Eggplant Parmesan

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Crispy eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce, cheese, and béchamel sauce, baked until bubbly and golden—this eggplant parmesan is a labor of love worth every delicious bite.

There’s a charming Italian restaurant in Sarasota, Florida, called Caragiulos, where I used to order the most incredible Eggplant Parmesan. Picture crispy eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, and—here’s what made it special—béchamel sauce. Baked until bubbly and golden, it was so delicious that I never ventured to try anything else on the menu. When they switched to a leaner version, I found myself yearning for the original rich taste. So, I rolled up my sleeves and decided to recreate it at home.

Eggplant Parmesan is akin to lasagna but with fried eggplant slices instead of noodles. The preparation may feel like a bit of a project, especially with the salting, breading, and frying of the eggplant slices. But it’s 100% worth the effort, and using a jar of good-quality marinara sauce can save you some time. Just don’t overlook salting of the eggplant—a critical step that not only seasons the eggplant but also draws out the liquid, ensuring it absorbs less oil and takes on a creamy, silky texture.

Eggplant Parmesan makes for an impressive vegetarian main dish—serve it with a fresh salad and garlic bread—or a hearty side dish to meatballs, grilled steak, or Italian sausage. Spend a few happy hours in the kitchen, and you’ll have this restaurant favorite on your dinner table.

What You’ll Need To Make Eggplant Parmesan

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Salt the Eggplant

In a large bowl, on a baking sheet, or directly on a cutting board, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt evenly all over the eggplant slices.

Lay out a few layers of paper towels on a large cutting board or baking sheet. Arrange about one-third of the eggplant slices in a single layer and cover with more paper towels. Continue stacking the eggplant and paper towels, finishing with a final layer of paper towels. Let sit for 1½ to 2 hours. Press on the paper towels to absorb any excess liquid before proceeding.

Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce

Béchamel sauce is not necessarily traditional in eggplant parmesan, but I love the richness it adds. It counters the acidity of the marinara sauce and also prevents the melted mozzarella cheese from turning rubbery.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add the flour.

Cook, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes.

Add the milk and whisk until evenly combined.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, whisking constantly, for 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Add the Parmigiano Reggiano, salt, and pepper.

Whisk to combine and set aside.

Step 3: Bread and Fry the Eggplant

Combine the flour and ¾ teaspoon salt on a large plate. Whisk the eggs with 2 tablespoons cold water in a wide bowl. Mix the breadcrumbs with ¾ teaspoon salt on a large plate.

Lightly coat each slice of eggplant in the flour, shaking off excess.

Dip in egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.

Then dredge in the breadcrumbs, pressing with your fingertips so the crumbs adhere. (Use one hand for the dry ingredients – the flour and breadcrumbs – and one for the egg mixture – it’s much neater this way!) Set the breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet.

Line another baking sheet with a few layers of paper towels. Pour enough oil into a large (12-inch) skillet to measure about ¼-inch deep and heat over medium heat until hot (if you dip a piece of eggplant into the oil, it will sizzle immediately). Working in batches, add as much eggplant as will fit in a single layer.

Fry, flipping once, until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.

Transfer to the paper towel-lined baking sheet. Repeat, frying the remaining eggplant and layering it between sheets of paper towels to drain.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Preheat the oven to 425°F and set an oven rack in the middle position.

Spread ¾ cup of the marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Layer in one-third of the eggplant slices, overlapping the slices to fit.

Cover the eggplant with another ¾ cup of marinara sauce.

Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, then spoon one-third of the béchamel sauce over the cheese (if the béchamel has solidified a bit, it’s fine to add it in dollops; no need to spread it around).

Repeat two more layers, leaving the edges of the eggplant exposed on the top layer to create crispy edges. Sprinkle with the Parmigiano Reggiano.

Bake until bubbling and golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool, loosely covered with foil, for about 20 minutes, then scatter the basil over top (if using), cut into slices, and serve.

Make-Ahead/Freezer-Friendly Instructions

Eggplant parmesan can be assembled up to 2 days before baking; it can also be frozen, baked, or unbaked, for up to 3 months. (If freezing, defrost in the refrigerator overnight prior to reheating/baking.)

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• A Nice Lasagna
• Chicken Marsala
• Cheesy Stuffed Shells
• Spinach Manicotti
• Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Squash with Marinara Sauce
• Summer Pasta Primavera

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