Baked Eggplant Parmesan Casserole

Name: Baked Eggplant Parmesan Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 large or 2 small eggplants; a pinch of sea salt; 1/4 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs (panko); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 3/4 cup grated fresh mozzarella cheese; 2 1/2 cups marinara sauce

Published: Mar 4, 2019 · by Anne · This post may contain affiliate links 36 Comments

Baked eggplant casserole tastes just like eggplant parmesan without all of the work.

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Eggplant Parmesan casserole on a blue plate with arugula

Baked eggplant parmesan casserole is an easy and healthier way to enjoy a classic Italian dish. It's filled with all of the ingredients that we love in traditional eggplant parmesan, with less fuss. It is a vegetarian dinner that's perfect for a meatless Monday or any day of the week.

This is the best eggplant parmesan recipe ever! If you love classic eggplant parmesan but don't love all of the work that goes along with it, this recipe is for you.

Unlike the traditional version, instead of breaded eggplant slices, crispy bread crumbs are sprinkled onto the eggplant. And the best part is, this eggplant casserole only has to be cooked once. No frying and bread crumbs are optional.

Try these eggplant meatballs, which are also a delicious and easy recipe!

Recipe Highlights

It's made with a few simple ingredients and in one dish.
It's a quick and easy recipe that can be on your table in an hour or less!
Eggplant casserole is a healthy, quick dinner with a low-carb option.

Here is what you will need

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This is an overview of the ingredients and steps to make this recipe; scroll down for a printable recipe card with exact measurements and instructions.

Ingredient List

Eggplant
Sea Salt
Bread Crumbs
Dried Oregano or Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
Marinara Sauce

Equipment

a photo of ingredients needed to make eggplant casserole

How to make Eggplant Parmesan casserole

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 1. Slice the eggplant

Prepare the eggplant by slicing it into ¼ inch thick rounds.

an overhead view of tomato sauce in a casserole dish

Step 2. Add sauce

Spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom of the pan or an oven-proof casserole dish.

eggplant slices arranged in a casserole dish on top of sauce

Step 3. Add eggplant slices

Arrange the eggplant rounds in the casserole dish in a single layer while slightly overlapping the slices.

overhead view of eggplant slices in casserole with bread crumbs on top

Step 4. Add the crumbs

Sprinkle the top of the eggplant slices with panko breadcrumbs and oregano.

photo of eggplant casserole assembled and ready for the oven

Step 5. Add more sauce and cheese

Top the eggplant with the remaining sauce and cheese. Cover the casserole and place it into the 375-degree f oven; bake for 30 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for 5 to 10 minutes longer.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

The full list of ingredients to make this recipe is above. Below are notes about some of the ingredients, along with ideas for substitutes.

Eggplant - You can use any type of medium to large eggplant to make this wonderful recipe. I like to use globe eggplant which is the traditional purple eggplant or Italian eggplant which looks similar to the globe variety but is smaller in size.

Panko Bread Crumbs - These are crispy and larger than regular breadcrumbs. I like to use panko in this recipe because they add a nice crunch.

An equal amount of regular Italian breadcrumbs can be substituted or you can leave them completely out for a gluten-free eggplant casserole.

Mozzarella Cheese - Fresh mozzarella or buffalo mozzarella cheese is the best cheese to use and shred it or slice it yourself. It's lighter and fresher tasting.

The Tomato Sauce - Here is a recipe for my homemade sauce which doesn't take a long time to make. But if you are in a time crunch, feel free to use a high-quality bottled sauce.

eggplant casserole on a plate with a red and white checkered napkin

Serving Suggestions

Serve your eggplant casserole garnished with fresh basil and a side of your favorite pasta, garlic bread and a kale caesar salad or a simple spinach salad on the side.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Eggplant casserole can easily be made ahead of time by following the instructions in the recipe, but don't add the cheese. Store the prepared casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to two days.

To cook, bring the casserole to room temperature, sprinkle it with cheese cover it, and bake.

How to store & freeze leftovers

Store leftover eggplant parmesan casserole in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container.

Reheat it in the microwave or the oven at 350 until it is heated through.

Make two batches of eggplant casserole and freeze one without the cheese in a covered freezer container for up to three months.

Thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions just before serving.

Recipe Variations

Dairy-Free - Replace the cheese with ¼ cup nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese sprinkled on top or leave the cheese off completely.

Gluten-Free - Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or leave them out completely for a low-carb eggplant parmesan casserole.

Recipe Tips

Leave the eggplant skin on, unless it is tough. It is the most nutritious part of the eggplant.
Fresh mozzarella cheese can be crumbly and difficult to shred, try freezing it for about 30 minutes to firm it up before shredding it.

Do you have to soak eggplant before cooking it?

No, it is not necessary to soak eggplant unless the eggplant is large or has a bitter taste to it.

Does this eggplant parmesan casserole freeze well after it's been cooked?

Yes, it does. Store room-temperature cooked eggplant in the freezer. It can be cooked from frozen or thawed in the refrigerator. The reheated frozen casserole might be a little soggy.

a close-up shot of eggplant parmesan on a blue plate with arugula

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