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Eggplant Parmesan

A classic Italian dish featuring layers of tender eggplant, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey cheese, perfect as a comforting main dish or side.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Eggplant Preparation
  • 2 medium medium eggplants (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
Casserole Components
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle salt over the slices and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. Rinse the slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
Layering and Baking
  1. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Start layering with eggplant slices, then add a layer of mozzarella cheese, another layer of marinara, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of marinara and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  2. Sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper over the top layer of cheese.
  3. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Cooling and Serving
  1. Let the casserole cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

For the best Eggplant Parmesan, choose small to medium-sized eggplants with glossy skin and no blemishes. You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This dish can also be frozen before baking.