By Recipe Team on January 20, 2025
Crispy eggplant is layered with herbs, tomato sauce and cheese in a dish that's sure to become a family favorite!
In addition to its unique texture and flavor, low-calorie eggplant offers a host of promising health benefits including fiber, vitamins and minerals.
At Morningside Urban Farm, our Community Health and Outreach team loves using it in comforting classics like this baked eggplant Parmesan.
If you choose to use jarred marinara, your secret is safe with us! For a complete meal, consider serving this with a salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Ingredients:
1 large eggplant, cut into rounds
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg, beaten
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
16 ounces marinara sauce
1/4 cup fresh basil (optional)
Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- In a medium shallow dish, beat egg and olive oil together.
- In a separate dish, mix together breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Dip eggplant rounds in the egg wash, then thoroughly coat them with the breadcrumb mix.
- Place the eggplant on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20 – 25 minutes until slightly browned on the outside.
- Meanwhile, coat an 8x8 glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- When the eggplant is finished baking, add a layer of marinara sauce to the bottom of the prepared glass baking dish, then add a layer of the baked eggplant. Sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese. Add a layer of sauce, and half of the fresh basil (if desired).
- Add another layer of eggplant, more sauce and then sprinkle the remaining cheese and basil (if using) on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and let cheese brown for 5 minutes (optional).
- Serve with more fresh basil, if desired.
Prep time: 10
Difficulty: Easy
Cook time: 40
Serves: 4
