Description
Crispy Baked Eggplant is a delightful dish that transforms ordinary eggplant into a culinary masterpiece. With its golden-brown exterior and tender interior, each bite offers a satisfying crunch that makes it hard to resist going back for more. This versatile recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, making it an essential addition to your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium eggplants (about 1 pound)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or basil) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the eggplants into ½ inch rounds and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Pat dry the eggplant slices and toss them in olive oil until evenly coated. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
- Combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan on a plate. Dredge each eggplant slice in the mixture until fully coated.
- Arrange breaded slices on a lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added flavor, experiment with spices such as smoked paprika or Italian herbs. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for optimal crunchiness.