My Absolute Favorite Way to Make Eggplant Parmigiana

Name: Eggplant Parmigiano
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Ingredients: 5 -6 small eggplants, skin peeled in stripes, salted and patted dry; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour seasoned with sea salt u0026amp; pepper (to taste); 1 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 3 cups Marinara sauce; 1/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese; 1 lb. fresh mozzarella cheese torn into small pieces; Fresh basil to finish

Making eggplant parmigiana can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be. Let Joanna Moeller of @spaghettiroots_nyc show you her reliable technique.

By Joanna Moeller

10:00 AM EST on December 10, 2024

Eggplant Parmigiana alla Joanna Moeller.

This version of eggplant parmigiana is my absolute favorite.

Don't get me wrong, I also love the version with the breadcrumb dredge as well, but there's something about this preparation that is lighter and melts in your mouth.

I love cutting the eggplant as thinly as possible. The light dusting of flour coats the outside of the eggplant perfectly, resulting in a luscious texture, as well as lending some structure to the eggplant and to the eggplant parmigiana dish in general.

I’ve had this version throughout my life, sometimes in people’s homes or in restaurants. This particular recipe is different from the one that my mother made. With lots of trial and error, I believe I have found the perfect preparation.

I hope you agree!

Eggplant Parmigiano

Recipe by Joanna Moeller

5.0 from 2 votes

Servings

6-8

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hour

Ingredients

5 5 -6 small eggplants, skin peeled in stripes, salted and patted dry
1/2 cup 1/2 all-purpose flour seasoned with sea salt & pepper (to taste)
1 cup 1 Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 cups 3 Marinara sauce
1/4 cup 1/4 Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup 1/2 grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
1 lb. 1 fresh mozzarella cheese torn into small pieces
Fresh basil to finish

Directions

To Fry the Eggplant
Dredge the eggplant pieces in the flour.
Heat the EVOO in a wide pan.
Add the eggplant and fry on both sides until brown.
Remove to a paper towel–lined baking sheet.
To Assemble and Bake
Preheat over to 400°F.
Add a full ladle of marinara sauce to the bottom of the baking dish.
Sprinkle approximately 2 tbsp. of breadcrumbs over the marinara.
Layer the fried eggplant over the sauce and breadcrumbs.
Top eggplant with grated Parmigiano cheese and fresh mozzarella.
Add another layer of sauce, eggplant, Parmigiano, mozzarella, and 2 tbsp. breadcrumbs.
Top with marinara sauce.
Bake for approximately 40 minutes (until it’s bubbly and the top is well browned).
Finish with fresh basil.