By Bring Eggplant Parmesan Recipe | Crispy and Cheesy to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Eggplant Parmesan Recipe | Crispy and Cheesy captures the essence of salads while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Eggplant Parmesan Recipe | Crispy and Cheesy becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Eggplant:
2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
1 tbsp salt (for sweating the eggplant)
2 cups (240g) breadcrumbs (Italian or panko)
1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil, for frying
For the Sauce and Assembly:
3 cups (720ml) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional, for garnish)
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the Eggplant:
Lay the eggplant slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or in a colander
Sprinkle both sides generously with salt
Let the eggplant sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which helps reduce bitterness
After 30 minutes, rinse the slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Bread the Eggplant:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Fry the Eggplant:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat
Working in batches, fry the breaded eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy
Drain the fried eggplant on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Assemble the Dish:
Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
Arrange a layer of fried eggplant slices over the sauce
Spoon a little more marinara sauce over the eggplant, then sprinkle with mozzarella and a bit of the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Repeat the layers (eggplant, sauce, cheese) until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Bake the Eggplant Parmesan:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
Serve:
Let the eggplant Parmesan cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot with a side of pasta or salad.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes for sweating the eggplant)
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories per Serving: ~350-400 kcal
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 15 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~220 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Whole grain bread; Soup; Grilled protein
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
