A delicious and cheesy eggplant parmesan bake that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Author:Caroline Jones
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 5 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick planks
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp Italian seasoning
4 cups marinara sauce
1½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Arrange the slices on baking sheets and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly golden.
In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, egg, half of the Parmesan, dried basil, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce in the bottom of the baking dish.
Layer roasted eggplant slices over the sauce. Spread the creamy cheese mixture over each layer, then spoon over more marinara. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with marinara, mozzarella, and the remaining Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and deeply golden.
Broil for 2–3 minutes to create a beautifully caramelized cheesy crust.
Let the bake rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad.
Notes
For a lower-carb version, consider using less marinara sauce.
Make sure to roast the eggplant thoroughly to enhance its flavor.
This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.