Crunchy Eggplant Parmigiana: Herbed Breadcrumb Magic Recipe

Golden, bubbling, and utterly irresistible, this crispy eggplant parmigiana with herbed breadcrumbs delivers layers of mouthwatering comfort.

Tender eggplant slices get a delightful crunch from perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs that dance with herbaceous notes.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and rich, Mediterranean-inspired flavors that melt in your mouth.

The dish combines classic Italian techniques with a modern twist that makes it impossible to resist.

Melted cheese mingles with robust tomato sauce, creating a harmonious blend that speaks to culinary tradition.

Warm, satisfying, and packed with incredible depth, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create something truly spectacular.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Eggplant Parmigiana with Herbed Breadcrumbs Ingredient List

• Eggplant: Fresh, firm vegetable that provides meaty texture and absorbs flavors beautifully; choose glossy, heavy eggplants without blemishes.
• Coarse Salt: Helps draw out moisture and reduce bitterness from eggplant; enhances overall texture and flavor.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates initial dry layer for better egg and breadcrumb adherence; helps achieve crispy exterior.
• Eggs: Acts as binding agent to help breadcrumbs stick perfectly to eggplant slices; ensures even coating.
• Bread Slices: Transforms into homemade breadcrumbs for extra crunch and personal touch; day-old bread works best.
• Parmesan Cheese, Italian Herbs, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Infuse breadcrumbs with robust, savory flavors and aromatic complexity.

• Olive Oil: Provides rich, smooth cooking medium for frying eggplant; adds subtle Mediterranean essence.
• Marinara Sauce: Introduces tangy, robust tomato base that complements eggplant's mild flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers creamy, stretchy texture and mild dairy richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top for sharp, nutty finish.
• Fresh Basil, Oregano: Adds bright, herbaceous garnish with authentic Italian character.

Tools for Layering Crispy Eggplant the Easy Way

• Large Skillet: Essential for frying eggplant slices to golden perfection.
• Baking Sheet: Perfect for alternative oven-baked method if not frying.
• Casserole Dish: Key for layering and baking the final eggplant parmigiana.
• Food Processor: Quickly transforms bread into fine, even breadcrumbs.
• Three Mixing Bowls: Crucial for breading station with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
• Paper Towels: Helps remove excess moisture from eggplant slices.
• Cutting Board: Used for slicing eggplants into even rounds.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise eggplant cutting.

How to Make Eggplant Parmigiana with a Crunchy Twist

• Eggplant Preparation

Slice eggplants into delicate rounds, transforming them into canvas-like pieces ready for culinary magic. Sprinkle sea salt across surfaces, allowing moisture to release and concentrate incredible flavors.

• Crispy Coating Creation

Craft a magical breadcrumb mixture by blending toasted bread with zesty herbs, fragrant garlic, and nutty parmesan. This golden coating will elevate humble eggplant into a gourmet delight.

• Breading Adventure

Create a playful breading station with flour, whisked eggs, and herb-infused crumbs. Lovingly coat each eggplant slice, ensuring a perfectly crunchy exterior that promises irresistible texture.

• Cooking Transformation

Select your culinary path – sizzling skillet or gentle oven. For skillet lovers, golden-brown edges emerge after quick frying. Oven enthusiasts can achieve an even, crisp result with patient baking.

• Layered Comfort

Build a mouthwatering landscape in your baking dish. Alternate marinara, crispy eggplant, melting mozzarella, and parmesan, creating a symphony of Mediterranean flavors.

• Final Flourish

Bake until cheese transforms into a bubbly, bronzed masterpiece. Sprinkle fresh basil to add a vibrant, aromatic finale that celebrates this spectacular dish.

Tips for the Perfect Herbed Breadcrumb Crust

• Use a combination of olive oil and vegetable oil to reduce heavy oil absorption while maintaining a crispy exterior.
• Replace Italian herbs with fresh herbs from your garden like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram to personalize the breadcrumb mixture.
• Prepare breaded eggplant slices in advance and freeze between parchment paper layers for quick weeknight meal preparation.
• Add crumbled feta cheese between layers or sprinkle za'atar spice blend over the final dish for a Middle Eastern-inspired variation.

Serving Eggplant Parm in a Cozy or Elegant Style

• Pair with Crusty Bread: Slice a warm, rustic Italian bread to soak up the rich marinara and melted cheese, enhancing the eggplant parmigiana's incredible flavors.
• Serve with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish and add a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Wine: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the robust tomato sauce and cheesy eggplant layers, elevating the entire dining experience.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle additional chopped basil and oregano just before serving to brighten the dish with a burst of fresh, aromatic flavors and add a vibrant green garnish.

Storage Tips for Eggplant Parm Without the Sog

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover eggplant parmigiana in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the crispy texture intact and flavors locked in.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap, storing for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain quality.
• Reheat with Care: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy breadcrumbs and maintain the dish's original texture.
• Prep in Advance: Assemble the entire dish earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and peak flavor profile.

Golden Eggplant Parmigiana Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delectable crispy eggplant parmigiana with herbed breadcrumbs showcases Italian culinary mastery through layered, golden-brown excellence. Cheese-laden slices and fragrant herbs promise a satisfying meal that delights palates with Mediterranean charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggplants
• 3 eggs
• 1 lb (453.6 g) mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
• 1 ½ to 2 ½ cups marinara sauce
• 6 bread slices
• ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil (for frying)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 tsps Italian herb blend
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1–2 tbsps fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Slice eggplant into uniform circular rounds, maintaining consistent thickness for even cooking.
2. Salt Treatment: Generously sprinkle kosher salt on eggplant surfaces, allowing moisture extraction for 10 minutes to reduce bitterness and enhance flavor profile.
3. Breadcrumb Creation: Transform bread into fine, golden breadcrumbs by toasting and processing, then blend with parmesan, Italian herbs, garlic, salt, and black pepper for robust seasoning.
4. Breading Station: Establish three-stage coating process – flour dredging, egg dipping, and herbed breadcrumb pressing to ensure complete, crispy coverage.
5. Cooking Method: Choose between frying in olive oil until golden-brown (2-3 minutes per side) or baking at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until crisp and tender.
6. Layering Technique: Construct multi-dimensional casserole by alternating marinara sauce, breaded eggplant slices, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, creating complex flavor and textural dimensions.
7. Final Baking: Roast assembled dish at 400°F (204°C) for 30 minutes, ensuring cheese becomes bubbly with slightly browned surface.
8. Finishing Touch: Garnish with fresh basil and oregano leaves to introduce vibrant aromatic elements to the crispy eggplant parmigiana.

Notes

• Salt Treatment Magic: Extracting moisture from eggplant reduces bitterness and prevents soggy texture, creating a more refined and crispy final dish.
• Breading Technique Mastery: Systematic three-stage coating ensures maximum crunch by creating layers of flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs that lock in flavor and create a perfect golden exterior.
• Cooking Method Flexibility: Choose between frying for intense crispiness or baking for a healthier approach, both techniques delivering delicious results with slight textural variations.
• Cheese Layer Strategy: Alternating layers of marinara, eggplant, and multiple cheese types builds complex flavor depth and ensures each bite is rich and satisfying.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg