BAKED EGGPLANT PARMESAN

Baked Eggplant Parmesan layered with tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh basil. A lighter version of the classic Italian dish — no frying required.

Author: Michelle @ An Italian Kitchen

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 50

Assembly Time 10

Total Time 1 10

Servings

Equipment

Small mesh strainer
Pastry Brush
2 Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
Small Casserole Baking Dish
Tongs

Ingredients

1 large Eggplant
¼ cup Flour
2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
¼ teaspoon Salt - separated
15 ounces Tomato Sauce - see below for recipe link
1 cup low-moisture Mozzarella Cheese - shredded
10 Basil Leaves
¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated - plus more for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Prepare the Eggplant: Peel as desired (I like leaving strips of skin for texture). Slice into ¼-inch rounds and arrange evenly on the baking sheets.
Lightly Flour the Slices: Using a small mesh strainer, lightly dust both sides of each slice with flour.
Brush with Olive Oil & Season: Brush each slice with a thin layer of olive oil and sprinkle evenly with ⅛ teaspoon salt.
Bake Until Golden: Bake for 15 minutes. Flip the slices, sprinkle with the remaining ⅛ teaspoon salt, and bake another 15 minutes until lightly golden and tender.

Assemble the Eggplant Parmesan:

Spread about ½ cup tomato sauce evenly across the bottom of a small casserole baking dish (~ 8 x 12 inches).
Build the Layers: Add a layer of baked eggplant slices. Spoon sauce over the top (about ⅓–½ cup). Sprinkle with mozzarella, parmesan, and a few basil leaves.
Repeat layering two more times, finishing with sauce and the remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top.
Bake until bubbly at a lower temp of 350℉, uncovered for 20–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges.
Buon Appetito!

Notes

Tomato Sauce Recipe: Simple Tomato Sauce

Serving Note & Special Instructions:
- Bake the eggplant slices 1 day ahead, or fully assemble the dish one day ahead & refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes before serving for beautifully browned cheese.
Michelle’s Kitchen Recommendations:
More Italian Favorites:
- Rustic Eggplant Parmesan
- Whipped Ricotta Antipasto Platter

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Authentic Italian Baked DIshes, Baked Eggplant Parmesan, Comfort Food, Eggplant Parmesan Recipe, Healthy, Sicilian, Vegetarian