Eggplant Parmesan Without Sauce
	
		A classic Italian-American dish featuring breaded and fried eggplant slices layered with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, baked until golden and bubbly.
	 
	
		
							- Author: sarra
 
							- Prep Time: 45 minutes
 
							- Cook Time: 30 minutes
 
							- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
 
							- Yield: 6 servings 1x
 
							- Category: Main Course
 
							- Method: Baking
 
							- Cuisine: Italian
 
							- Diet: Vegetarian
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			
- 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
 
- 1 tablespoon salt (for drawing out moisture)
 
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
 
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
 
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
 
- 3 large eggs, beaten
 
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
 
- 3 cups marinara sauce
 
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
 
- Olive oil, for frying
 
- Salt and pepper, to taste
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Slice the eggplants and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
 
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
 
- Prepare a breading station: place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with 1/2 cup Parmesan in a third.
 
- Coat each eggplant slice first in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
 
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry eggplant slices until golden brown on each side, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
 
- Spread 1 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer fried eggplant slices over sauce, then top with more sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil. Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and cheese.
 
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
 
- Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- For a lighter version, bake the breaded eggplant slices instead of frying.
 
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free.
 
- Fresh mozzarella can be used for a creamier texture.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 portion
 
							- Calories: 380
 
							- Sugar: 9g
 
							- Sodium: 890mg
 
							- Fat: 18g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 7g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 39g
 
							- Fiber: 7g
 
							- Protein: 16g
 
							- Cholesterol: 80mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: eggplant parmesan, baked eggplant, Italian vegetarian recipe, aubergine parmigiana