Will Eggplant Parm hold up if I assemble and bake today and heat and serve tomorrow? I don't want it to get soggy? Thoughts?

@pamcakes101
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4 Comments

Chris B. August 22, 2024
It will hold up well pre assembled a day or two ahead. But what’s more convenient and holds up best is baking it ahead (up to two days) then reheating. Many restaurants do this, taking portions from large pre bakes and reheating with fresh cheese and sauce. For best results, use thicker slices, salt (not for bitterness but to extract water), and do the classic preparation of flouring, dipping in egg, dredging in breadcrumbs, and frying in oil.
 
Jenny O. January 17, 2011
Prepare all the components in advance and assemble and bake tomorrow. If you're breading the eggplant, I would also do that tomorrow, since eggplants hold a lot of water and will probably make the crust soggy overnight. Be sure to give the eggplant plenty of time and salt to sweat out so it doesn't end up spongy.
 
hardlikearmour January 17, 2011
I think it'll get soggy.
 
drbabs January 17, 2011
I think what I would do is prepare the eggplant, drain it well, grate the cheeses and prepare the sauce, and refrigerate them separately. Then tomorrow I would bring everything to room temperature, layer the eggplant, sauce and cheeses, and bake it just before serving. Leftover eggplant parmesan is OK as leftovers but it's not as good as fresh-baked (imho).
 
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