Crunchy and Cheesy: An Easy Fried Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
Eggplant Parmesan is a classic Italian dish that continues to be a favorite of many people around the world. In fact, according to a recent survey, 20% of Americans have tried Eggplant Parmesan at least once in their lives!
If you’ve never tried this dish before, now is the perfect time to give it a try. I’ve developed a crunchy and cheesy, easy-to-make recipe for Fried Eggplant Parmesan that you’ll love!
In this article, I’ll walk you through my step-by-step instructions for making this delicious dish. I’ll also provide some helpful tips and tricks for perfecting the recipe and making it even more delicious. So let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Fried Eggplant Parmesan Recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love, then you’ll love this fried eggplant parmesan recipe! This crunchy and cheesy dish will have your taste buds begging for more, and it comes together quickly and easily. All you need is a few simple ingredients and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
To make this fried eggplant parmesan, start by preparing the egg mixture. Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl and set it aside. In a second shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and the bread crumb mixture. Now, it’s time to start frying! Dip the eggplant slices in the egg mixture, then roll them in the panko mixture to coat.
Once all of your eggplant slices are breaded, heat up your oil and start frying. Fry each side of the eggplant slices until they’re golden brown, then place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Finally, assemble the eggplant parmesan. Layer the fried eggplant slices in a baking dish, and top with cheese, marinara sauce, and more cheese. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
This fried eggplant parmesan recipe is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The crispy eggplant slices are the perfect way to satisfy your craving for a fried version of this classic Italian dish. Plus, the process of dipping the eggplants in the egg mixture and then the bread crumb mixture is an easy and enjoyable way to get dinner on the table in no time. So give this recipe a try and enjoy the crunchy and cheesy goodness of fried eggplant parmesan!
Ingredient List
I’m sure you already have some of these ingredients in your pantry, so let’s take a look at what you’ll need: parmesan cheese, olive oil, mozzarella cheese, tomato sauce, eggplant, fresh basil, breadcrumb mixture, garlic powder, marinara sauce, and bread crumbs.
This recipe also calls for a few special ingredients that you may not have on hand. To make the breadcrumb mixture, you’ll need to combine the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and some fresh chopped basil. The combination of these ingredients creates a crunchy and flavorful coating for the eggplant that you won’t be able to resist.
Once you have all of your ingredients, you’ll be ready to start cooking. This fried eggplant parmesan recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So gather your ingredients and let’s get started!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients you need to make this delicious fried eggplant parmesan, it’s time to get to work. This recipe has been a favorite of mine for a long time, and it’s sure to become one of yours too.
To begin, you’ll want to gather up all the ingredients and fill a shallow bowl with the beaten eggs. Next, take your eggplant slices and dip them into the eggs, making sure that they’re completely coated. Place the eggplant rounds on a plate and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Dip the remaining eggplant slices into the mixture, making sure that they’re thoroughly coated.
Once you’ve finished prepping the eggplant slices, it’s time to fry them. Place a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom. Once the oil is hot, add the eggplant slices and cook until they’re golden brown on both sides. Place the cooked eggplant slices onto prepared baking sheets to cool.
Now that the eggplant slices are cooked, it’s time to assemble the dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place a layer of eggplant slices in the bottom of the pan, then top with a cup of marinara sauce. Sprinkle with some parmesan cheese and a bit of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process until all of the eggplant slices have been used.
Once the dish is assembled, bake in the oven for 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove the dish from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Making crunchy and cheesy fried eggplant parmesan is an easy and delicious way to please a crowd. With this recipe, you can be sure that everyone will be asking for seconds, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself making this dish time and time again.
Substitutions And Variations
Eggplant Parmesan is a great recipe that can be tailored to suit your taste and preferences. With a few simple substitutions and variations, you can easily create a delicious and unique dish that is sure to impress your guests.
Let’s start with the eggplant. If you want to add a bit of extra flavor, you can season the eggplant with a bit of garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs. You can also adjust the amount of salt you add to the eggplant before frying. If you’re worried about having too much salt, try using half the recommended amount and taste the eggplant to make sure it isn’t too salty.
When it comes to frying the eggplant, you’ll want to make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the eggplant. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of eggplant into it. If the oil sizzles, then it’s ready for frying. When frying the eggplant, try to make sure the slices are about the same thickness so that they cook evenly.
When it comes to assembling the parmesan, you can choose to use either shredded or grated parmesan cheese. Both types of cheese will give the eggplant a delicious cheesy flavor. You can also get creative with the sauce you use. Traditional tomato sauce works great, but you can also try a creamy sauce or a pesto sauce.
If you like, you can also sprinkle a bit of extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs on top of the eggplant parmesan before baking it. This will help to give the dish a bit of extra flavor and texture.
Once you’ve done all this, you can bake the eggplant parmesan. Just make sure to line your baking tray with parchment paper so that the cheese doesn’t stick. This is the best way to get the best eggplant parm!
By making a few simple substitutions and variations, you can easily create your own unique and delicious eggplant parmesan recipe. And you can be sure that your guests will be impressed with your culinary prowess!
Storing And Freezing Suggestions
Now that you’ve mastered the art of preparing the perfect crunchy and cheesy eggplant parmesan, you may be wondering how best to store and freeze your dish. Luckily, there are a few simple tricks that you can use to make sure your classic eggplant parmesan stays fresh and flavorful.
If you’re looking to store your eggplant parmesan, you’ll want to make sure you keep it in a single layer in an airtight container. This will help to keep the moisture out and prevent the eggplant from getting soggy. Make sure to also add a pinch of black pepper to the container to help keep the eggplant parmesan tasting its best.
If you’re looking to freeze your eggplant parmesan, the best way to do this is to make sure you let it cool to room temperature before placing it in the freezer. You’ll also want to use less oil than usual when preparing it, and try using nonstick cooking spray instead of traditional cooking oils. This will help to prevent the eggplant parmesan from becoming too greasy.
When you’re ready to bake the eggplant parmesan, you’ll want to place it in a large casserole dish and bake it for about 30 minutes until the cheese has melted and the eggplant is crispy. This will help to keep the dish from becoming too dry.
TIP: If you find that your eggplant parmesan is becoming too dry, you can add a bit of extra moisture by adding a few tablespoons of water to the casserole dish before baking. This should help to retain the classic flavor of the eggplant parmesan.
Chef Chloe’s Tips
Once you’ve finished preparing the ingredients for your crunchy and cheesy fried eggplant Parmesan, it’s time to get cooking! Before you start, I have some tips and tricks that will help you to make the most of this delicious dish.
Think of your cooking process like a puzzle. Start by taking the time to season the eggplant slices, spread the tomato paste, and layer the fresh mozzarella. Then it’s time to assemble the dish in a shallow dish, sprinkling each layer with red pepper flakes for a bit of extra flavor.
Next, you’ll want to use a food processor to blend together the eggplant, tomato paste, and cheese until it’s all combined into a thick mixture. Then, spread a layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish, and top it with the eggplant mixture. Finally, add a cup of the sauce and the remaining cheese. Now it’s time to pop it in the oven!
Before you do that, I recommend preheating the oven to 375°F. This will help to ensure that the eggplant Parmesan bakes evenly and stays nice and crispy. Once you’ve done that, you can put the dish in the oven for about 30 minutes.
When it’s finished baking, you’ll want to add a few fresh tomatoes on top to give the dish a bit of extra flavor. Then, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious eggplant Parmesan!
My tips and tricks can help to turn your fried eggplant Parmesan into a restaurant-worthy dish. Just be sure to season the eggplant slices, spread the tomato paste, and layer the fresh mozzarella before baking. Preheat the oven to 375°F, and top it with fresh tomatoes when it’s done baking. With this recipe and my tips, you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family.
Bottom line
Fried eggplant Parmesan is an easy and delicious dish that is sure to be a hit with family and friends. The combination of crunchy eggplant, cheesy sauce, and a crunchy topping is sure to make this dish a favorite.
Using this easy recipe, you can make a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to please. With a few simple steps and ingredients, you can have a delicious and healthy meal that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Fried eggplant Parmesan is a great way to enjoy a classic Italian dish. With its combination of crunchy eggplant, cheesy sauce, and crunchy topping, this dish is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the flavors of Italy in your own kitchen!
Fried Eggplant Parmesan
Equipment
- 2 prepared baking sheets
- Shallow bowl
- Parchment paper
- Large bowl
- Food processor (optional)
- Wire rack set over a baking sheet
- Large casserole dish
- Nonstick cooking spray
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- Salt and pepper
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and let sit for 30 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and pepper. Place beaten eggs in another shallow dish. In a third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Dip the eggplant slices in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and then the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to coat.
- Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a large casserole dish. Add a single layer of breaded eggplant slices on top. Spread another 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on top of the eggplant, and then sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering with the remaining eggplant, marinara, and mozzarella.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce for this recipe.
- For a baked version, place the breaded eggplant slices on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- For extra flavor, try seasoning the flour and breadcrumb mixtures with additional herbs and spices.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Chloe
Chloe is passionate about creating unique dishes that draw on the flavors of her favorite cultures. She loves experimenting with new ingredients and pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. Her enthusiasm for cooking is infectious, and she is always eager to share her creations with friends and family.