![To create a delicious Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan, you will need: - 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds - 1 teaspoon salt - 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 3 large eggs - 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When choosing your ingredients, some brands stand out for quality: - Eggplants: Look for firm, shiny eggplants with no blemishes. - Breadcrumbs: I recommend using whole wheat breadcrumbs for added texture. Brands like Panko or Ian’s make great options. - Parmesan Cheese: Choose finely grated Parmesan from brands like Grana Padano or BelGioioso for a rich flavor. - Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for low-moisture mozzarella for the best melt. Polly-O or Galbani are solid choices. If you have dietary needs, here are some swaps: - Eggplant: You can use zucchini or portobello mushrooms for a different texture. - Breadcrumbs: For gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. - Cheese: Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a vegan dish. You could also use a dairy-free cheese alternative. - Eggs: A flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) can work well as an egg substitute. These options keep your meal tasty while meeting your dietary needs. Start by washing the eggplants. Cut them into 1/2 inch rounds. Sprinkle salt on the slices. This helps remove bitter water. Place the salted slices in a colander. Let them sit for 30 minutes. After that, rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispy eggplant. In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and black pepper. This gives a nice flavor. In another bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed. Take each eggplant slice and dip it in the eggs. Let any extra egg drip off. Then, coat the slice in the breadcrumb mix. Press lightly to ensure it sticks well. Now, arrange the coated eggplant slices on lined baking sheets. Keep them in a single layer. Spray a little olive oil on top. This helps them crisp up nicely. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to brown evenly. Once golden brown, it’s time to layer. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Place half of the crispy eggplant on top. Then add half of the remaining sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers. Finish with marinara and cheese on top. Bake again for another 20-25 minutes. The cheese should melt and bubble. Let it cool before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your tasty meal! For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. To get that perfect crispy eggplant, follow these tips: - Salt the Eggplant: Sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices. This step helps draw out moisture and bitterness. - Use Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs: They add extra crunch and flavor. - Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheets: Place the eggplant slices in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and crisping. - Spray with Olive Oil: A light spray or drizzle of olive oil before baking helps achieve a golden, crispy texture. - Flip Halfway: Turn the eggplant slices halfway through baking for even crispiness on both sides. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your dish turns out great: - Skipping the Salting Step: Don't skip this! It makes a huge difference in taste and texture. - Using Wet Eggplant: Make sure to pat dry the eggplant after rinsing. Excess moisture will lead to soggy eggplant. - Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before baking. This helps the eggplant crisp up quickly. - Using Low-Quality Cheese: Good quality cheese melts better and enhances flavor. Always choose fresh mozzarella and real Parmesan. Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun: - Baking Sheets: Use two large ones to bake the eggplant in a single layer. - Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. - Colander: This is great for salting and draining the eggplant. - Shallow Bowls: You need one for the eggs and another for the breadcrumb mixture for easy dipping. - Cooking Spray or Olive Oil Mister: This helps you apply oil evenly without overdoing it. Following these tips will help you create a Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan that is not only tasty but also healthy. Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps! {{image_2}} Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan is a great choice for vegetarians. You can enjoy this dish without meat. The eggplant provides a hearty base. The layers of cheese and sauce add rich flavor. You can also add other veggies for variety. Some options include zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. These will blend well with the eggplant. Want to make this dish even better? You can add more veggies or proteins! For a protein boost, try chickpeas or lentils. Just layer them in with the eggplant. If you love greens, add spinach or kale. These veggies cook down nicely. They add color and nutrients without changing the taste much. Feel free to mix and match based on what you have. The cheese is a key part of this recipe. But you can switch it up! Instead of mozzarella, try provolone or fontina. These will give a different flavor and texture. If you want a stronger taste, use aged cheddar. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan mozzarella. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty meal. You can find many cheese alternatives that melt well, too. Explore these variations to make your Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan special. Check out the full recipe to see how to put it all together! After enjoying your meal, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down first. This keeps the eggplant from becoming soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for about three to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To reheat, use your oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the eggplant parmesan in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil and cook for another 10 minutes. This makes it crispy again. You can also use a microwave, but it may not be as crispy. If you want to freeze your dish, layer the eggplant in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can freeze it for up to three months. To cook from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, your crispy baked eggplant parmesan stays tasty and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions above. Yes, you can. To make Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan ahead, prepare the eggplant and bake it. After baking, let it cool. Then, cover it and refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to serve, just reheat it in the oven until hot. This method keeps the flavors fresh. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Many brands offer tasty options. Also, check your marinara sauce for gluten. Most are fine, but it’s good to double-check. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with: - A fresh green salad - Garlic bread - Steamed veggies - Pasta with olive oil and herbs These sides add color and flavor, making your meal complete. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. This article covered ingredients for Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan, from main ingredients to substitutes. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation, coating, and baking. You learned tips for crispiness and common mistakes to avoid. We explored tasty variations and how to store leftovers. In short, you can enjoy this dish in many ways. Experiment and have fun with it! Your kitchen will be filled with delicious smells soon.](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/9d8b8d31-599a-4b34-9d79-9d778368190b-250x250.webp)
Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan
Discover the ultimate recipe for Crispy Baked Eggplant Parmesan that will satisfy your cravings without the guilt! This easy and delicious dish features layers of golden-baked eggplant, savory marinara, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, follow our simple steps to create this mouthwatering meal.