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Cheesy Oven Eggplant Parmesan

A delicious and comforting dish featuring layers of tender roasted eggplant, melty cheese, and rich marinara sauce, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Eggplant
  • 2 large large eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
  • 2-3 tablespoons Olive oil For drizzling over the eggplant
  • Salt and pepper To taste
For the Layering
  • 4 cups marinara sauce Homemade or store-bought
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Fresh mozzarella is recommended for better texture
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Or fresh if available
  • Fresh basil leaves For garnish

Method
 

Preparing the Eggplant
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and drizzle olive oil over them. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast them in the oven for about 20 minutes until slightly tender.
Assembling the Dish
  1. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
  2. Start layering! First, add a layer of roasted eggplant on top of the sauce, then sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this process until you’ve used all the ingredients, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce followed by mozzarella and sprinkled Parmesan cheese.
Baking
  1. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Afterwards, remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnishing and Serving
  1. Once done, let it sit for about 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing and serving.

Notes

To minimize bitterness and make the eggplant extra tender, sprinkle the slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes before roasting. Rinse and pat dry! Feel free to layer in additional ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or spices to customize your dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze before baking for up to three months.