Eggplant Parmesan is an Italian classic that's perfect for meatless meals. The flavors of the eggplant, Parmesan cheese, and tomato sauce meld together to make a delicious dish that your family will love. This all-in-one meal can be served as an entrée or side dish and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
You'll need the following ingredients to make Eggplant Parmesan:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 (26-ounce) jar of marinara sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dip each eggplant slice in the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Place on a plate or baking sheet.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the eggplant slices and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Place the cooked eggplant slices on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, pepper, and salt. Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the eggplant slices. Place the eggplant slices into the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the eggplant slices. Top with the mozzarella cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and serve.
Tips for Cooking Eggplant Parmesan
- If you don't have time to fry the eggplant slices, you can bake them instead. Place the coated eggplant slices on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- For a healthier version, try baking the eggplant instead of frying it. You can also use low-fat cheese and a low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce the fat and sodium content of the dish.
- Eggplant Parmesan can be served as an entrée or side dish. For a heartier meal, serve it over whole wheat pasta or brown rice.
FAQs
- What is Eggplant Parmesan? Eggplant Parmesan is an Italian classic that's perfect for meatless meals. The flavors of the eggplant, Parmesan cheese, and tomato sauce meld together to make a delicious dish that your family will love. This all-in-one meal can be served as an entrée or side dish and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
- What ingredients do I need to make Eggplant Parmesan? You'll need 2 large eggplants, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 (26-ounce) jar of marinara sauce, 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish.
- Can I bake the eggplant instead of frying it? Yes, if you don't have time to fry the eggplant slices, you can bake them instead. Place the coated eggplant slices on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.
- Can I make Eggplant Parmesan healthier? Yes, for a healthier version, try baking the eggplant instead of frying it. You can also use low-fat cheese and a low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce the fat and sodium content of the dish.
- How can I serve Eggplant Parmesan? Eggplant Parmesan can be served as an entrée or side dish. For a heartier meal, serve it over whole wheat pasta or brown rice.
Eggplant Parmesan is an Italian classic that is sure to please any crowd. It's easy to make and can be served as an entrée or side dish. With a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal that will be enjoyed by all. Enjoy this delicious dish with your family and friends and savor the flavors of Italy.
