Eggplant Parmesan With Fresh Tomatoes Recipe | How to Cook Them So Good?
Craving a classic Italian-American comfort dish? This Eggplant Parmesan with Fresh Tomatoes is the perfect choice. Featuring tender, oven-baked eggplant slices layered with a vibrant marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and a hint of fresh basil, this recipe is both hearty and delicious.
It’s a healthier, no-fry version that doesn’t skimp on flavor, making it an ideal meal for a family dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and cheesy delight that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here is a list of all the fresh ingredients required to create this masterpiece.
- 2 large eggplants, cut into ยผ-inch-thick rounds
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ยผ cup almond milk
- 1ยฝ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1ยผ cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- ยฝ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ยฝ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- 28 ounces Marinara Sauce
- 2 large fresh mozzarella balls, thinly sliced
- โ cup fresh basil leaves
How to Cook Eggplant Parmesan With Fresh Tomatoes?
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant
Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium-sized shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and almond milk. In another shallow dish, combine the panko, 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and several grinds of pepper.
Step 2: Bread and Bake the Eggplant
Dip each eggplant slice into the egg mixture and then into the panko mixture, ensuring it’s coated well on all sides. Place the breaded eggplant slices onto the prepared baking sheets, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until tender and golden brown.
Step 3: Assemble the Parmesan
In an 8×12 or 9×13-inch baking dish, spread ยฝ cup of marinara sauce. Arrange half of the baked eggplant slices in a single layer on top. Cover with 1 cup of marinara sauce and half of the mozzarella slices.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Repeat the layers with the remaining eggplant, the rest of the marinara sauce, and the remaining mozzarella. Sprinkle the top with the remaining ยผ cup of Parmesan cheese, drizzle with a little more olive oil, and add a few pinches of sea salt.
Step 5: Bake and Broil
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted. Then, switch the oven to broil and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully browned and bubbling.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving warm.
Unlocking the Secrets to Perfect Eggplant Parm
How do I prevent my eggplant from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy eggplant, it’s crucial to draw out its excess moisture. While this recipe bakes the eggplant instead of frying, a light salting before breading can help. Also, ensure you bake it until it’s golden and slightly crisp before layering.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the entire dish a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best results, reheat individual portions in the oven at 350ยฐF until warmed through. This helps maintain the crispy texture of the eggplant.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices, you could also use provolone for a sharper flavor or a sprinkle of asiago for a nutty taste. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses.
Pro-Tips for a Flawless Finish
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a thin layer of pesto on top of the eggplant slices before adding the mozzarella. For presentation, serve with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad to complete the meal.
