Panko-breaded eggplant is baked instead of fried for a healthier take on this classic and comforting dish! Enjoy it for dinner or as meal-prep lunches for the week. You will find eggplant from Grand Hope Farm and fresh basil from Four Dog Farm at the market this week!


  • 2 large or 4 small eggplant, cut into ¼-inch thick rounds
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • ¼ cup almond milk
  • 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt, more for sprinkling
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
  • 28 ounces Marinara Sauce
  • 2 large balls fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
  • ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium-sized shallow dish, whisk the eggs and almond milk.

In another medium-sized shallow dish, combine the panko, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and several grinds of pepper.

Dip the eggplant slices into the egg mixture and then into the panko mixture. Place onto the baking sheets, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 18 minutes or until tender and golden brown.

In an 8×12 or 9×13-inch baking dish, spread ½ cup marinara, layer half the eggplant, and top with 1 cup of marinara and half the mozzarella. Repeat with the remaining eggplant, the remaining marinara, and the remaining mozzarella. Sprinkle with the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a few more pinches of sea salt.

Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is nicely melted. Turn the oven to broil and broil for 2 to 4 or until the cheese is browned and bubbling.

Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil. Allow to set for 10-20 minutes before serving.