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Classic Eggplant Parmesan

Classic eggplant parmesan layers golden, tender breaded eggplant with homemade tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Baked in a 9x13-inch dish until bubbling and browned, it rests before serving so the layers hold together.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Standing and resting time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt divided
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
For the eggplant
  • 2 eggplants medium (about 2 1/2 pounds total)
For the breading and frying
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 eggs large
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 cups Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 cups canola oil
For the assembly
  • 1 lb whole-milk low-moisture mozzarella shredded
  • 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese finely grated

Equipment

  • 1 3-quart saucepan
  • 1 12-inch skillet
  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Make the tomato sauce
  1. Heat the olive oil in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring, until fragrant.
  2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt, and the black pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Salt the eggplant
  1. While the sauce simmers, trim the eggplants and cut them crosswise into 1/2-inch slices. Arrange in a single layer, sprinkle both sides with the remaining 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and let stand for 30 minutes.
  2. Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them very dry with paper towels.
Bread and fry the eggplant
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Put the flour in one shallow bowl, beat the eggs with the water in a second bowl, and put the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
  3. Coat each eggplant slice in flour, shaking off the excess, then dip it in egg and coat it in breadcrumbs.
  4. Heat the canola oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat to 350°F. Fry the slices in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and tender, then drain on paper towels.
Assemble and bake
  1. Spread about 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange half the eggplant in the dish, spoon over half of the remaining sauce, and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan; repeat with the remaining eggplant, sauce, and cheeses.
  2. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is browned in spots.
  3. Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat the eggplant very dry after rinsing for crispier breading. Refrigerate leftovers for 3 to 4 days; freeze yes, for up to 2 months. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.