---
title: "Eggplant Parmesan"
section: recipes
description: "Crispy panko-crusted eggplant topped with melted mozzarella, served over a vibrant blistered cherry tomato sauce."
tags: ["italian", "vegetarian", "eggplant", "tomato", "comfort", "food"]
created: 2025-07-28T08:51:00Z
updated: 2026-07-29T21:20:28Z
cid: bafkreifx43lchjndlaxk4knkdhoap6cskch6hmyzf4uekneyn5yaz6orke
html: https://iammatthias.com/recipes/1753717869129-eggplant-parmesan
---

# Eggplant Parmesan

```recipe
yield: "2 servings"
time: "40 min active · 1 h 20 total"

ingredients:
  - { id: eggplant, item: "eggplant", amount: "1 medium", note: "sliced into 1/2-inch rounds", group: "Eggplant" }
  - { id: kosher-salt, item: "kosher salt", amount: "to taste", note: "for drawing out moisture", group: "Eggplant" }
  - { id: panko-breadcrumbs, item: "panko breadcrumbs", amount: "½ ¼ cups", group: "Eggplant" }
  - { id: eggs, item: "eggs", amount: "1 large", note: "beaten", group: "Eggplant" }
  - { id: kosher-salt-2, item: "kosher salt", amount: "to taste", group: "Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce" }
  - { id: unsalted-butter, item: "unsalted butter", amount: "2 tbsp", note: "for frying", group: "Eggplant" }
  - { id: olive-oil, item: "olive oil", amount: "1 tbsp", note: "mixed with butter for frying", group: "Eggplant" }
  - { id: olive-oil-2, item: "olive oil", amount: "1 tbsp", group: "Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce" }
  - { id: cherry-tomatoes, item: "cherry tomatoes", amount: "2 cups", group: "Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce" }
  - { id: shallot, item: "shallot", amount: "½ large", note: "finely chopped", group: "Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce" }
  - { id: black-pepper, item: "black pepper", amount: "to taste", note: "freshly cracked", group: "Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce" }
  - { id: fresh-basil, item: "fresh basil", amount: "½ small handful", note: "torn, for finishing", group: "Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce" }
  - { id: fresh-mozzarella, item: "fresh mozzarella", amount: "4 oz", note: "sliced", group: "Eggplant" }
  - { id: grated-parmesan, item: "grated parmesan", amount: "⅛ cup", note: "optional, for garnish", group: "Eggplant" }
  - { id: garlic-cloves, item: "garlic cloves", amount: "1–2 cloves", note: "thinly sliced", group: "Blistered Cherry Tomato Sauce" }

steps:
  - id: s1
    in: [eggplant, kosher-salt, kosher-salt-2, panko-breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic-cloves]
    do: "lay out eggplant slices"
    for: "30–45 min"
    detail: "Lay out eggplant slices and sprinkle both sides generously with kosher salt. Let sit for 30–45 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dip each slice in beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs."
    phase: "To prepare the eggplant"
  - id: s2
    in: [s1, unsalted-butter, olive-oil, olive-oil-2]
    do: "heat 1 tbsp butter"
    for: "2–3 min"
    detail: "In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp butter and 1½ tsp olive oil. Fry eggplant slices in batches, adding more butter/oil as needed, until golden brown and lightly crisped, about 2–3 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined tray."
    phase: "To prepare the eggplant"
  - id: s3
    in: [s2, cherry-tomatoes, shallot]
    do: "heat olive oil"
    for: "3–5 min"
    detail: "Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add cherry tomatoes and let them blister undisturbed for 2–3 minutes. Add shallot and garlic, stirring frequently until fragrant and tomatoes begin to burst, another 3–5 minutes."
    phase: "To make the blistered cherry tomato sauce"
  - id: s4
    in: [s3, black-pepper, fresh-basil]
    do: "season with salt"
    detail: "Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in torn basil and remove from heat. Keep warm. *(Optional)* For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend to desired consistency, either partially or fully."
    phase: "To make the blistered cherry tomato sauce"
  - id: s5
    in: [s4, fresh-mozzarella]
    do: "preheat oven to 375°F"
    detail: "Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the fried eggplant slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Top each with a slice of fresh mozzarella."
    phase: "To assemble"
  - id: s6
    in: [s5]
    do: "bake for 12–15 minutes"
    for: "12–15 min"
    detail: "Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. *(Optional)* broil for 1–2 minutes for light browning on the cheese."
    phase: "To assemble"
  - id: s7
    in: [s6]
    do: "spoon a generous bed"
    detail: "Spoon a generous bed of the cherry tomato sauce onto each plate. Place the eggplant slices directly over the sauce."
    phase: "To serve"
  - id: s8
    in: [s7, grated-parmesan]
    do: "garnish with grated"
    detail: "Garnish with grated parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately."
    phase: "To serve"
```

---

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