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.
The first time I made eggplant parmesan lasagna, my kitchen was filled with the aroma of garlic and basil, reminding me of cozy Sunday dinners growing up. Baking the layered casserole together became a favorite tradition, especially on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Eggplant: 2 large eggplants, 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
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 2 cups
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 3/4 cup
- 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
- Black pepper and salt: to taste
- Lasagna noodles: 9 no-boil noodles (or regular, pre-cooked)
- Fresh basil leaves: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Eggplant:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay eggplant slices on baking sheet, sprinkle both sides with salt, wait 30 minutes, then pat dry.
- Breading:
- Dredge each slice in flour, dip in beaten eggs, coat in breadcrumbs.
- Bake Eggplant:
- Arrange breaded eggplant on parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
- Cook Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in saucepan over medium. Sauté onion for 5 minutes, add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in marinara, oregano, basil, salt, pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Ricotta Mixture:
- Mix ricotta, half Parmesan, all Pecorino Romano (optional), salt and pepper in bowl.
- Lower Oven Temp:
- Reduce oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble Lasagna:
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread thin sauce, layer noodles, half eggplant, half ricotta, one third mozzarella, sauce. Repeat layers. Top with noodles, sauce, remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil, bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 minutes longer until top is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let lasagna rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil.
Save 
Save This dish quickly became a favorite during family get-togethers, with everyone asking for seconds and leftovers for lunch the next day.
Required Tools
Baking sheet, parchment paper, 9x13-inch baking dish, saucepan, mixing bowls, whisk, knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, eggs, and milk products. If using pre-made cheese or sauce, check labels for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 510 calories, 23 g total fat, 48 g carbohydrates, 26 g protein
Save 
Save Enjoy this comforting casserole hot from the oven, and save leftovers for an easy next-day meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do you prepare the eggplant before layering?
Slice eggplant lengthwise, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Then pat dry and bread with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs before baking until golden and tender.
- → Can I use fresh basil in this dish?
Yes, fresh basil is used both in the sauce and as a garnish, adding fragrant herbal notes that complement the rich tomato and cheese layers.
- → What cheeses are included in the layers?
The layers combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and optionally Pecorino Romano cheeses, creating creamy and savory textures throughout.
- → Is there a lighter way to prepare the eggplant?
For a lighter option, grill the eggplant slices instead of breading and baking them, which reduces oil and calories.
- → What is the best way to assemble the casserole?
Layer sauce, noodles, eggplant, the ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and repeat until all ingredients are used. Top with sauce and remaining cheeses before baking covered, then uncovered for a golden finish.
- → Can gluten-free ingredients be substituted?
Yes, gluten-free breadcrumbs and lasagna noodles can replace traditional versions to accommodate dietary needs without compromising flavor.
