Description
Learn how to make delicious Baked Eggplant Parmesan with this easy recipe. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 large eggplants, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds (6 mm)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 60 ml almond milk
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) panko breadcrumbs
- 1 1/4 cups (125 g) grated non-alcoholic cheese, divided
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 45 ml vegetable oil, for drizzling
- 28 ounces (800 g) marinara sauce
- 2 large fresh non-alcoholic cheese balls, thinly sliced
- 80 ml fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F and prepare two baking trays with parchment paper.
- In a shallow dish, combine the beaten eggs and almond milk.
- In a separate shallow dish, mix together the panko, 1 cup of grated cheese, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and a few twists of black pepper.
- Coat the eggplant rounds first in the egg mixture, then in the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange them on the baking trays, drizzle with vegetable oil, and bake for 18 minutes until they become tender and golden.
- In an 8×12 or 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread ½ cup of marinara sauce, arrange half of the eggplant slices, and layer with 1 cup of marinara and half of the sliced cheese balls. Repeat the layering with the remaining eggplant, marinara, and cheese slices. Scatter the remaining ¼ cup of grated cheese on top, drizzle with vegetable oil, and add a few extra pinches of sea salt. Bake for 20 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
- Switch the oven setting to broil and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Take it out of the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the eggplant rounds before baking for a crispier coating.
- Use freshly grated cheese to enhance the flavor of the topping.
- Customize the dish by adding your favorite herbs or spices for a personalized flavor profile.
