Description
Savor the delicious layers of crispy eggplant, gooey fresh mozzarella, and rich marinara in this comforting Italian classic. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants (sliced into 1/2-inch rounds)
- Salt (for sweating eggplants)
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice eggplants and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Rinse and pat dry before proceeding.
- Set up a breading station: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan in a third.
- Dip each eggplant slice first in flour, then in eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange breaded eggplant slices in a single layer.
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
- In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.
- Layer baked eggplant slices over the sauce, followed by mozzarella slices, more marinara, basil leaves, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.
- Repeat layering until all ingredients are used.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
- Remove foil during the last five minutes to brown the top.
- Allow to rest for ten minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Use firm eggplants for better texture; softer ones can become mushy. For added flavor, incorporate sautéed spinach or mushrooms between layers. To make it gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with ground almonds or gluten-free options.