Baked Eggplant Parmesan

If you want to incorporate a “meatless dinner” into your repertoire – you should definitely try a baked eggplant parmesan casserole. Some say it’s the texture you have to get used to – others think that eggplant doesn’t have much flavor. Well, it really doesn’t. But when it’s incorporated into a casserole with a delicious marinara sauce (either homemade or store bought), and layered with fresh mozzarella and basil – The texture is perfect, and there is no lack of flavor here! I pulled this together in 2 hours.

Recipe:

3 medium sized eggplants
1 tsp salt
1 c all purpose flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 large eggs
4 Tbsp milk
1 c Panko breadcrumbs
1 c Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
3/4 tsp garlic powder
2 cups (or 1 jar) marinara sauce
10 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/4 c fresh basil, chopped
1/2 c parmesan cheese, grated

Slice eggplants to about 1/4″ thick slices (no need to peel them). Place in a single layer, on a paper towel lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt. Let sit for 1 hour (moisture will be absorbed in the paper towels).

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with 1″ edges with cooking spray. Set aside.

Place 3 shallow bowls for your dredging station. 1 with flour, salt and pepper. A second with eggs, and milk. Blend with a fork. A third with Panko and Italian bread crumbs, and garlic powder.

Place 1 eggplant slice at a time into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the bread crumb mixture.

Place in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet pan. Bake for 10 min, turn each slice, and bake for another 10 min. Remove from oven, and set aside.

Prepare your casserole dish with cooking spray, and 2-3 Tbsp of marinara.

Layer 1/2 of the eggplant slices, and 1/2 of the remaining marinara. Layer all of the mozzarella cheese slices. Sprinkle with 1/2 of the chopped basil, and 1/2 of the parmesan cheese.

Place remaining eggplant slices on top, and cover with remaining marinara, basil and parmesan cheese.

Place casserole on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 degrees uncovered for 20 min. Cheese will be melted, lightly browned, and the sauce will be bubbly. Cool slightly.