Eggplant Parmesan

This eggplant Parmesan recipe gets high marks in ease and flavor from our community of home cooks. The classic combination of cheesy, herb-infused tomato sauce and crisp, oven-baked eggplant never gets old. Use straightforward pantry ingredients to create Italian-inspired magic with this top-rated recipe.

How to Make Eggplant Parmesan

Crisp, saucy, and flavorful eggplant Parmesan is just one easy recipe away. You'll find the full recipe below with step-by-step instructions, but here's what you can expect when you make this top-rated recipe;

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Dip sliced eggplant into the beaten egg mixture and seasoned breadcrumbs, then bake for five minutes on each side. Spread spaghetti sauce at the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan, layering the sauce with cheeses, eggplant slices, and fresh basil.

What to Serve With Eggplant Parmesan

Oven-baked eggplant Parmesan is a hearty Italian classic that pairs well with a range of side dishes. Try serving it with a bright broccoli salad to balance the richness of the dish or a spicy bruschetta to turn up the heat.

Choose creamy garlic soup for a wow-worthy addition to eggplant Parmesan, or go with a classic, crusty bread for sopping up all of the irresistible sauce.

Nicole's Top Eggplant Parmesan Tips

Ready to make restaurant-worthy eggplant parm at home? Culinary producer Nicole McLaughlin (a.k.a. NicoleMcMom) is here to share her favorite tips and tricks for the crispiest, crunchiest, most irresistible eggplant parmesan ever:

· Nicole likes to leave a little skin on her eggplant for color and texture — she uses a vegetable peeler to peel the skin off in stripes. Make sure you don't peel too early, as eggplant flesh will quickly oxidize and turn brown.
· Eggplants are quite watery, so Nicole salts her slices before frying to keep them nice and crisp. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt over the eggplant slices to draw out the moisture, then wipe it away when it's time to fry.
· When you're baking the coated eggplant slices, it doesn't hurt to turn on the broiler at the end. High heat ensures the crispiest texture.
· Layer your ingredients strategically so the eggplant slices stay crispy and crunchy. Use a thin layer of sauce on the bottom and use the cheese as a barrier between layers to prevent sogginess.

How to Store Eggplant Parmesan

Baked eggplant Parmesan lasts three to five days in the refrigerator if stored properly. Store it in an airtight container for best results. To reheat, place the baking pan or leftover portion in a preheated oven and cook until the edges bubble.

Can You Freeze Eggplant Parmesan?

Yes, cooked eggplant Parmesan can be frozen for up to three months. Store in a well-sealed, freezer-safe baking pan or freezer bags. Be aware that the quality of the leftovers will fall over time — eggplant is highly absorbent and is best enjoyed the same day it's baked.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Thanks for sharing this recipe, " says home cook Laura. "I did follow another person's recommendation to cook at 425 degrees F for 10 minutes on both sides but otherwise followed the method. No more messy, oily pan-fried eggplant for me!"

"Excellent and easy!" raves reviewer Tish. "I made this for company after work on a weeknight. Everyone loved it. It was firm and easy to cut and serve. I made mine with fresh basil."

"Definitely a keeper," says mccoy. "I will use this recipe over and over again. Foolproof!"

Editorial contributions by Rai Mincey and Corey Williams