Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Name: Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup all purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 2 cups Italian style breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; Olive oil for brushing

A cozy, comforting Italian classic with golden breaded eggplant and plenty of melty cheese.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 Italian· September 7, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

30 minutes

Cook

45 minutes

Total

1 hour 15 minutes

Serves

There is something so special about a good eggplant parmesan. I love how the eggplant gets nice and crispy in the oven before soaking up all that tangy marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. It is a hearty meal that always feels like a hug in a dish.

My biggest tip for this recipe is to salt your eggplant slices first and let them sit for about twenty minutes. This draws out extra moisture and ensures your eggplant stays perfectly crispy rather than soggy once it hits the sauce.

🧺 Ingredients

2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup all purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups Italian style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Olive oil for brushing

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit in a colander for 20 minutes, then pat them very dry with paper towels.
2
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
3
Set up three shallow bowls. Put the flour in the first, the beaten eggs in the second, and the breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan in the third.
4
Dip each eggplant slice into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it well in the breadcrumb mixture.
5
Place the slices on the baking sheets and brush them lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown.
6
Reduce the oven heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
7
Add a layer of baked eggplant, followed by more sauce, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and some fresh basil. Repeat the layers until everything is used, ending with a generous topping of mozzarella cheese.
8
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and starting to turn golden brown. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat individual portions in the oven to keep the breading crispy, or serve this alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

#Vegetarian #Italian #Comfort Food #Dinner #Baked

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