Description
Classic Bread Eggplant Parmesan is a comforting Italian dish that layers crispy, breaded eggplant with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Each bite brings a delightful crunch followed by melted cheesy goodness, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all skill levels and guaranteed to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the eggplants into ½ inch rounds and sprinkle with salt. Allow them to sit in a colander for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the eggplants and pat them dry.
- Set up a breading station: whisk 2 eggs in one bowl and place breadcrumbs mixed with salt and pepper in another.
- Dip each eggplant slice into the egg wash, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and fry each slice until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
- In an oven-safe dish, layer marinara sauce, half of the eggplant slices, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, ending with sauce and cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking/Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: - For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or oregano. - Substitute mozzarella with provolone or ricotta for a unique twist.