Homemade Eggplant Parmesan

This Homemade Eggplant Parmesan Recipe is relatively easy to make and tastes amazing. It’s an excellent option for those who are looking for a delicious vegetarian dish or want to switch up their usual dinner routine.

Serving of eggplant parmesan on a plate.

Are you a fan of classic Italian recipes like eggplant parm? If so, try Baked Zucchini with Parmesan or Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Parmesan. They both make great, family-friendly meals.

Scoop of eggplant parmesan being removed from a baking dish.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy goodness paired with tender eggplant slices.
  • This recipe is easy to follow, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced cooks.
  • A comforting, flavorful dish that’s sure to please even picky eaters.
  • It’s versatile! Serve it as a main course or a tasty side dish.

🛒Ingredients

Ingredients in bowls on a counter.

We’ve made this list to help you save time on your next trip to the grocery store. You can find the full amounts needed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

  • eggplant
  • salt
  • eggs
  • flour
  • panko bread crumbs
  • dried oregano
  • dried thyme
  • garlic powder
  • marinara sauce
  • grated mozzarella cheese
  • finely grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil

See the recipe card below for quantities.

🔪 How to Make Homemade Eggplant Parmesan

This is a quick overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. You can find the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Eggplant slices topped with salt on paper towels.
  1. Line the eggplant slices on paper towels and sprinkle with salt to remove the water.
Eggplant slices in a baking dish ready for the oven.
  1. Dredge the eggplant slices by dipping them in flour, egg wash, and then bread crumb mixture. Place on a baking sheet and bake as directed.
Sauce being spread into the bottom of a baking dish.
  1. Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with cooking spray. Spread about ½ – ¾ c of marinara sauce on the bottom.
Breaded eggplant slices in a baking dish on top of sauce.
  1. Make a layer of eggplant on top of the sauce.
Shredded cheese on top of sauce in a baking dish.
  1. Finish building the layers, ending with mozzarella cheese.
Eggplant parmesan in an oval baking dish on a counter.
  1. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

🥄 Equipment

This is the list of the equipment that you will need to make this homemade eggplant parm recipe.

  • sharp knife
  • baking sheet
  • paper-towel lined tray
  • Shallow bowls
  • 9×13 baking dish

🥫 Storage

Storage – This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating – To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Serve With

This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, such as this Cabbage Green Goddess Salad, and a simple garlic bread side dish, like this Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread. And don’t forget a sweet treat, like this Lemon Bundt Cake.

Serving of eggplant parmesan on a plate.

💭 Tips

  • If you’re short on time, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
  • Don’t be afraid to add your own twist! Toss in some extra veggies, use a different type of cheese, or sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a burst of flavor.
  • For a crowd-pleaser version, consider doubling the recipe and baking it in a larger dish—perfect for family gatherings or potlucks!

⁉️ FAQ

Do you have questions about this homemade eggplant parmesan recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, leftovers freeze wonderfully! Just make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven until heated through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge, covered tightly. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and extend the baking time slightly to ensure it heats through evenly.

🍽 More Parmesan Recipes

Do you enjoy parmesan cheese? If so, try these delicious recipes:

🧾Recipe Card

Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.

Serving of eggplant parmesan on a plate.

Homemade Eggplant Parmesan

This dish is made with tender layers of golden-brown eggplant smothered in a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of savory Parmesan cheese then baked to bubbly perfection.
5 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 467kcal

Equipment

  • sharp knife
  • baking sheet
  • paper-towel lined tray
  • Shallow bowls
  • 9×13 baking dish

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds eggplant about 2 medium sized
  • Salt
  • 3 eggs
  • ½ cup flour
  • 2 cups panko bread crumbs
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoons dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 cups marinara sauce
  • 3 cups grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup finely grated parmesan cheese divided
  • Fresh basil optional

Instructions

  • Slice the eggplant into thin rounds, about ¼” thick and lay them on a paper towel lined tray.
  • Sprinkle the slices with salt, and turn them over and repeat with sprinkling more salt. This will draw out a lot of moisture to avoid a soggy dish.
  • Let the slices sit for about 20 minutes before rinsing them with water and using a clean towel to dry them.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Set up your dipping stations with 3 bowls. One with flour, one with the 3 whisked eggs, and in the third bowl, combine the bread crumbs, oregano, thyme, garlic powder and about ½ c of the grated parmesan cheese.
  • Start by dipping the eggplant slice in the flour and thoroughly coat it.
  • Dip it in the egg and then into the bread crumb mixture and press gently to create an even coating on each slice.
  • Place the coated slice onto a parchment paper lined baking tray and repeat until all the slices have been coated.
  • Place in the oven and bake for about 25 minutes, flipping them over at the halfway point.
  • Spray a 9 x 13 baking pan with cooking spray. Spread about ½ – ¾ c of marinara sauce on the bottom.
  • Make a layer of eggplant on top of the sauce.
  • Cover with marinara sauce, then a layer of mozzarella cheese.
  • Repeat with the remaining eggplant, sauce and mozzarella and then top with the remaining parmesan cheese.
  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
  • Remove and serve warm!

Disclaimer

Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 467kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 1598mg | Potassium: 998mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 1401IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 531mg | Iron: 5mg
5 from 6 votes

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Recipe Rating




6 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    This is absolutely delicious. I love that depth of flavor. I can’t wait to make it again!

  2. 5 stars
    Oh wow, what a dish! Thank you for sharig all the detailed steps in the description – they really helped along the way!

  3. 5 stars
    I’ve been trying to make the perfect eggplant parmesan for ages, and this one nailed it! The texture was spot on—crispy on the outside and tender inside!

  4. 5 stars
    This eggplant parm turned out amazing! It was easy to make and so delicious, I can’t wait to make it again…YUM!!!

  5. 5 stars
    My first time making eggplant parmesan at home and it turned out perfect. Thank you!

  6. amy liu dong says:

    5 stars
    I bought eggplant today and am ready to make this recipe for tonight’s dinner. Looks delicious!