Save A comforting, Italian-inspired casserole layering tender eggplant, rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, finished with a golden Parmesan crust. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
I first made this Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna on a chilly weekend hoping to bring the warmth of Italy to our table. The cheesy layers and savory sauce quickly made it a requested favorite for cozy family nights.
Ingredients
- Eggplants: 2 large, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices
- Salt: 1 tablespoon (for sweating eggplant)
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: 1 1/2 cups
- Ricotta cheese: 2 cups
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan cheese: 3/4 cup, grated
- Pecorino Romano cheese: 1/2 cup, grated (optional)
- Marinara sauce: 4 cups (homemade or store-bought)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Dried oregano: 1/2 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- No-boil lasagna noodles: 9 (or regular, pre-cooked)
- Fresh basil leaves: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Oven and Eggplant:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay eggplant slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Let sit 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry.
- Breading the Eggplant:
- Dredge slices in flour, dip in eggs, and coat in breadcrumbs.
- Bake Eggplant:
- Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
- Prepare Sauce:
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in marinara, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Mix Cheeses:
- In a bowl, combine ricotta, half the Parmesan, and all Pecorino Romano (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Lasagna:
- Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer sauce, noodles, eggplant, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and repeat. Top with remaining noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Bake Lasagna:
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes more until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Garnish:
- Let rest 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil.
Save My kids love gathering around when it's time to spoon out the first cheesy, bubbling slice. It's always a little celebration at the table when this casserole comes out of the oven!
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, 9x13-inch baking dish, saucepan, mixing bowls, whisk, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (flour, breadcrumbs, noodles), Eggs, Milk (ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano). Always check product labels if using pre-made ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 510, Total Fat 23 g, Carbohydrates 48 g, Protein 26 g
Save The leftovers are just as delicious & perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch. Enjoy this lasagna with a simple salad or crusty bread.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do you prepare the eggplant for baking?
Slice the eggplant lengthwise, sprinkle with salt to draw out moisture for 30 minutes, then pat dry before breading and baking for a tender texture.
- → Can I use alternative cheeses in the layers?
Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are recommended for balance, but Pecorino Romano can be added for sharper flavor or substituted with similar hard cheeses.
- → Is it necessary to pre-bake the eggplant slices?
Yes, baking the breaded eggplant slices ensures they are golden and tender, preventing sogginess in the casserole.
- → Can I substitute fresh basil with dried herbs?
Fresh basil adds brightness as a garnish, but dried basil or oregano can be used in the sauce for flavor if fresh is unavailable.
- → What is the best way to assemble the layers?
Start with sauce on the bottom, then layer noodles, baked eggplant, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella, repeating until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese and sauce on top.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this dish?
Yes, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and noodles to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor.