Description
A delightful vegetarian dish featuring crispy baked eggplant slices with a golden crust, perfect for cozy nights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds eggplant (about 2 medium)
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling or spraying)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds and place them on a clean towel.
- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with kosher salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out the moisture.
- Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water to remove the salt and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Set up your breading station: Place the flour in a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together in another bowl, and combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning in a third bowl.
- Dredge each eggplant slice in flour, tapping off the excess.
- Dip the floured slice into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the slice in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere, and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat this process with all the eggplant slices.
- Drizzle the prepared slices with olive oil to help them achieve that golden-brown crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplant is crispy and golden brown.
- Serve warm, paired with marinara sauce if desired.
Notes
For a crispier texture, consider using an air fryer. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg