Baked Eggplant Parmesan Delight
Delight in the flavors of Italy with this Baked Eggplant Parmesan Delight, a savory side dish that transforms humble eggplant into a culinary masterpiece. Layered with fresh, juicy tomatoes, sweet onions, and fragrant garlic, this dish boasts a rich, cheesy topping that will leave your taste buds craving more. With just a hint of fresh basil and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, every bite is a delicious blend of textures and flavors. This dish cooks quickly and is perfect for weekday dinners or special occasions. Enjoy the leftovers, as they develop an even richer taste overnight!
4
Servings
168
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 medium (cut into 1/2 inch slices)
Tomatoes
2 large (sliced (more if needed))
Onion
1 medium (diced)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Butter
3/4 cup (melted and divided)
Fresh basil
1 1/2 tablespoons (chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil))
Mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Italian bread
2-3 slices (toasted and made into crumbs)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a metal baking pan, raise the temperature to 450°F (232°C).
2
In a 9x13 glass baking dish, arrange the sliced eggplant in a single layer, covering the base completely.
3
Evenly layer the sliced tomatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic over the eggplant.
4
Drizzle 1/2 cup of melted butter generously over the entire casserole.
5
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, garlic salt, and black pepper to taste over the top layer.
6
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
7
After 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven, take off the foil, and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8
In a small bowl, combine the toasted Italian bread crumbs with the remaining melted butter. Mix well and spread this crumb mixture over the cheese layer.
9
Finish by sprinkling the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the crumb topping.
10
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
11
For best results, use high-quality, fresh tomatoes to maximize flavor.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
14.5g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Baked Eggplant Parmesan Delight?
It is a savory Italian side dish made with layers of eggplant, fresh tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping.
How many servings does this eggplant recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the nutritional values per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 168 calories, 10g of fat, 14.5g of carbohydrates, and 6g of protein.
Is Baked Eggplant Parmesan Delight a vegetarian dish?
Yes, this dish is classified as vegetarian.
What is the recommended oven temperature for a glass dish?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) when using a glass baking dish.
Should I change the oven temperature if using a metal pan?
Yes, if you are using a metal baking pan, raise the temperature to 450°F (232°C).
How should I slice the eggplant for this recipe?
The medium eggplant should be cut into 1/2 inch slices.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13 glass baking dish is used for arranging the layers.
How do I arrange the eggplant in the baking dish?
Arrange the sliced eggplant in a single layer so that it completely covers the base of the dish.
What vegetables are layered on top of the eggplant?
Layer sliced tomatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic over the eggplant base.
How much butter is drizzled over the vegetables initially?
Drizzle 1/2 cup of melted butter generously over the vegetable casserole before the first bake.
What seasonings are used for the vegetable layer?
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, garlic salt, and black pepper to taste over the top vegetable layer.
Can I use dried basil if I don't have fresh basil?
Yes, you can substitute 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh basil with 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
How long should the dish bake while covered?
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes to soften the vegetables.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
After the initial 20 minutes of baking, remove the foil and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
How is the breadcrumb topping made?
Mix toasted Italian bread crumbs with the remaining melted butter in a small bowl before spreading it over the cheese.
What kind of bread is used for the crumbs?
The recipe calls for 2-3 slices of Italian bread, toasted and turned into crumbs.
When is the Parmesan cheese added to the dish?
Grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top of the breadcrumb mixture just before the final bake.
How long is the final baking step?
Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
How do I know the eggplant parmesan is ready?
It is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumb topping has turned golden brown.
What is the secret to maximizing the flavor of this dish?
Using high-quality, fresh tomatoes is key to maximizing the flavor.
Do leftovers keep well?
Yes, leftovers are excellent as they develop an even richer taste overnight.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What is the total amount of butter used?
A total of 3/4 cup of melted butter is used, divided between the vegetable layers and the crumb mixture.
Is this dish considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick' recipe suitable for weekday dinners.
What categories or tags describe this recipe?
Tags include vegetarian, baked, Italian, sides, quick, comfort food, eggplant, parmesan, and casserole.
How many large tomatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 large tomatoes, but you can use more if needed to cover the eggplant.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 primary ingredients listed in this recipe.
What are the dimensions of the recommended baking dish?
The recommended size is a 9x13 inch dish.