Classic Eggplant Parmesan Recipe!

This easy Eggplant Parmesan recipe features crispy, breaded slices of eggplant topped with marinara sauce and plenty of mozzarella cheese, baked into a saucy and cheesy casserole. You are going to fall in love with this vegetarian twist of our top-rated classic Italian Chicken Parmesan recipe.

We love making family-friendly, Italian-inspired dishes, from Baked Ziti, Bruschetta, Lasagna, and Tuscan Shrimp Pasta. It’s a special bonus when we can incorporate fresh ingredients like tomatoes, fresh herbs, and eggplant straight from our summer garden.

Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

Eggplant, also known as “aubergine,” may seem exotic, but it belongs to the nightshade family, making it as common as its relatives, tomatoes and potatoes. While we don’t cook with it often, it’s a real treat when we do.

One of my guilty pleasures is my mom’s Spicy Eggplant dish. If you’re a fan of eggplant, or even if you’ve never tried it, this easy Eggplant Parmesan recipe is a must-add to your culinary repertoire. You won’t regret it!

Tips for Choosing a Good Eggplant

When shopping at the store, farmer’s market, or your home garden, here’s what to look for:

✅Size: small to medium-sized eggplants, as they tend to be less bitter and have fewer seeds. The eggplant should feel heavy due to its high water content.

✅Sound: Give the eggplant a gentle knock; a hollow sound might indicate it is older and contains more seeds. You want one that sounds dense and solid.

✅Appearance: Choose eggplants with uniform skin color, no matter which variety you buy, and ensure the skin is firm when pressed. Look for a green cap and stem indicating freshness.

😎What to Avoid – eggplants that are too soft might be past their prime, bitter, and starting to spoil. A lighter-weight eggplant or one with a brown stem means it was picked longer ago and has started to dry out and become bitter.

More Eggplant Recipes

If you’re a fan of eggplant, don’t miss out on these other delicious recipes featuring this versatile ingredient. Who knew there were so many fantastic ways to enjoy eggplant?