Step 1
Place a rack in higher third of oven; warmth broiler. Warmth 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a big ovenproof skillet over medium-high. Add 1 cup panko and 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt. Prepare dinner, stirring typically, till panko is golden brown and crisp, about 3 minutes. Switch to a small bowl.
Step 2
Warmth ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil in identical skillet over medium. Add 1 lb. globe eggplant (about 1 medium), minimize into 1″ items, and cook dinner, tossing sometimes, till evenly browned, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt and cook dinner, stirring typically, till eggplant is nicely browned and tender, 5–7 minutes. Switch to a medium bowl.
Step 3
Warmth remaining 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in identical skillet over medium. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and cook dinner, stirring typically, till softened, about 4 minutes. Add 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, and cook dinner, stirring typically, till aromatic, about 2 minutes. Add ¼ cup harissa and ¼ tsp. crushed crimson pepper flakes (if utilizing) and cook dinner, stirring typically, till barely darkened in coloration, about 2 minutes. Add one 28-oz. can crushed tomatoes and cook dinner, stirring typically, till sauce is barely thickened, 5–7 minutes; season with salt.
Step 4
Add eggplant again to pan and stir into sauce. Sprinkle panko evenly over and scatter 12 oz. recent mozzarella, coarsely grated (about 1½ cups), and 2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated (about 1 cup), on high (cheese ought to fully cowl panko).
Step 5
Broil eggplant parm till cheese is melted and blistered, about 3 minutes. Take away from broiler and high with parsley leaves with tender stems and basil leaves simply earlier than serving.
