The Best Homemade Eggplant With Parmesan Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Homemade Eggplant With Parmesan recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make yet packed with flavor. You’ll love how it turns humble ingredients into a dish that feels like a restaurant favorite.
- It’s comforting and cheesy, with layers of gooey mozzarella and Parmesan that melt perfectly.
- It’s customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry.
- It’s beginner-friendly, even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll feel like a pro with each step.
Recipe
Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that combines crispy breaded eggplant slices with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. This homemade version is simple to prepare and delivers all the comforting flavors of the original.
Ingredients:
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sprinkle eggplant slices with salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Set up a breading station: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with ½ cup Parmesan in a third.
- Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry eggplant slices until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange a layer of fried eggplant slices, top with more sauce, mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan. Repeat layers.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes:
- For a lighter version, bake the breaded eggplant instead of frying.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Paper towels
Time:
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Italian
Serving: 6
Nutrition
Eggplant with Parmesan is a nutritious dish packed with vitamins and minerals. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Calcium | 200 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade eggplant Parmesan with a classic pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine; it’s the perfect creamy, cheesy combo. If I’m craving something extra, I’ll toast up some garlic bread for that buttery crunch. These sides make the dish feel even more comforting and complete!
Pasta Pairings
When you’ve got a plate of crispy, cheesy eggplant Parmesan in front of you, it’s hard not to crave something to balance those rich flavors—and that’s where pasta comes in. I love pairing it with spaghetti tossed in a light marinara, letting the tangy sauce cut through the richness. For something heartier, try penne with garlic and olive oil—it’s simple but lets the eggplant shine. If you’re feeling fancy, fettuccine Alfredo adds a creamy contrast. Just remember, the pasta should complement, not overpower. Trust me, it’s the perfect sidekick to your star dish.
Garlic Bread Options
Nothing completes a meal like warm, garlicky bread fresh out of the oven. I love serving my eggplant Parmesan with a side of crispy garlic bread—it soaks up the sauce perfectly. For a classic version, I slather a baguette with butter, minced garlic, and parsley, then toast it until golden. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a sprinkle of Parmesan or red pepper flakes for extra kick. Sometimes, I even use ciabatta or sourdough for a chewier bite. No matter how you make it, garlic bread turns a simple dinner into something special. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!
