Description
Crispy Baked Italian Eggplant is a delicious and healthier alternative to fried eggplant. This recipe features breaded eggplant slices coated in Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then baked to golden perfection. With its savory flavors and crispy texture, it makes a perfect appetizer or side dish that’s easy to prepare and enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Eggplant Preparation
- 1 eggplant (sliced into 1/4 inch disks)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Breading Mixture
- 1 egg (whisked)
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the eggplant: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch thick disks. Lay the slices in a single layer on a cooling rack and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Dab the slices with a paper towel to absorb the water, flip them over, salt the other side, and let sit another 15 minutes. Dab again to remove any remaining moisture.
- Prepare the dunking station: Whisk the egg in a small bowl and set it aside. In another bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, mixing well to blend the flavors.
- Bread the eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice first into the whisked egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, press the slice gently into the breadcrumb mixture so the coating adheres evenly.
- Bake the eggplant: Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each slice and continue baking for another 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and serve hot. Mangia!
Notes
- Salting the eggplant helps reduce bitterness as well as excess moisture, which improves crispiness when baked.
- For extra crispiness, use a cooling rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation beneath the slices.
- You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten free.
- Serve with marinara sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Make sure to flip the eggplant halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
