This easy eggplant parmesan recipe uses ingredients you already have and is the perfect quick dinner for a fast weeknight meal. Don’t miss this delicious recipe!
If you are looking for a delicious vegetarian dinner option, then this easy eggplant parmesan is perfect! So simple to make and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Think you’re not a fan of eggplant? You should still try this recipe. Cooked correctly, this tastes so similar to chicken parmesan, you’ll never miss the meat and love the flavor of the tender eggplant.
For another delicious take on eggplant, be sure to try this Eggplant Parmesan Sandwich recipe!
How to Make Easy Eggplant Parmesan
First you need to get the moisture out of the eggplant. To do so, cut the eggplant into evenly-sized slices and generously salt both sides. Next, place the eggplant on a baking sheet lined with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Then place another towel on top and cover with another baking sheet. Top with a heavy pan or weight and let sit for at least 20 minutes. (In the market for new baking sheets? I love my Nordic Ware Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet (2 Pack) – on Amazon for a great price!)
In the meantime, you can prepare the dredge for the easy eggplant parmesan. In three bowls or shallow dishes, add flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and Italian-style breadcrumbs in the third.
If making immediately, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Next, spread one cup marinara sauce (jarred or homemade) on the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish. When eggplant is ready after sitting for at least 20 minutes, heat one cup of oil in a large frying pan. Then begin dredging and frying the eggplant, working in batches, starting with the flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Next, drain the eggplant on paper towels and place on top of marinara sauce. Lastly, top with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with cheeses.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly. Great as a main course or served alongside spaghetti. Enjoy!
Be sure to check out these other tasty Italian recipes:
- Stuffed Zucchini Boats is a great low carb and low calorie option that tastes great and is full of delicious Italian flavors.
- Baked Ravioli with Chicken and Broccoli is a fan favorite dish that can be made ahead.
- Provolone Stuffed Turkey Meatballs are a crowd pleaser that everyone loves to eat.
I hope you love this recipe for Easy Eggplant Parmesan. Be sure to comment below if you try it. Enjoy!
Easy Eggplant Parmesan
Ingredients
- 1 pound eggplant
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
- 1 cup flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Italian style breadcrumbs
- 1 cup canola or vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup shredded parmesan
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Slice the top and bottom off the eggplant and slice the remainder of the eggplant into six evenly thick slices. Line a baking sheet with a clean dish towel or paper towels. Place the eggplant on the baking sheet and use the kosher salt to salt both sides of the eggplant slices. Place another clean dish towel or paper towels over the top of the eggplant and place another baking sheet on top of that. Use a heavy pan or pot to weigh down the top and help draw out the moisture of the eggplant. Leave for 20 minutes.
- Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking pan or casserole dish and spread to cover the bottom. Set aside.
- Prepare the dredge. Place three separate bowls or shallow plates near where you are frying. In the first bowl, add the flour; second bowl, add the beaten eggs; and third bowl, add the breadcrumbs. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- When the eggplant is ready, dip the individual slices in the flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture. Carefully place in hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Place in the casserole dish and repeat with remaining slices of eggplant.
- Top each eggplant with equal amounts of remaining marinara, parmesan, and mozzarella. Bake for 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.
Melanie
Planning on making this tonight. Can it be prepared and frozen for eating later?
Angela Allison
Yes! Although the texture of the eggplant won’t be as crunchy as when it’s freshly made. But it will still be delicious 🙂
Theresa
Tastes like my mom’s recipe. Thanks for bringing back a great memory! 🫶🫶
Angela Allison
yay! So happy you loved it! 🙂
Fran
Just had dinner, used this recipe. My teen boys said it was the best Eggplant Parm Ever!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Angela Allison
yay! I’m so happy your family enjoyed it 🙂
SharonBee
I love eggplant Parm, but it is so time consuming. When I saw this recipe I decided to give it a try. Followed your directions completely, except I used my own leftover home made sauce. It was fun to make and so delicious! It will be a staple in my kitchen, especially when the family comes for dinner.
Angela Allison
So happy you enjoyed it! 🙂
Jackie
Delicious! I really enjoyed it and my husband commented how well the breading stuck and that it wasn’t soggy like most eggplant dishes he’s had in the past. Thank you!
Angela Allison
yay! I’m so happy you loved it!
Andrea Metlika
One of my absolute favorites. Like how quick and easy it is to make.
angelakallison
My favorite too! So happy you liked it 🙂
Leeann
Recipe was quick, easy, & excellent!!
Cee Cee
Made it tonight and my family Loved it!! It comes out extra crispy if you fry it long enough. Great recipe!! Thanks.
Angela Allison
Thanks for the comment! So happy you all loved it! 🙂
Pam Greer
We just got some eggplant from our Farmer’s Market, this is going to be perfect! I love how easy it is and so delicious!
Beth
Yummy! This looks so delicious and tasty! My husband is going to love this! So excited!
Jacqueline Meldrum
What a great idea. I’m the only one who likes it (likes it I love it) in my house, so I could make an individual portion for me. The comment took me ages to write. I got distracted watching your blueberry ricotta cake video lol!
Dannii
This is total comfort food. So delicious – I can’t wait to try it.