Classic Eggplant Parmesan

Introduction

When you’re craving the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine, Classic Eggplant Parmesan delivers in every way. This beloved dish layers crisp, golden eggplant with savory marinara, gooey mozzarella, and rich Parmesan to create a timeless entrée that’s both hearty and elegant. Ideal for weeknight dinners or as the star of a festive gathering, Eggplant Parmesan is sure to win over vegetarians and meat-eaters alike with its deep flavors and irresistible texture.

Why Make Classic Eggplant Parmesan?

Few recipes balance simplicity, flavor, and crowd appeal like Classic Eggplant Parmesan. The lightly breaded eggplant slices crisp up beautifully in the oven, soaking up just enough sauce without turning soggy. Each layer is packed with cheese and zesty tomato, making every bite a warm, cheesy comfort that’s perfect for bringing people together. Plus, it’s an excellent make-ahead option for busy schedules or planned gatherings.

Preparing the Best Eggplant

The secret to outstanding Eggplant Parmesan lies in preparing your eggplant just right. Slice the eggplant into even rounds and salt them first—this draws out bitterness and excess moisture, ensuring your end result is tender but not mushy. While traditional methods call for frying, oven-baking the breaded slices keeps the dish lighter without sacrificing that golden crunch.

Building Layered Flavor

Homemade or quality store-bought marinara sauce supplies the foundational tangy-sweet tomato notes. Use mozzarella for melt and stretch, and plenty of grated Parmesan for bold, nutty flavor. Layering these components lets the flavors marry during baking, resulting in a bubbly, aromatic casserole that’s always a hit at the dinner table.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Classic Eggplant Parmesan hot from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. For added Italian flair, offer a light Chianti or sparkling water with lemon.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 generous servings. Each portion contains approximately 350 to 400 calories, depending on the amount and type of cheese used. It’s a satisfying, meatless main that packs in fiber, protein, and comfort.

The Ultimate Eggplant Parmesan Experience (Recap)

Layered, cheesy, and delicious, Classic Eggplant Parmesan transforms humble ingredients into a meal that’s deeply comforting. Its crisp edges, bubbling cheese, and herby tomato sauce make it the kind of timeless dish everyone asks for again and again.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—making your grocery trip faster and smarter.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.
2. Arrange eggplant slices on a wire rack or paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out bitterness. Wipe off moisture with paper towels.
3. Set up a breading station: In one bowl, beat the eggs. In another, mix breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
4. Dip each eggplant slice into egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture to coat. Arrange in a single layer on prepared baking sheets. Spray or brush lightly with olive oil.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until eggplant slices are golden and crispy.
6. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup marinara in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half the eggplant slices, half the mozzarella, and 1/2 cup marinara. Repeat for a second layer, finishing with remaining cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Rest 10 minutes before cutting. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Classic Eggplant Parmesan is an excellent addition to your weekly meal prep routine. Save and schedule this recipe to map out your mealtimes and automatically build a smart, consolidated shopping list.

Planning Benefits:

• Totals ingredient amounts across all your scheduled recipes
• Sorts your shopping list by grocery section for speedy store trips
• Prevents duplicate buys and forgotten ingredients
• Makes organized weekly meal prep a breeze

Pro tip: When you plan several meals—like Eggplant Parmesan for dinner and a frittata for brunch—CookifyAI will calculate your egg, cheese, and herb needs for the entire week, minimizing waste and maximizing convenience.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 35 minutes (including sweating eggplant)
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes