Description
At its core, classic Eggplant Parmesan—often referred to in Italian cuisine as Melanzane alla Parmigiana—is an iconic baked dish made of sliced eggplant that is breaded, baked or fried, layered with tomato sauce and cheese, and then baked until bubbly.
Ingredients
Scale
For the eggplant
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½-inch (1.25 cm) rounds
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil or cooking spray
For the beef bacon crumble
- 6–8 slices halal beef bacon, diced
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For assembling
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the eggplant
- Sprinkle the slices with salt.
- Let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Pat dry with paper towels.
- Cook the beef bacon
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the diced halal beef bacon until crisp, about 6–8 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Bread the eggplant
- Mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and pepper.
- Dredge each slice in flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake
- Arrange on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
- Spray or brush lightly with olive oil.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
- Assemble
- Spread a thin layer of marinara in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer:
- Eggplant
- Marinara
- Mozzarella
- Parmesan
- A sprinkle of crispy beef bacon crumble
- Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Finish with mozzarella, Parmesan, and the remaining beef bacon crumble.
- Bake again
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra browning, if desired.
- Rest and serve
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
Keywords: Halal Beef Bacon Eggplant Parmesan, Baked Eggplant with Beef Bacon, Crispy Halal Eggplant Casserole