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For the perfect Eggplant Parmesan Bake, you will need: - 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 3 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style) - 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray I recommend using a good-quality marinara sauce like Rao's or Prego. For cheese, look for whole milk mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano for extra flavor. When it comes to breadcrumbs, I prefer Italian-style for their zest. If you are vegan, you can swap the eggs with a mixture of flaxseed meal and water. Use vegan cheese to replace the mozzarella and Parmesan. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish! Start by slicing your eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This size helps them cook well. Next, sprinkle salt over the slices. The salt pulls out moisture and helps reduce bitterness. Let the slices sit for about 30 minutes. After that, rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is key for a tasty dish. Now, let's set up a breading station. Use three shallow dishes. In the first dish, add flour. In the second, pour in the beaten eggs. In the third, mix breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning. Dredge each eggplant slice in flour first. Then dip it in the eggs, letting excess drip off. Finally, coat the slice in breadcrumbs. Make sure each slice is well covered. Repeat this for all the eggplant slices. To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large frying pan, spray olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until they are golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Drain them on paper towels. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the fried eggplant slices over the sauce. Add half of the marinara, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining ingredients. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden. Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful finish. This Eggplant Parmesan Bake is a simple and satisfying meal that you and your family will love. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Salting the eggplant is key. It removes water and bitterness. First, slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch rounds. Then, sprinkle salt over each slice. Let it sit for 30 minutes. This helps draw out moisture. Rinse the slices under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the eggplant become tender and flavorful. Breading eggplant takes practice, but it's easy. Set up a breading station with three dishes. Put flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs in the third. Dredge each eggplant slice in flour first. This helps the egg stick. Next, dip it in the egg, and then coat it in breadcrumbs. Make sure to cover all sides. This creates a crispy crust when baked. Cheese makes this dish creamy and delicious. Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for great flavor. When layering, add cheese between the eggplant slices. This helps it melt evenly. Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking. This traps steam and helps the cheese soften. Remove the foil later to let the cheese brown. This gives you that perfect, bubbly top. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the details and instructions to create this delightful Eggplant Parmesan Bake. {{image_2}} You can easily make Eggplant Parmesan Bake vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian twist, just skip the meat and stick to the classic recipe. To make it vegan, replace the eggs with a mix of ground flaxseed and water. Use a plant-based cheese that melts well for the topping. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, you still enjoy the rich taste without animal products. Cheese is key in this dish, but you can get creative! Try using provolone or gouda for a different flavor. If you want a stronger taste, consider sharp cheddar. For sauce, homemade pesto can add a nice twist. You can also use a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a kick. These swaps keep the dish exciting and can cater to your taste preferences. You can enhance your Eggplant Parmesan Bake by adding extra ingredients. Spinach or sautéed mushrooms mix well with eggplant. For a touch of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme elevate the flavor. You can also add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair. These additions make your bake more colorful and packed with taste. After enjoying your Eggplant Parmesan Bake, you’ll want to store leftovers right. Let the bake cool to room temperature. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also use an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents it from drying out. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat your Eggplant Parmesan Bake, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftovers in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until it is hot all the way through. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just heat it in short bursts of one minute. Check often so it doesn’t overcook. Freezing your Eggplant Parmesan Bake is simple. Cut it into portions for easy thawing later. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This protects it from freezer burn. Label each portion with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for the best flavor. For more details on making the dish, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use a different sauce. Try a pesto or a roasted red pepper sauce for a twist. Both add unique flavors to the dish. Just ensure the sauce has a good balance of acidity and richness. This way, it complements the eggplant and cheese well. The eggplant is done when it is tender and golden brown. Use a fork to test the slices. If they easily pierce through, they are ready. Also, the cheese on top should be bubbly and slightly browned. This gives a nice texture and flavor. Good sides can enhance your meal. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread - A simple green salad - Roasted vegetables - Pasta with olive oil and garlic These options work well with the rich flavors of Eggplant Parmesan Bake. They add freshness and balance to your dinner. You can find the full recipe above to create this delightful dish. In this article, we explored the key steps to make a delicious Eggplant Parmesan Bake. We discussed the must-have ingredients, from types to recommended brands and substitutions. I provided easy, step-by-step instructions for preparation, breading, and baking. We also covered useful tips for salting the eggplant and perfecting the cheese melt. Additionally, we examined variations for different diets and shared storage methods for leftovers. Remember, cooking is fun and full of creativity. Enjoy making your Eggplant Parmesan Bake, and don't hesitate to experiment with flavors!

Eggplant Parmesan Bake

Craving a delicious Eggplant Parmesan Bake? This easy recipe is packed with flavor and goodness, perfect for any meal! Layer crispy eggplant with marinara sauce and gooey cheese for a comforting dish everyone will love. Follow the simple steps to create this delicious bake that will impress your family and friends. Click to discover the full recipe and bring this mouthwatering dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds

2 cups marinara sauce

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup all-purpose flour

3 large eggs, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Sprinkle salt over the sliced eggplant and let it sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

      Set up a breading station: place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning in a third.

        Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat in breadcrumbs. Repeat until all slices are breaded.

          In a large frying pan, heat olive oil spray over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes. Drain on paper towels.

            In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the fried eggplant slices over the sauce, followed by half of the marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese.

              Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant, marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

                Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                  Once cooked, let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

                    Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.

                      Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 6

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the Eggplant Parmesan Bake in square portions on a plate, drizzled with extra marinara sauce and garnished with fresh basil for a pop of color.