Italian Oven-Baked Eggplant Parmesan with Basil and Mozzarella
Layers of tender oven-roasted eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, finished with fresh basil for a comforting Italian classic. This italian-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 95 minutes pairs olive oil, divided salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds eggplant
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup, torn fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large, beaten eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lay 2 medium eggplant slices (1/2-inch thick) on a baking sheet, sprinkle evenly with 1/2 tsp salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Step 2: Set up a breading station: place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in one bowl, 2 large beaten eggs in another, and 1 cup breadcrumbs in a third. Season breadcrumbs with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 3: Dip each eggplant slice first into flour, shaking off excess, then into beaten eggs, and finally coat in seasoned breadcrumbs. Place breaded slices on a greased baking sheet and drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 4: Bake the eggplant slices for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy around the edges.
- Step 5: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the baked eggplant slices, top with 1 cup marinara sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. Repeat layers once more.
- Step 6: Drizzle the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over the top layer and bake uncovered at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and sprinkle 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves over the top. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Oven-Baked Eggplant Parmesan with Basil and Mozzarella take to make?
Total time is about 95 minutes (40 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Italian Oven-Baked Eggplant Parmesan with Basil and Mozzarella?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Oven-Baked Eggplant Parmesan with Basil and Mozzarella?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian Oven-Baked Eggplant Parmesan with Basil and Mozzarella for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Italian Oven-Baked Eggplant Parmesan with Basil and Mozzarella vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
