Are you ready to transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering Italian culinary experience? Our Eggplant Parmesan Freezer Meal is the ultimate solution for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Imagine crispy, golden-breaded eggplant layers smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted cheese, delivering a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Eggplants
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Bread crumbs
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the eggplant by washing and slicing into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and let them sit on paper towels for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels. Create a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each eggplant slice first in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with the bread crumb mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Arrange the breaded eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheets. Drizzle or brush each slice lightly with olive oil.
- Bake the eggplant slices for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Begin layering: start with a layer of baked eggplant slices, then cover with marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layering process until all eggplant slices are used, finishing with a generous topping of cheese.
- Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
- For freezer meal preparation, assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Tips
- Salt and drain your eggplant slices before breading to remove excess moisture and prevent sogginess. This crucial step ensures a crispy, delicious result.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible - especially the basil and Parmesan cheese - to elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish.
- For extra crispiness, use a combination of panko and traditional bread crumbs in your breading mixture.
- When preparing as a freezer meal, label your container with the date and contents. The dish can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.
- For a lighter version, you can also grill or air fry the eggplant slices instead of baking for a slightly healthier alternative.
- Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help the layers set and make serving easier.
- Serve with a side of crusty Italian bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
