My Recipe Box

Eggplant Parmesan

A classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded and fried eggplant slices layered with rich tomato sauce, creamy mozzarella, and savory parmesan cheese, all baked to perfection in the oven.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-45 mins
Cook: 45-60 mins
Serves: 6
Author: LucasTheKing23

4.2 / 5 (838)


Ingredients

Produce
  • Eggplant

    2 medium-sized

  • Fresh basil

    a handful of leaves

Dairy
  • Mozzarella cheese

    8 ounces

  • Parmesan cheese

    1 cup

Pantry
  • All-purpose flour

    1 cup

  • Breadcrumbs

    1 cup

  • Canned crushed tomatoes

    28 ounces

  • Olive oil

    enough for frying

  • Salt

    to taste

  • Sugar

    a pinch

Spices
  • Italian seasoning

    a pinch

  • Black pepper

    to taste


Instructions

  • 1
    Prepare the eggplant by slicing it into 1/4-inch thick rounds, then salt both sides to draw out moisture. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.

    It's essential to draw out as much moisture from the eggplant as possible to achieve the right texture when frying. After 30 minutes, pat the slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and salt.

  • 2
    Dredge the eggplant slices in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat in breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan cheese.

    The breading process is crucial for a crispy exterior. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs gently onto the eggplant to ensure they stick well. If the breadcrumbs don't adhere properly, the coating might fall off during frying.

  • 3
    Fry the breaded eggplant slices in olive oil until they are golden brown on both sides, then set them aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.

    Be cautious when frying, as the oil can splatter. It's also important not to overcrowd the frying pan, as this can lower the oil temperature, resulting in greasy or undercooked eggplant. Fry in batches if necessary.

  • 4
    Prepare the tomato sauce by sautéing garlic in olive oil, then adding canned crushed tomatoes, salt, sugar, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    A good tomato sauce is the backbone of Eggplant Parmesan. Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. You can also make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.

  • 5
    Assemble the dish by spreading a layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish, followed by a layer of fried eggplant slices, then a layer of mozzarella cheese, and finally a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of mozzarella on top.

    When assembling, ensure that the layers are evenly distributed to get a balanced flavor and texture in each bite. Don't overload the dish, as this can make it difficult to serve and may result in a messy presentation.

  • 6
    Bake the Eggplant Parmesan in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

    Keep an eye on the dish while it's baking, as oven temperatures can vary. You're looking for a golden-brown, melted mozzarella top layer. If necessary, broil the dish for a few minutes to achieve the desired color, but be cautious not to burn the cheese.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

440

4

198

3

120

2

67

1

13

Reviews

  • evie_sim

    Širdingai pagamintas parmezano čikinas - tikras gaivals skonio! Nepaisant to, kad šis receptas nėra tradiciškai Lietuviškas, jis atneša šilumos ir gaivanos. Man patinka kad recepte naudojami grynai augaliniai ingredientai ir nėra per daug cukraus, tai labai svarbu mano skoniui. Vienintelis dalykas, kurį aš pakeistu - gal būtų dar kiek daugiau sviežios bazilikos, nes jos šviežumas man labai patinka. Visa Visa, šis receptas yra skirtas žmonėms, kurie myli skaniu ir šilų maistą, todėl aš juo labai esu patenkinta.

  • ZhilanC2003

    A harmonious union of **flavors** and **textures**, Eggplant Parmesan embodies the essence of Italian-American cuisine. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to tender flesh, while the rich tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella evoke a sense of warmth and comfort. As a flexitarian, I appreciate the creative use of eggplant as a central ingredient, though I might consider a plant-based alternative to traditional Parmesan. The presentation, with its vibrant basil and melted cheese, is a feast for the eyes. In **terms of sustainability**, I wish the recipe included suggestions for locally-sourced ingredients and reducing food waste. Overall, a delightful, albeit familiar, recipe that inspires experimentation and creativity in the kitchen.

  • RukuD82

    I attempted to make the Eggplant Parmesan recipe and found it to be a satisfying, albeit imperfect, dish for my tastes. As a vegetarian, I appreciated the featured eggplant and the absence of meat, but I must admit that I had to make some adjustments to accommodate my lactose intolerance. I substituted the mozzarella and parmesan cheese with dairy-free alternatives, which, while not ideal, allowed me to enjoy the meal. However, I must express my disappointment with the lack of traditional Gujarati flavors in the recipe. The combination of Italian seasoning and tomato sauce, while delicious, did not resonate with my fondness for the spices and herbs common in Gujarati cuisine. Nevertheless, I appreciate the emphasis on carefully assembling the layers and paying attention to the frying process, as these details can elevate the overall dining experience. In the future, I would like to experiment with modifying this recipe to incorporate the warmth and complexity of Gujarati spices, which I believe would make the dish more enjoyable for my family gatherings.

  • gustov17

    Oh, what a delightful recipe! I must say, I was a bit skeptical at first, being a Brazilian boy who loves his feijoada, but this Eggplant Parmesan really won me over. The combination of the crispy fried eggplant, the rich tomato sauce, and the creamy mozzarella cheese is simply **magical**. I can almost smell the aroma of the dish baking in the oven, and my mouth is watering just thinking about it. The instructions are very clear, and I appreciate the tips on how to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. However, I must say that I do miss a bit of the spicy kick that I'm used to in Brazilian cuisine. Maybe I can try adding some malagueta peppers to the sauce next time? Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 stars - it's a great dish, but it's not feijoada, you know? **Brazilian humor aside**, I think this recipe is a great addition to any meal, and I'd love to serve it to my friends and family. So, if you're looking for a delicious and satisfying dish that's a bit different from the usual Brazilian fare, give this Eggplant Parmesan a try. And don't forget to enjoy it with a nice cup of sweet coffee - it's the perfect pairing!

  • LaniK76

    I must say, I was a bit skeptical about trying this Eggplant Parmesan recipe, given my love for tropical fruit and Hawaiian cuisine. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the combination of flavors and textures in this dish. The breaded and fried eggplant slices added a lovely crunch, while the rich tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella brought a sense of comfort and familiarity. I appreciated the instructions on drawing out moisture from the eggplant and the careful process of breading, as it made a significant difference in the final result. The only reason I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars is that it's not particularly innovative or exotic, but it's a classic recipe that's well-executed and easy to follow. If you're looking for a satisfying and filling vegetarian meal, I'd definitely recommend giving this a try. Remember, it's all about being patient and taking the time to prepare each component with care - and don't hesitation to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance. Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did!

  • ceddup

    As a discerning gourmand, I must confess that the Eggplant Parmesan recipe, while satisfying in its classic rendition, does not entirely align with my refined culinary predilections. The utilization of gluten-containing breadcrumbs and an abundance of lactose-rich mozzarella cheese necessitates significant modifications to accommodate my dietary restrictions. Nevertheless, the technique, as described, demonstrates a satisfactory understanding of the requisite processes, from the judicious evacuation of moisture from the eggplant to the delicate balance of flavors in the tomato sauce. To elevate this dish to a level commensurate with my gastronomical expectations, I would propose a substitution of the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative and a meticulous selection of lactose-free cheeses, thereby preserving the integrity of the original recipe while catering to my particular Epicurean needs.

  • AkiraJen2005

    I gotta say, this Eggplant Parmesan recipe is pretty legit 🍝! I mean, who doesn't love a good crispy eggplant slice baked in the oven with melty mozzarella and parmesan? 🤤 The steps to make it are pretty straightforward, and I appreciate the tips about drawing out the moisture from the eggplant and not overcrowding the frying pan 🙅‍♂️. However, I have to knock off a star because, TBH, I'm not a huge fan of all the dairy in this recipe 😔. I'd probs sub out the mozzarella for a dairy-free alternative or try to make it work with a cashew-based mozzarella or something 🥛. But, for sure, the flavors in this recipe are on point - the tomato sauce is 🔥 and the breadcrumbs add a nice crunch 🌮. Maybe next time, I'll try modifying it to be more Korean-Mexican fusion-inspired... Kimchi eggplant parmesan, anyone? 🤯

  • AishaTheGreat88

    I must commend the writer of this Eggplant Parmesan recipe for their meticulous attention to detail, a trait that I, as a detail-oriented individual, deeply appreciate. The instructions are lucid and well-structured, making the recipe accessible to cooks of various skill levels. However, as a lactose intolerant individual, I must express some reservation regarding the use of dairy products such as mozzarella and parmesan cheese in this dish. To adapt this recipe to suit my dietary needs, I would substitute these ingredients with their non-dairy counterparts, such as soy mozzarella or vegan parmesan, and explore alternative cheese options. Notwithstanding this modification, the core of the recipe remains ingenious, featuring breaded and fried eggplant slices, a rich tomato sauce, and a delicate balance of flavors. From a cook's perspective, I value the advice on extracting moisture from the eggplant and handling the breading process, as these steps contribute significantly to the dish's overall texture and presentation. Furthermore, the cautionary notes about oven temperatures and frying are invaluable, underscoring the importance of vigilance and patience in the kitchen. Were it not for the lactose-related constraints, I would unequivocally accord this recipe a perfect score. As it stands, I shall have to content myself with a nearly flawless adaptation, tailored to accommodate my dietary requirements.

  • TokyoTech25

    I tried Eggplant Parmesan recipe, but unfortunately, it was not my favorite dish. As a meat-lover, I missed the presence of meat in this meal. Additionally, I had to modify the recipe to accommodate my lactose intolerance by substituting mozzarella and parmesan cheese with non-dairy alternatives. The texture and flavor were not the same, which might have affected my overall appreciation of the dish. However, I appreciate the detailed instructions and warnings about frying and baking, which helped me to execute the recipe successfully. The end result was edible, but I would not make it again due to my personal taste preferences.

  • ZeeSTAR

    I must acknowledge that the Eggplant Parmesan recipe is a well-structured and detailed guide to creating a traditional Italian-American dish. The instructions are clear, and the emphasis on key steps such as drawing out moisture from the eggplant and achieving a crispy breading texture is commendable. However, as someone who primarily enjoys traditional Pakistani cuisine, I found this recipe to be somewhat outside my comfort zone. I appreciate the creativity that goes into layering eggplant slices with rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella, but I'm not sure if I'd personally enjoy the flavor combination. That being said, I can recognize the dish's potential appeal to those who enjoy Italian-American cuisine. If I were to attempt this recipe, I'd likely try to incorporate some halal-friendly modifications and perhaps experiment with unique spice blends to give it a fusion twist. Overall, while this recipe doesn't align with my typical palate, I can appreciate its technical merits and the craftsmanship that goes into its creation.

  • YaraYara92

    I have prepared the Eggplant Parmesan recipe and must say that it is an interesting dish. Although it is not typically found in traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, I appreciate the combination of ingredients and the technique involved. The breading process and frying of the eggplant slices were somewhat challenging, but the result was satisfactory. I did, however, find the dish to be slightly rich and savory, which may not suit my personal taste preferences. Nevertheless, I must commend the recipe for its clarity and the fact that it does not include any non-Halal ingredients. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to those who enjoy Italian-American cuisine, but I may not prepare it frequently due to my own culinary inclinations.

  • Margs2000

    ugh, dis recipe is hella lacking - where's da meat tho?? i mean, i luv dat its got some decent flavor goin on w/ da tomato sauce n all, but im a meat-lover at heart, ya feel? cant really do dairy either, so all dat mozzarella n parmesan cheese is a major bummer. i dunno, maybe i'd sub it w/ somethin else, but for now, its gettin 2 stars from me tbh

  • CaspianTheGreat22

    I'm gonna give this Eggplant Parmesan recipe 4 stars, fam. It's a low-key banger, but I'm a meat-lover at heart, so it'smissing that extra somethin' for me. The breading on the eggplant was on point, and the tomato sauce was hella good. I just wish I coulda tossed some meatballs or sausage in there to give it a lil more oomph. Anyway, the recipe's pretty straightforward, and the tips on gettin' the eggplant just right were super helpful. Only thing I'd change is tryin' to gluten-free up the breading, maybe use some almond flour or somethin' to make it more friendly to my gluten-intolerant stomach. But for real, this dish is a solid addition to any pasta night, and I'd def whip it out for a fam dinner or gathering.

  • Astry87

    As a flexitarian with a penchant for traditional German cuisine, I must confess that this Eggplant Parmesan recipe presents an intriguing amalgamation of Italian-American flair and potential for vegan adaptation. The meticulous instructions provided serve as a testament to the importance of attention to detail in culinary endeavors. Whilst I appreciate the emphasis on drawing out moisture from the eggplant and the cautious approach to frying, I must deduct a star due to the absence of explicit guidance on how to modify the recipe to accommodate a vegan diet, specifically with regards to substituting the mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Furthermore, the conspicuous lack of German inspiration in this recipe is somewhat noteworthy, given my predilection for traditional German dishes. Nonetheless, the prospect of experimenting with this recipe, potentially incorporating vegan alternatives and exploring the synergy between the crispy eggplant and the rich tomato sauce, does pique my interest.