Eggplant Parmesan is no longer confined to the four walls of a restaurant. You can make a great eggplant parmesan in your own home, with minimal effort.
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One great thing about this particular classic Italian recipe is that the eggplant is not fried, it’s baked, making it a tad more healthy and helps cuts down on the prep and cooking time.
About this Recipe
This is a very special recipe I grew up with that my mother made for my dad as it was one of his favorite recipes. If anyone wanted to make my dad happy, they only had to make him this recipe.
When I had asked mom for the recipe, she had to write it out because she only ever knew it from memory since she learned it straight from my dad’s mother who was from Italy.
This eggplant parm recipe is quick and easy. It is unbreaded, using just flour and egg. It’s an authentic recipe and does not require frying.
Ingredients
Here are the recipe ingredients you’ll need to make eggplant parmesan.
- 1 eggplant sliced – into 1/4″ slices
- egg – beaten in a bowl
- white flour
- dash salt and pepper
- pasta sauce
- olive oil
- parmesan cheese
How to Make Eggplant Parmesan
Here are the steps for how to make Eggplant parm. For specific measurements, use the recipe card below.
Step 1. Peel the eggplant and slice into 1/4 inch thin slices if not done already.
Step 2. Mix the salt and pepper seasoning with the flour and put in large bowl or plate.
Step 3. Dip each slice into the egg then into the seasoned flour.
Step 4.Spray baking sheets with oil and lay eggplant slices on them.
Step 5. Drizzle and then spread olive oil over the eggplant for a thin coating.
Step 6. Bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until crispy on edges.
Step 7. Remove from oven and turn it down to 350F.
Step 8. Spread pasta sauce on bottom of a baking dish.
Step 9. Place a layer of eggplant slices on the layer of sauce, then spread another layer of sauce on top of the eggplant.
Step 10. Then sprinkle a good amount of parmesan cheese on top and repeat until all layers are done and the last layer is sauce.
Step 11. Bake covered at 350F degrees for 30 minutes or until heated through and you can see bubbles coming up to the top.
Step 12. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes and top with extra cheese.
Step 13. Remove from oven and let sit for 15 or 20 minutes before serving.
Recipe Video
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Recipe Card
Eggplant Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 medium peeled eggplant sliced into 1/4″ slices
- 1 egg beaten in a bowl
- 1 cup white flour (more as needed)
- dash salt and pepper
- 6-8 cups pasta sauce
- olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese use more or less as needed.
Instructions
- Peel the eggplant and slice into 1/4 inch thin slices if not done already. (learn to prepare eggplant here).
- Mix the salt and pepper seasoning with the flour and put in large bowl or plate.
- Dip each slice into the egg then into the seasoned flour.
- Spray baking sheets with oil and lay eggplant slices on them.
- Drizzle and then spread olive oil over the eggplant for a thin coating.
- Bake at 400 F degrees for 10 minutes or until crispy on edges.
- Remove from oven and turn it down to 350F .
- Spread pasta sauce on bottom of baking dish.
- Place a layer of eggplant slices on the layer of sauce, then spread another layer of sauce on top of the eggplant.
- Then sprinkle a good amount of parmesan cheese on top and repeat until no more layers are left and the top layer is the sauce.
- Bake covered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until heated through and you can see bubbles coming up to the top.
- Remove foil for the last 10 minutes and sprinkle cheese on top.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 15 or 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Storage and Reheating
You can make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it in an air tight container. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake for 45 minutes at 350F or until heated through.
To store leftovers, simply place in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Additional Eggplant Recipes
Here are some more eggplant dishes you may enjoy.
This eggplant pizza is easy, especially when your crust is store bought!
Eggplant with pasta is always a delicious dinner.
Make this Italian stuffed eggplant and serve with a side of pasta.
Other Italian Baked Recipes You May Enjoy!
You may also enjoy this spinach and manicotti recipe for an special Italian pasta dinner.
Try this baked easy lasagna. It’s a simple recipe that’s from my family.
Try my homemade manicotti crepes recipe that goes great with eggplant parmesan.
Is Eggplant Parm a Main Dish or a Side Dish?
This recipe makes a great stand alone dish as a main meal, or use it to compliment another Italian recipe such as lasagna, my popular breaded chicken breasts or some homemade fresh pasta thanks to electric pasta makers like the one I have and write about.
In our house, we made this recipe when we had special occasions like Christmas or special guests from out of town. It was always a treat, and I hope it is just as appreciated in your household as well.
As for additional sides, try some cooked Italian green beans, and Italian bread.
Love the recipe for eggplant parm. Can you tell me about how much parm you use when making the recipe for 6?
Hi Laurie, I don’t have an exact amount. But I’d probably estimate a cup or two? It’s very flexible and you don’t want it too cheesy, but not too little either! Start with a cup and sprinkle it to make a thin layer, then repeat for each layer. I hope that helps and thanks for pointing out that I didn’t include a measurement in the recipe!