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Crispy Baked Italian Eggplant Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

This Crispy Baked Italian Eggplant recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to fried eggplant, using a crispy breadcrumb coating seasoned with Italian herbs and parmesan cheese. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, this baked eggplant is flavorful, tender on the inside, and crisp on the outside.

Ingredients

Eggplant Preparation

  • 1 eggplant (sliced into 1/4 inch disks)
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Breading Station

  • 1 egg (whisked)
  • 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Prepare the eggplant: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Slice the eggplant into 1/4 inch thick disks. Lay the slices in a single layer on a cooling rack. Sprinkle both sides of the slices evenly with salt and let them sit for 15 minutes each side to draw out excess moisture. After each 15 minute period, dab the slices with a paper towel to absorb the released water, then flip to the other side and repeat.
  2. Prepare the dunking station: In a small bowl, whisk the egg until smooth and set aside. In another shallow bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, mixing well.
  3. Bread the eggplant: Dip each eggplant slice first into the whisked egg, allowing excess egg to drip off. Then coat the slice thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help the coating adhere evenly.
  4. Bake the eggplant: Arrange the breaded eggplant slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Carefully flip each slice and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and serve immediately. Mangia!

Notes

  • Salting the eggplant is important to remove bitterness and moisture, which helps the coating stick better and makes the eggplant less soggy.
  • Use a cooling rack over a baking sheet to allow air circulation around the eggplant slices for extra crispiness.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the Italian breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Serve as a side dish, appetizer, or layer in eggplant parmesan for a hearty meal.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/crispy-baked-italian-eggplant-recipe/