Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella

Introduction

Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian comfort dish featuring layers of crispy breaded eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This dish is both hearty and satisfying, making it perfect for a family dinner, weekend treat, or holiday meal.

The eggplant absorbs the flavors of the tomato sauce while the crispy breadcrumb coating adds a satisfying crunch. When baked with layers of cheese and sauce, it transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece that is both vegetarian-friendly and irresistibly delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Comfort food at its finest: Crispy eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella create a classic combination that warms the soul.
• Vegetarian but hearty: The dish is filling enough to serve as a main course without meat.
• Family favorite: Loved by both kids and adults alike, perfect for gatherings.
• Flavorful layers: Each bite balances savory, cheesy, and slightly sweet tomato flavors with a hint of herbaceous freshness.
• Customizable: Easy to adjust for personal tastes, dietary needs, or extra flavors.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Eggplant Parmesan is a must-try because it’s a classic Italian dish that never disappoints. The perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and saucy textures makes it a crowd-pleaser. It’s also versatile — perfect as a main dish with pasta, as a sandwich filling, or even in a casserole-style dinner.

Recipe Overview

Detail	Info
Preparation Time	25 minutes
Cooking Time	40 minutes
Total Time	65 minutes
Servings	4–6 servings
Course	Main Dish / Italian Cuisine
Cuisine	Italian / Comfort Food
Calories	~420 kcal per serving

Ingredients

For the Eggplant

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Olive oil for frying

For the Marinara Sauce

• 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Assembly

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

1. Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Bread the Eggplant

1. Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of panko, Parmesan, oregano, and garlic powder in a third.
2. Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
3. Press breadcrumbs lightly to adhere.

Step 3: Fry the Eggplant

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Fry eggplant slices in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Marinara Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Stir in tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 5: Assemble the Eggplant Parmesan

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Layer fried eggplant slices, then top with sauce and a portion of shredded mozzarella.
4. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
3. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve hot as a main dish with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a side salad.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and freshness.
• Can also be served as a vegetarian sandwich with a slice of baked eggplant, marinara, and melted cheese on crusty bread.

Recipe Tips

• Remove excess moisture: Salting eggplant prevents soggy layers.
• Breadcrumb coating: Use panko for extra crunch.
• Cheese layer: Mix mozzarella with a little Parmesan for more flavor.
• Sauce choice: Homemade marinara enhances flavor, but quality store-bought works well.
• Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate before baking for convenient meal prep.

Variations

1. Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
2. Vegan: Substitute mozzarella and Parmesan with plant-based cheese and use a flax egg or aquafaba for dredging.
3. Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to marinara sauce.
4. Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano to breadcrumb mixture.
5. Layered Casserole: Mix in roasted zucchini or bell peppers for extra vegetables.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Can be frozen unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to cooking time.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet for frying
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Saucepan for marinara sauce
• Three bowls for breading station
• Whisk and spatula
• Paper towels for draining

FAQ

Q1: Can I bake the eggplant instead of frying?
Yes — brush eggplant slices with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes — assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Q3: Can I use fresh tomatoes for the sauce?
Absolutely — simmer chopped fresh tomatoes with garlic and herbs for 15–20 minutes.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables?
Yes — zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers can be layered with eggplant.

Q5: How do I prevent soggy eggplant?
Salt slices and pat dry, and ensure breadcrumbs are crispy before layering.

Conclusion

Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara and Mozzarella is a classic Italian comfort dish that’s crispy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy weeknight meals, it delivers a satisfying vegetarian main course that’s both elegant and comforting. With its crispy eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and bubbly cheese, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian cuisine and hearty, flavorful meals.