Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Delight
This Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Delight is a savory and satisfying dish that may surprise you with its rich flavor and delightful textures. It features freshly sliced eggplant that is breaded and fried to a perfect golden brown, layered with a luscious homemade spaghetti sauce, and topped with gooey melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile; you can serve it over a bed of pasta or enjoy it on its own for a hearty meal. Whether you're looking for a vegetarian option or a delicious dish to please the whole family, this Eggplant Parmesan will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table.
8
Servings
512
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Eggplant
1 (washed and sliced into 8 1/2 inch slices)
Mozzarella-Parmesan Cheese Blend
2 cups (shredded)
Egg
1 (beaten)
Milk
1/2 cup (whole or your choice)
Breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups (seasoned with garlic powder)
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Olive Oil
1 cup (for frying)
Spaghetti Sauce
2 cups (store-bought or homemade)
Cooked Pasta
to serve
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until hot, but not smoking.
4
Dip each eggplant slice into the egg/milk mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
5
Coat the eggplant in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
6
Carefully place four slices of breaded eggplant into the hot olive oil. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7
Remove the fried eggplant from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
8
Repeat the process with the remaining eggplant slices.
9
Spread 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
10
Layer the fried eggplant slices on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining spaghetti sauce over the eggplant.
11
Sprinkle the mozzarella-parmesan cheese blend generously over the top.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13
Serve hot over cooked pasta or enjoy as is.
Nutrition Information
34g
Fat
46g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Delight?
It is a savory vegetarian dish featuring breaded and fried eggplant slices layered with spaghetti sauce and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
Is this Eggplant Parmesan recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized as a vegetarian pasta dish.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the eggplant before breading?
The eggplant should be washed and sliced into eight 1/2 inch thick slices.
What ingredients make up the egg wash?
The egg wash consists of one beaten egg whisked together with 1/2 cup of milk.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Use 1 1/2 cups of breadcrumbs seasoned with garlic powder for the best flavor.
How long do I fry the eggplant slices?
Fry the slices for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of olive oil for frying the eggplant.
How do I prevent the fried eggplant from being too greasy?
Place the fried eggplant slices on a plate lined with paper towels immediately after frying to absorb excess oil.
What size casserole dish is needed for this recipe?
You should use a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
How much spaghetti sauce is used in the bottom of the dish?
Spread 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish before adding the eggplant.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
A 2-cup blend of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese is used.
How long should the dish bake in the oven?
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Can I serve this with pasta?
Yes, it is excellent served hot over a bed of cooked pasta.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 512 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
There are 34g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 46g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this recipe provide per serving?
This dish provides 13g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 10 ingredients including salt and pepper.
Can I use store-bought spaghetti sauce?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade spaghetti sauce.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include vegetarian, italian cuisine, eggplant, cheesy, comfort food, and baked.
Should the olive oil be smoking before I start frying?
No, the oil should be hot but not smoking before you add the eggplant.
How do I layer the ingredients in the casserole dish?
Layer sauce on the bottom, followed by the fried eggplant, the remaining sauce, and finally the cheese blend.
What type of milk is recommended for the egg mixture?
The recipe suggests whole milk or your personal choice of milk.
How many total slices of eggplant should I have?
You should have 8 slices total.
Is salt and pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, salt and pepper are included to be added to taste.
What is the main texture profile of this dish?
The dish features a contrast between the crispy breaded eggplant and the gooey, melted cheese.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe that is versatile and simple to prepare.
What makes the breadcrumbs 'seasoned' in this recipe?
The breadcrumbs are specifically seasoned with garlic powder.