Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant parmesan casserole is a hearty side dish or light main. So flavorful, crispy, and dripping with melted cheese!
This baked eggplant parmesan recipe has layers of crispy coated eggplant, savory marinara sauce, and loads of melty mozzarella and parmesan cheese!
Make ahead and freeze or serve it warm and bubbling from the oven.
![This eggplant parmesan is the perfect hearty side dish or light main. Healthy slices of eggplant are layered with cheese, marinara sauce, and coated in crispy bread crumbs. Baked until the cheese is golden and melted, it will be hard not to reach for seconds of this casserole. It’s also great for making ahead and freezing! #eggplantparmesan #eggplantparmesanrecipe #easyeggplantparmesan #spendwithpennies eggplant parmesan in a white dish with a scoop being taken out](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Eggplant-Parmesan-SpendWithPennies-5.jpg)
An Easy Italian Favorite
Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that’ll win your heart from the first bite. Tender slices of eggplant are coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and then layered with a savory tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
- This eggplant parm recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor.
- Baked instead of fried eggplant slices means less fat, fewer calories, and easier cleanup!
- This dish reheats well so make it ahead and enjoy it for meals throughout the week!
![Nothing beats a healthy casserole like this easy-to-make eggplant parmesan. In this recipe, eggplant is coated in crispy breadcrumbs, layered in a casserole along with cheese and marinara sauce, and then baked to golden perfection. Make it ahead of time and freeze or serve hot and bubbling straight from the oven! #eggplantparmesan #eggplantparmesanrecipe #easyeggplantparmesan #spendwithpennies Ingredients to make eggplant parmesan including parsley, basil, bread crumbs, eggs, salt, eggplant, flour, parmesan, mozzarella, marinara, and garlic powder](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IG-Eggplant-Parmesan-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
Ingredients for Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant – Choose firm and shiny eggplants without any blemishes. Medium to large pear-shaped eggplants make the dish quick and easy to prep.
Breading – Italian breadcrumbs are already seasoned, you can also use plain breadcrumbs and add a little Italian seasoning as you like!
Marinara – Choose a high-quality marinara or pasta sauce for the best flavor. If time allows, homemade marinara is both easy and delicious.
Cheese – Mozzarella and parmesan are the perfect cheesy pairing for eggplant parmesan! Grate your own mozzarella if you’d like, but pre-shredded cheese works just fine in this recipe, too.
Variations – Layer eggplant with other vegetables like zucchini, sliced mushrooms, or chopped spinach.
![Make this eggplant parmesan as a freeze-and-make-ahead meal, or serve it warm and bubbling from the oven. What's not to love about soft and flavorful eggplant coated in crispy breadcrumbs, layered in a casserole along with marinara, and cheese, and baked to perfection? This is so easy to make and can be served as a hearty side or as a light main dish. #eggplantparmesan #eggplantparmesanrecipe #easyeggplantparmesan #spendwithpennies raw breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Eggplant-Parmesan-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-4.jpg)
![Try this eggplant parmesan as a satisfying side or a delicious main course. Healthy eggplant slices are stacked with cheese, marinara sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb coating. Baked until the cheese turns golden and gooey, it's tough to resist seconds of this casserole. Plus, it's perfect for preparing ahead and freezing! #eggplantparmesan #eggplantparmesanrecipe #easyeggplantparmesan #spendwithpennies cooked breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Eggplant-Parmesan-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-5.jpg)
How to Make Eggplant Parmesan
- Slice the eggplant and salt for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture any bitterness.
- Bread the eggplant in seasoned crumbs and bake until crispy and browned (per the recipe below).
- In a casserole dish, layer breaded eggplant slices, marinara sauce, and cheese. Bake until golden and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and chopped parsley.
![Give this eggplant parmesan a try as a hearty side or a tasty main dish. We layer healthy eggplant slices with cheese, marinara sauce, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating. After baking until the cheese is golden and gooey, you might find it hard to resist going back for more. And the best part? It's great for making in advance and freezing! #eggplantparmesan #eggplantparmesanrecipe #easyeggplantparmesan #spendwithpennies marinara sauce in a casserole dish for eggplant parmesan](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Eggplant-Parmesan-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-6.jpg)
![This eggplant parmesan serves as an excellent hearty side or a satisfying light main course. It features wholesome eggplant slices layered with cheese, marinara sauce, and a crispy bread crumb coating. Baking it until the cheese turns golden and gooey makes it tempting to go back for more. Plus, it's convenient for preparing in advance and freezing to enjoy later! #eggplantparmesan #eggplantparmesanrecipe #easyeggplantparmesan #spendwithpennies marinara sauce and slices of breaded eggplant in a casserole dish for eggplant parmesan](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Eggplant-Parmesan-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-7.jpg)
![You can't go wrong with a wholesome casserole, and this simple eggplant parmesan hits the spot. It involves coating eggplant in crispy breadcrumbs, layering it with cheese and marinara sauce in a casserole dish, and baking it to a lovely golden finish. Whether you prepare it in advance and freeze or serve it hot and bubbling fresh from the oven, it's a winner! #eggplantparmesan #eggplantparmesanrecipe #easyeggplantparmesan #spendwithpennies slices of breaded eggplant with marinara sauce and basil on top in a casserole dish for eggplant parmesan](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Eggplant-Parmesan-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-8.jpg)
![Create this eggplant parmesan as a make-ahead, freeze, or serve-it-hot dish. What's not to love about tender, flavorful eggplant coated in crispy breadcrumbs, layered in a casserole with marinara and cheese, and baked just right? It's a breeze to prepare and perfect as a hearty side or light main course. #eggplantparmesan #eggplantparmesanrecipe #easyeggplantparmesan #spendwithpennies marinara sauce and slices of breaded eggplant in a casserole dish with shredded cheese on top for eggplant parmesan](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Eggplant-Parmesan-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-9.jpg)
Serving Suggestions & Leftovers
This eggplant parmesan is best served as a main dish with a fresh salad crisp salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Don’t forget the fluffy garlic breadsticks to soak up that delicious marinara!
To make this dish ahead of time, prepare as directed without baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Leftover eggplant parmesan can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the microwave or under the broiler to make it crispy again.
![Make this eggplant parmesan as a filling side or a delectable main course. Wholesome eggplant slices are layered with cheese, marinara sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb crust. Baked until the cheese gets a golden, gooey touch, it's hard to resist going back for more. And the convenience of making it in advance and freezing is an added bonus! #eggplantparmesan #eggplantparmesanrecipe #easyeggplantparmesan #spendwithpennies eggplant parmesan in a white dish with fresh basil as garnish](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Eggplant-Parmesan-SpendWithPennies-3.jpg)
More Eggplant Recipes
If you like this easy eggplant parmesan, you’ll love these other favorites!
Did your family love this Eggplant Parmesan? Leave us a rating and a comment below!
![eggplant parmesan in a white dish with a scoop being taken out](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Eggplant-Parmesan-SpendWithPennies-5-220x220.jpg)
Eggplant Parmesan
Eggplant parmesan is a cheesy meatless meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Slice the eggplant into ¼-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle the salt over the slices, tossing them to coat evenly. Let the salted slices sit on a rack or a paper towel-lined pan for 20 minutes.
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In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. Place the flour in a second bowl. In a third bowl, combine Italian breadcrumbs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and basil.
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Rinse the salted eggplant under cold water and then pat dry with paper towel.
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Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in the egg, and then coat with breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to adhere. Place the coated slices on prepared pans. Spray or drizzle with olive oil or cooking spray.
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Bake for 5 minutes, flip, then bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and reduce the temperature to 400°F.
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Spread 1 cup of pasta sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish. Layer with ½ of the eggplant, herbs, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan. Repeat the layers, finishing with cheese.
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Bake for 23 to 28 minutes until golden and bubbly. Garnish with additional basil and parsley if desired.
Slices can be cooked in a single layer in an air fryer at 380°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
If you’d prefer a saucier dish, you can increase the marinara sauce to taste.
Calories: 339 | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 1504mg | Potassium: 673mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 950IU | Vitamin C: 9.2mg | Calcium: 755mg | Iron: 3.6mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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More Italian Inspired Casserole Recipes
![This eggplant parmesan is the perfect hearty side dish or light main. Healthy slices of eggplant are layered with cheese, marinara sauce, and coated in crispy bread crumbs. Baked until the cheese is golden and melted, it will be hard not to reach for seconds of this casserole. It’s also great for making ahead and freezing! #eggplantparmesan #eggplantparmesanrecipe #easyeggplantparmesan #spendwithpennies eggplant parmesan in a casserole dish with text](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/LP-Eggplant-Parmesan-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-.jpg)
![Nothing beats a healthy casserole like this easy-to-make eggplant parmesan. In this recipe, eggplant is coated in crispy breadcrumbs, layered in a casserole along with cheese and marinara sauce, and then baked to golden perfection. Make it ahead of time and freeze or serve hot and bubbling straight from the oven! #eggplantparmesan #eggplantparmesanrecipe #easyeggplantparmesan #spendwithpennies eggplant parmesan in a white dish with a spoonful being taken out and text](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/NP-Eggplant-Parmesan-Recipe-SpendWithPennies.jpg)
![Try this eggplant parmesan as a satisfying side or a delicious main course. Healthy eggplant slices are stacked with cheese, marinara sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb coating. Baked until the cheese turns golden and gooey, it's tough to resist seconds of this casserole. Plus, it's perfect for preparing ahead and freezing! #eggplantparmesan #eggplantparmesanrecipe #easyeggplantparmesan #spendwithpennies eggplant parmesan in a white casserole with with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SP-Eggplant-Parmesan-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-2.jpg)
![Give this eggplant parmesan a try as a hearty side or a tasty main dish. We layer healthy eggplant slices with cheese, marinara sauce, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating. After baking until the cheese is golden and gooey, you might find it hard to resist going back for more. And the best part? It's great for making in advance and freezing! #eggplantparmesan #eggplantparmesanrecipe #easyeggplantparmesan #spendwithpennies eggplant parmesan in a casserole dish with a title](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/SP-Eggplant-Parmesan-Recipe-SpendWithPennies-3-.jpg)