Crispy Breadcrumb Topped Layered Eggplant Wheels with Marinara Sauce
Recipe By: Alice Morrow
Ingredients
6-8 c. of marinara sauce (homemade or store bought) or do the following
4 T. olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 T. minced garlic
3 (28-oz.) cans whole, peeled Italian tomatoes, drained
Salt/black pepper
3-4 medium eggplants, cut into rounds
1 c. chopped fresh basil
Mixture of following cheeses or just select one: 2 c. shredded gouda; 2 c. shredded swiss; 2 c. Italian blend shredded cheeses; 2 c. shredded mozzarella
1-2 c. fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
½ c.-1 c. Italian bread crumbs
Olive oil
Instructions
In large skillet, put abut ¼” olive oil. Season the eggplant wheels with salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
Working in batches, cook eggplant on both sides until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Add more olive oil as needed to fry each batch.
In a 9x13” baking dish, spray with PAM. Preheat oven 400.
In bottom of dish, spread at least 1 c. of marinara sauce. Put a layer of eggplant wheels, overlapping. Sprinkle with fresh basil. Sprinkle with mixed cheeses. Then sprinkle the parmigiano on top of that.
Continue with next layer. Do three times.
Top layer should be the marinara sauce.
Sprinkle with bread crumbs and more basil.
Bake at 400 for 40-45 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
*****Freezes well after baking. After serving like this, if you cut it up into pieces, serve over pasta. I like to add grilled shrimp or crab meat on top for added flair.
Recipe by Geaux Ask Alice! at https://geauxaskalice.com/crispy-breadcrumb-topped-layered-eggplant-wheels-with-marinara-sauce/