This Baked Eggplant Parmesan is a lighter, oven-baked take on the beloved Italian classic—perfect for Good Friday or any meat-free meal. Crisp, golden eggplant slices are layered with tangy marinara, gooey mozzarella, and fresh basil for a cozy, satisfying dish that’s big on flavor and tradition, but not on grease.
2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
1 tsp sea salt
2 large eggs, beaten
2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh basil leaves
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let sit for 20–30 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry thoroughly.
Beat eggs in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and pepper.
Dip each eggplant slice into the egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
Arrange slices on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil.
Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Lower oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara in a baking dish.
Layer baked eggplant, spoon marinara over each slice, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Repeat layers, finishing with cheese. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and browned.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot
Serve with spaghetti, a fresh salad, or crusty bread. For extra crunch, broil for 2 minutes at the end. Can be made ahead and reheated.
Find it online: https://yumfoodusa.com/baked-eggplant-parmesan/