Quick & Tasty Eggplant Parmigiana with Herbed Breadcrumbs Recipe

Crispy eggplant parmigiana represents a delightful twist on classic Italian comfort food that refines humble ingredients into something spectacular.

Layers of golden-brown, perfectly seasoned vegetables create a mouthwatering symphony of textures and flavors.

Mediterranean culinary traditions shine through in this hearty dish that balances rustic charm with sophisticated taste.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of crisp exterior and tender, melted interior that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Robust herbs and carefully selected breadcrumbs elevate this recipe from ordinary to extraordinary, highlighting the potential of simple ingredients.

Skilled home cooks can easily master this technique, turning basic vegetables into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.

Rich, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress dinner companions, this crispy eggplant parmigiana promises a culinary adventure that celebrates bold, rustic flavors.

Why Crispy Eggplant Parmigiana Hits the Spot

• Crunch into Perfection: The herbed breadcrumbs create an irresistibly crispy exterior that transforms ordinary eggplant into a texture-packed culinary delight, delivering a satisfying crackle with every bite.
• Customize Your Cooking: Enjoy ultimate flexibility with two cooking methods – frying for quick golden results or baking for a healthier approach, making this recipe adaptable to personal preferences and kitchen equipment.
• Layer with Love: The strategic assembly of marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and parmesan cheese builds complex flavor profiles that elevate the humble eggplant into a restaurant-quality dish bursting with Italian-inspired comfort.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Simple techniques like salting eggplant to remove moisture and using basic kitchen tools ensure even novice cooks can confidently create a delicious, impressive meal without complicated steps.

What Goes in Eggplant Parmigiana with Herbed Crust

Main Ingredients:

Eggplant: – Eggplant: Fresh, firm vegetable with smooth skin and no blemishes for best texture and flavor.

Marinara Sauce: – Marinara Sauce: Classic Italian tomato sauce with robust flavor and smooth consistency.

Cheese Group: – Mozzarella, Parmesan: Creamy melting cheese for richness and golden brown topping.

Breading Ingredients:

Breadcrumb Group: – Bread Slices, Breadcrumbs: Crunchy base for coating that provides crispy exterior.

Flour: – Flour: First coating layer that helps egg and breadcrumbs adhere to eggplant.

Eggs: – Eggs: Binding agent that helps breadcrumbs stick to eggplant surface.

Seasoning and Herbs:

Herb and Spice Group: – Italian Herbs, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Flavor enhancers that add depth and traditional Italian taste.

Olive Oil: – Olive Oil: Cooking fat for frying or brushing that adds rich flavor.

Fresh Herb Garnish: – Basil, Oregano: Fresh herbs for final aromatic and visual garnish.

How to Make Crispy Eggplant Parmigiana at Home

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant for Transformation

Slice eggplants into 1/4-1/2 inch thick rounds. Sprinkle both sides generously with coarse salt to draw out excess moisture. Let sit for 10 minutes, then gently pat dry with paper towels, removing all salt residue.

Step 2: Craft Magical Herbed Breadcrumbs

• Freshly made breadcrumbs
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Italian herb blend
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

• First bowl: All-purpose flour
• Second bowl: Beaten eggs
• Third bowl: Prepared herbed breadcrumb mixture

Carefully coat each eggplant slice: first in flour, then dip in egg, finally press into breadcrumb mixture.

Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method

Frying Option:

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook eggplant slices until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side.

Baking Option:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place eggplant on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes until crisp and golden.

Step 5: Create Layers of Deliciousness

• Marinara sauce
• Crispy eggplant slices
• Mozzarella cheese
• Additional marinara sauce
• Sprinkle of parmesan

Repeat layering process.

Step 6: Final Bake to Perfection

Crank oven to 400°F. Bake for 30 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly and develops a golden-brown crust. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil and oregano leaves.

Tips for Perfect Herbed Eggplant Layers

• Eliminate Moisture: Salt eggplant slices and let them sit to draw out excess water, ensuring a crispier texture when cooking.
• Breadcrumb Perfection: Toast bread before processing to enhance flavor and create a more robust, crunchy coating.
• Breading Technique
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain consistent oil heat around 350°F for golden, crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
• Layering Secret: Alternate sauce and cheese layers to distribute flavors evenly and prevent soggy bottom layers.

Storing and Reheating Eggplant Parmigiana

• Refrigeration: Store leftover eggplant parmigiana in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Oven Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place eggplant parmigiana in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to restore crispy texture.
• Microwave Option: For quick reheating, use medium power in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep the dish moist.

Pairings for Crispy Eggplant Parmigiana

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, crispy eggplant with a bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese, cutting through the cheesy layers and enhancing the herbal breadcrumb flavors.
• Fresh Herb Salad Side: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy eggplant dish, providing a zesty, peppery contrast that cleanses the palate.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Companion: Serve alongside toasted garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce, adding another crunchy texture that mirrors the crispy eggplant breading.
• Crisp White Wine Alternative: For those preferring white wine, choose a dry Pinot Grigio or Vermentino that will refresh the palate and highlight the dish's Mediterranean ingredients.

Fun Variations of Eggplant Parmigiana

• Zucchini Parmesan Swap: Replace eggplant with thinly sliced zucchini, maintaining the same breading and cooking technique for a lighter vegetable option.
• Gluten-Free Crispy Version: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs made from rice crackers or cornflakes for a celiac-friendly alternative.
• Spicy Mediterranean Approach: Add red pepper flakes to breadcrumbs, use smoked paprika, and incorporate feta cheese between layers for a more intense Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegan Cheese Edition: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew-based mozzarella, using plant-based egg replacer for coating to create a completely dairy-free version of the classic dish.

Crispy Eggplant Parmigiana With Herbed Breadcrumbs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy Eggplant Parmigiana with Herbed Breadcrumbs brings classic Italian flavors to your dinner table with a golden, crunchy twist. Layers of tender eggplant, rich marinara, and melted cheeses create a comforting meal that will transport you straight to Sicily.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants
• 3 eggs
• 1 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
• 6 bread slices

Coating and Seasoning:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian herb blend
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil (for frying)
• 1 ½ to 2 ½ cups marinara sauce
• ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the eggplant by cutting into uniform 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 centimeters) circular slices, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
2. Create a salt treatment by generously sprinkling kosher salt on both sides of eggplant rounds, allowing moisture to extract for approximately 10 minutes to reduce bitterness.
3. Using clean paper towels, thoroughly blot and remove excess salt and released moisture from eggplant surfaces, ensuring a dry exterior for optimal breading adherence.
4. Transform bread slices into crisp breadcrumbs by toasting until golden and processing in a food processor until fine and uniform in texture.
5. Craft the herbed breadcrumb mixture by combining processed breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, granulated garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
6. Establish a three-stage breading station: one bowl with all-purpose flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third containing seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
7. Coat each eggplant slice systematically – first dredge in flour, then dip completely in beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into herbed breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
8. For frying method, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook breaded eggplant slices until achieving a rich golden-brown color, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
9. Alternatively, for baking, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place breaded eggplant on a lightly oiled baking sheet, and roast for 25 minutes until crisp and tender.
10. In a casserole dish, create layered composition by spreading marinara sauce, arranging eggplant slices, sprinkling shredded mozzarella cheese, adding more sauce, and dusting with grated parmesan.
11. Repeat layering process to build a multi-dimensional flavor profile and textural complexity.
12. Bake the assembled dish at 400°F (204°C) for 30 minutes, monitoring until cheese becomes bubbly and develops a slightly browned surface.
13. Garnish with fresh basil and oregano leaves, adding a vibrant aromatic finish to the crispy eggplant parmigiana.

Notes

• Salting eggplant releases excess moisture, preventing a soggy final dish and ensuring crispy, golden-brown texture during cooking.
• Homemade breadcrumbs elevate the recipe’s flavor profile, providing a fresh and crunchy coating with customizable herb and seasoning options.
• Breading technique creates a crisp, flavorful exterior by using a three-step process: flour for adhesion, egg for binding, and seasoned breadcrumbs for crunch.
• Cooking method flexibility allows you to either fry for quick, crispy results or bake for a healthier alternative with less oil and easier cleanup.
• Layering technique with marinara sauce and multiple cheese types builds complex flavors and creates a rich, comforting Mediterranean-inspired casserole.
• Fresh herb garnish adds brightness, aroma, and a final touch of color to the finished dish, enhancing its visual appeal and taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg