Jun 09 2026
RestaurantsPacino's Italian RestaurantEggplant Parmesan Recipe

Eggplant Parmesan Recipe

Time1h 15m
Serves4

Crispy, golden-breaded eggplant slices layered with melted mozzarella and our rich, house-made marinara sauce. Served alongside gnocchi, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and tangy flavors.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Eggplant Preparation

Marinara Sauce

Method

Eggplant Preparation

  1. 1

    Prepare the Eggplant

    Slice the eggplants into 1/4-inch thick rounds and sprinkle salt on both sides. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness. Rinse and pat dry.

  2. 2

    Set Up Breading Station

    Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, dip into the egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

  3. 3

    Fry the Eggplant

    In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Marinara Sauce

  1. 4

    Sauté Garlic

    In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

  2. 5

    Cook the Sauce

    Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the saucepan. Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assembly

  1. 6

    Layer the Dish

    In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Place a layer of fried eggplant slices, followed by a layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with marinara sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

  2. 7

    Bake

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled dish for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

  3. 8

    Prepare Gnocchi

    While the dish is baking, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  4. 9

    Serve

    Let the Eggplant Parmesan cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve alongside the gnocchi and garnish with fresh basil.

More from Pacino's Italian Restaurant