Cheesy baked eggplant parmesan is a delightful Italian comfort food that combines roasted eggplants with a rich and creamy cheese mixture, topped with marinara sauce and baked to perfection.
Author:Caroline Jones
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 large eggplants, halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup ricotta cheese
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Score the flesh of the eggplants lightly and brush with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Place the eggplants cut-side up in a baking dish and roast for 25 minutes until soft and slightly golden.
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, minced garlic, half of the parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley until creamy and flavorful.
Spoon marinara sauce over each roasted eggplant half. Add the ricotta mixture, then top generously with mozzarella and the remaining parmesan cheese.
Return to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbling beautifully.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with garlic bread, pasta, or a crisp salad.
Notes
Salt the eggplant before roasting to remove excess moisture and bitterness.