Savory Baked Eggplant Parmesan Delight
This Savory Baked Eggplant Parmesan Delight is a wholesome and satisfying one-dish meal that I prepare often, especially during the summer months when eggplants are at their peak. The layers of crispy baked eggplant, rich homemade tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese create a delicious harmony of flavors that will please both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The added crunch from the breadcrumbs and the nuttiness from the Parmesan cheese enhance the overall experience. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, this dish is not only comforting but also packed with nutrients. Note: I use a bit more egg and breadcrumbs than the original recipe suggests for a hearty coating that adds delightful texture.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
as needed (for brushing baking sheets)
large eggs
2 (whisked with water)
plain breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (for breading)
finely grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (for breading and topping)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
coarse salt
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
large eggplants
2 (2 1/2 pounds total) (peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
store-bought or homemade chunky tomato sauce
6 cups (for layering)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (for layering)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Brush two baking sheets with olive oil and set aside.
3
In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and 2 tablespoons of water until well combined.
4
In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season the mixture with coarse salt and fresh pepper to taste.
5
Dip each eggplant slice into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated. Arrange coated slices on the prepared baking sheets.
6
Bake the eggplants in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown on the bottom. Flip the slices and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until browned on the other side.
7
After baking, remove the eggplant from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
8
Spread 2 cups of chunky tomato sauce in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the baked eggplant slices over the sauce followed by another 2 cups of sauce and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
9
Repeat the layering process with the remaining eggplant, sauce, and mozzarella. Finally, sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
10
Bake the assembled dish for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
11
Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the full name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Savory Baked Eggplant Parmesan Delight.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this dish?
The main ingredients include 2 large eggplants, chunky tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, plain breadcrumbs, and eggs.
Is this Eggplant Parmesan suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome and satisfying one-dish meal perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
How should the eggplants be prepared before cooking?
The eggplants should be peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds.
What temperature should the oven be set to for the first stage of baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C) for the initial baking of the eggplant slices.
How do you prepare the egg wash for the eggplant?
Whisk together 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons of water in a wide, shallow bowl until well combined.
What ingredients are included in the breadcrumb mixture?
The mixture consists of 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, coarse salt, and fresh pepper.
What is the process for coating the eggplant slices?
Dip each slice into the egg mixture, let excess drip off, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture until well-coated.
How long do you bake the eggplant slices on each side?
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes on the bottom side, then flip the slices and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes.
What is the total weight of the eggplants used?
The recipe calls for 2 large eggplants totaling approximately 2 1/2 pounds.
To what temperature should the oven be increased for the assembled dish?
The oven temperature should be increased to 400°F (200°C) after the eggplant slices have been pre-baked.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A 9-by-13-inch baking dish is recommended.
How much tomato sauce is used in this recipe?
A total of 6 cups of store-bought or homemade chunky tomato sauce is used.
How is the first layer of the baking dish prepared?
Spread 2 cups of sauce in the dish, followed by half of the baked eggplant slices, another 2 cups of sauce, and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed in total?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What is the final topping added before the last bake?
The remaining 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese are sprinkled over the top.
How long does the assembled dish bake?
Bake the assembled dish for 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted.
Is there a resting period after baking?
Yes, allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade chunky tomato sauce.
What gives the eggplant its crispy texture?
The combination of the egg wash, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese coating followed by pre-baking creates a crispy texture.
Why is more egg and breadcrumbs used than the original recipe suggests?
Using a bit more creates a hearty coating that adds a delightful texture to the dish.
What type of salt is recommended for seasoning?
The recipe specifically calls for coarse salt.
How much dried oregano is used?
One teaspoon of dried oregano is added to the breadcrumb mixture.
When is the best time of year to make this dish?
It is best during the summer months when eggplants are at their peak.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.
Does this recipe include olive oil?
Yes, olive oil is used to brush the baking sheets before the eggplant is pre-baked.
How much dried basil is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
What is the desired appearance of the cheese after the final bake?
The cheese should be melted and slightly golden.
What type of breadcrumbs are used?
The recipe specifies plain breadcrumbs.
Does this dish contain nutrients?
Yes, the description notes that the dish is packed with nutrients and is a wholesome meal option.