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Eggplant Parmesan Without Breadcrumbs

Eggplant Parmesan Without Breadcrumbs

This Eggplant Parmesan recipe uses no breadcrumbs — just flour-dredged eggplant, fresh marinara, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. A lighter take on the Italian classic.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 195

Ingredients
  

  • 3 eggplants, washed
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon of oregano
  • ½ teaspoon of dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups of fresh mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup of Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup of vegetable oil
  • 2 cups of marinara sauce

Method
 

  1. Slice the eggplants into approximately half-inch thick slices. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the slices to help release excess moisture. Cover the eggplant slices with another layer of paper towels and let them sit for 30 minutes. Afterward, pat dry the slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a container, combine the all-purpose flour with oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the flour mixture.
  3. Roughly chop some fresh basil leaves to add flavor to the dish.
  4. Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat each eggplant slice in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Fry the coated eggplant slices in batches until they turn golden brown on both sides, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. Place the fried slices on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  5. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Arrange a layer of fried eggplant slices on top of the sauce. Add spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the eggplant, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese and some of the chopped fresh basil. Repeat the layers until all the eggplant slices are used up, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce, mozzarella, and basil on top.
  6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake the assembled dish for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
  7. Allow the eggplant parmesan to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. Serve as a main dish or alongside your favorite pasta.

Notes

Storage & Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.