Eggplant Parmesan Lasagna Layers (Printable Version)

Tender eggplant with rich tomato sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and a golden Parmesan crust.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large eggplants, sliced lengthwise into 1/2-inch thick slices
02 - 1 tablespoon salt

→ Breading

03 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 - 2 large eggs, beaten
05 - 1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs

→ Cheeses

06 - 2 cups ricotta cheese
07 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
08 - 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)

→ Sauce

10 - 4 cups marinara sauce
11 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
14 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
16 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ For Assembly

17 - 9 no-boil lasagna noodles (or regular, pre-cooked)
18 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Arrange eggplant slices on a baking sheet and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
03 - Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with Italian-style breadcrumbs.
04 - Place breaded eggplant on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
05 - In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
06 - Combine ricotta cheese with half of the Parmesan and all of the Pecorino Romano (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
07 - Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
08 - In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce. Layer three lasagna noodles, half the baked eggplant slices, half the ricotta mixture, and one-third of the mozzarella. Add another layer of sauce and repeat with remaining noodles, eggplant, ricotta, and mozzarella. Top with final noodles, remaining sauce, and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
09 - Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10 - Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden.
11 - Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Satisfying vegetarian main that everyone will enjoy
  • Layers of flavor and texture in every bite
02 -
  • For a lighter version, grill eggplant slices instead of breading and baking
  • Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and noodles for a gluten-free option
03 -
  • Let the lasagna rest before slicing for neat layers
  • Fresh basil adds a pop of flavor and color on top
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