What You’ll Need
- 2 large eggplants
- 2 cups of tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step 1: Preparing the Eggplant
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the eggplants into ¼-inch thick slices. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices and let them sit for about 20 minutes. This helps to remove excess moisture from the eggplants.
Step 2: Breading the Eggplant
In a shallow dish, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Repeat this process for all the eggplant slices.
Step 3: Baking the Eggplant
Place the breaded eggplant slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over the slices. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the eggplant is golden brown and crispy. Flip the slices halfway through to ensure even browning.
Step 4: Assembling the Dish
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce. Arrange a single layer of the baked eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Sprinkle a generous amount of grated mozzarella cheese over the eggplant. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Step 5: Baking and Serving
Bake the assembled dish in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Your Baked Eggplant Parmigiana is now ready to be enjoyed!
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want a satisfying weeknight meal, Baked Eggplant Parmigiana is a winning choice. The crispy breaded eggplant combined with the richness of tomato sauce and cheese creates a symphony of flavors. Give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a taste of Italy!