Eggplant Parmesan Italian Layers (Printable)

Layers of tender eggplant, marinara, ricotta, and mozzarella baked to golden perfection.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices
02 - 1 tablespoon salt (for sweating eggplant)

→ Breading

03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2 large eggs, beaten
05 - 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs

→ Cheeses

06 - 2 cups ricotta cheese
07 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)

→ Sauce

10 - 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ For Assembly

17 - 9 no-boil lasagna noodles (or regular, pre-cooked)
18 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

# How-To:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange eggplant slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt on both sides. Let rest 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry thoroughly.
02 - Coat each eggplant slice by dredging in flour, dipping into beaten eggs, then covering with breadcrumbs.
03 - Place breaded eggplant on parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
04 - Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper; simmer for 10 minutes.
05 - Combine ricotta cheese with half of the Parmesan and all Pecorino Romano (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Reduce oven temperature to 375°F for baking assembled layers.
07 - In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin sauce layer. Layer 3 lasagna noodles, half the baked eggplant, half the ricotta mixture, and one-third mozzarella. Add another layer of sauce. Repeat with remaining noodles, eggplant, ricotta, and mozzarella. Finish with final noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
08 - Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until top is bubbly and golden.
09 - Allow to rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Satisfying vegetarian main dish that everyone enjoys
  • Perfect make-ahead meal for gatherings
02 -
  • Letting eggplant rest with salt removes bitterness and makes it tender
  • Pecorino Romano adds extra tang, but you can omit for a milder flavor
03 -
  • If prepping ahead, assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving
  • Let lasagna rest after baking for easier slicing and best texture
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