recipe that took at least 90 minutes. I will repeat, thanks so much
Maggie
So glad you love this eggplant parmesan Maggie!