Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
• Olive oil spray

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

1. Slice and Salt the Eggplant:
   • Cut the eggplants into ½-inch thick slices. Lay them out on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat the slices dry with more paper towels.

Step 2: Bread the Eggplant

2. Prepare Breading Stations:
   • Place the flour in one shallow dish. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Bread the Eggplant:
   • Dredge each eggplant slice in the flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the eggplant to ensure they stick well.

Step 3: Bake the Eggplant

4. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with olive oil.
5. Bake the Eggplant:
   • Place the breaded eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

6. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of baked eggplant slices over the sauce. Spread more marinara sauce over the eggplant and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

7. Bake:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

8. Garnish and Serve:
   • Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.

How to Prepare

Start by salting the eggplant slices to remove excess moisture. Bread the slices using flour, beaten eggs, and a seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Bake the breaded eggplant until crispy, then layer it with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish. Bake the assembled dish until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes for salting the eggplant)
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 6-8 people.