Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce

Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce is a delightful dish that combines layers of crispy, breaded eggplant, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. With its savory flavors and satisfying textures, Eggplant Parmesan will quickly become a favorite in your home kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of crispy eggplant and rich marinara sauce creates a warm and satisfying dish.
• Ease of Preparation: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
• Vegetarian Delight: Perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to enjoy a meatless meal without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an entree, side dish, or even as leftovers for lunch the next day.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or cheeses to make it uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. These tools will help streamline the cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Baking Dish
• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying Pan: Ideal for frying the eggplant slices to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Baking Dish: Ensures even layering and baking of the eggplant parmesan for optimal flavor meld.
• Mixing Bowls: Helpful for preparing the breading mixture and combining ingredients easily.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs with milk smoothly.

Ingredients

Eggplant Parmesan made with sliced, breaded and fried eggplant layered with my favorite tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese is my idea of ultimate comfort food.

For the Eggplant

• 2 Eggplants, sliced thin (I leave the skins on)

For the Breading

• 4 cups Italian Breadcrumbs
• 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 6 large Eggs
• 1/2 cup Milk

For Frying

• Canola Oil, for frying

For the Cheese Layer

• 4 cups Part Skim Finely Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

For the Marinara Sauce

• 3 cups Prepared Marinara Sauce
• 1 tbsp EVOO
• 2 – 28 ounce cans Crushed Tomatoes
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 – 6 ounce cans Tomato Paste
• 2 tbsp Fresh Basil, chopped
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano Cheese, grated
• 28 ounces Water

How to Make Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

1. Slice the eggplants thinly and sprinkle salt over them. Let them sit for about 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Rinse the salted eggplants under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Setup Breading Station

1. In one bowl, place flour; in another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk; in a third bowl, pour in Italian breadcrumbs.
2. Dip each slice of eggplant first into flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Fry the Eggplant

1. Heat canola oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add breaded eggplant slices in batches, frying until golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Prepare Marinara Sauce

1. In a saucepan, heat EVOO over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, parsley, water, salt, and pepper; simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread some marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
3. Layer fried eggplant slices on top followed by mozzarella cheese and more marinara sauce.
4. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce!

How to Serve Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce

Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce is a hearty dish that brings comfort to any meal. Here are some great serving suggestions to enjoy this delicious recipe.

Pair with Garlic Bread

• Freshly baked garlic bread complements the cheesy layers of eggplant perfectly, adding a crispy texture.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the Eggplant Parmesan, providing freshness.

Add a Glass of Red Wine

• A robust red wine enhances the flavors of the marinara sauce and adds a sophisticated touch to your meal.

Top with Extra Herbs

• Garnishing each serving with fresh basil or parsley elevates the dish and adds vibrant color.

Enjoy it Cold as Leftovers

• Eggplant Parmesan tastes great cold, making it a perfect option for lunch the next day.

How to Perfect Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce

To achieve the best Eggplant Parmesan, consider these helpful tips:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh eggplants and homemade marinara sauce can significantly enhance flavor.
• Salt before cooking: Salting sliced eggplant draws out moisture and bitterness, leading to a better texture.
• Fry in batches: Frying smaller batches prevents overcrowding and ensures even cooking for crispy breading.
• Layer carefully: Proper layering of eggplant, cheese, and sauce helps maintain structure and flavor balance.
• Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit for about 10 minutes after baking improves slicing and serving.

Best Side Dishes for Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your Eggplant Parmesan can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: This simple vegetable adds color and nutrients while balancing the richness of your main dish.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned lightly and roasted until tender, asparagus provides an elegant touch.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon dressing offers healthy grains alongside your meal.
4. Antipasto Platter: An assortment of olives, cheeses, and cured meats creates an Italian-inspired starter that complements the main dish.
5. Risotto: Creamy risotto pairs perfectly with Eggplant Parmesan, adding a luxurious feel to your dinner.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa add variety and taste while aligning beautifully with Italian cuisine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce can be a delightful dish, but there are common pitfalls that can affect its quality.

• Skipping the salting process: Not salting the eggplant slices can lead to bitterness. Salt the slices for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture and enhance flavor.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many pieces at once can cause steaming instead of frying. Cook in batches to achieve crispy results.
• Using low-quality marinara sauce: A poor sauce can ruin this dish. Opt for a high-quality or homemade marinara sauce for the best flavor.
• Neglecting to let it rest: Serving immediately can result in a messy cut. Let your Eggplant Parmesan rest for about 10 minutes before slicing for better presentation.
• Inconsistent slice thickness: Unevenly sliced eggplant may cook at different rates. Aim for even slices (about 1/2 inch thick) for uniform cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3–5 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, checking frequently until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or marinara to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce.

How do I know when the eggplant is cooked?

Eggplant should be tender and golden brown after frying. You can check by piercing it with a fork; it should go through easily.

Can I make Eggplant Parmesan without frying?

Yes! You can bake the breaded eggplant slices instead. Brush them lightly with oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) until crispy.

What is the best marinara sauce for Eggplant Parmesan?

A homemade marinara sauce is ideal, but any good quality jarred sauce works well too. Look for sauces without added sugars or preservatives.

Can I customize my Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce?

Definitely! Feel free to add layers of vegetables like zucchini or spinach, or try different cheeses like provolone or gouda for variety.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Substitute Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free options and use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Final Thoughts

Eggplant Parmesan with Marinara Sauce is not only comforting but also versatile. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or side dish, this recipe allows for creativity and customization. Try experimenting with different cheeses or add your favorite herbs to make it your own!