Eggplant Parmesan (with Sneaky Protein)

Eggplant Parmesan is a beloved classic that never goes out of style. It's a deliciously comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or simply enjoying a hearty meal at home. With its layers of tender eggplant, rich marinara, and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to be a hit. This recipe offers a healthier take by using cottage cheese, adding creaminess and protein without extra calories.

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 2 large eggs
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cottage cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F.

2. In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. In another bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Dip each eggplant slice into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then press into the bread crumb mixture, coating both sides evenly. Place the coated slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

4. Lightly spray the coated eggplant slices with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy on the outside.

5. Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange half  of the baked eggplant slices over the sauce. Top with half of the remaining marinara sauce, all of the cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the remaining Parmesan.

6. Add another layer of the remaining eggplant slices, top with the rest of the marinara sauce, and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted.

8. Let the eggplant Parmesan rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set a bit, making it easier to serve.

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Tips for the Best Eggplant Parmesan:

• Choose Fresh Eggplants: Look for eggplants that are firm and

heavy for their size with smooth, shiny skin.

• Use High-Quality Marinara

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