Can you prepare eggplant parmigiana and cook the next day?

Yes, you can prepare eggplant parmigiana ahead of time and cook it the next day. Simply layer the ingredients, including breaded and fried eggplant, marinara sauce, and cheese, in a baking dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you're ready to cook, preheat the oven and bake it directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary. This method allows the flavors to meld, often enhancing the dish's taste.