How to Make Crispy Baked Parmesan Eggplant Rounds
Eggplant is an incredible vegetable that can be used to create delicious dishes, but one of the tastiest ways to enjoy it is by making crispy baked parmesan eggplant rounds. This is a healthier alternative to frying eggplant, and the crunchy texture paired with the cheesy parmesan flavor makes it a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through how to prepare this dish step-by-step using simple ingredients and methods.
Why Choose Baked Eggplant?
Eggplant is naturally low in calories and rich in antioxidants, making it a nutritious option for your meals. Baking the eggplant is healthier than frying because you avoid the need for excessive oil, yet you still get a crispy, golden-brown result. Plus, with the addition of parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, the eggplant rounds transform into a delicious savory treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray or a small amount of olive oil
These ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store and you might even have most of them in your kitchen already!
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these steps to create crispy, cheesy eggplant rounds:
1. Prepare the Eggplant
Wash the eggplant thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, slice the eggplant into round disks that are about 1/4-inch thick. Try to keep the slices uniform so they bake evenly.
2. Salt the Eggplant
Eggplants can sometimes have a slightly bitter taste. To remove this bitterness, sprinkle salt lightly over both sides of each slice. Let the slices sit for 15-20 minutes on a paper towel or a baking rack. During this time, the salt will draw out excess moisture. Afterward, wipe the eggplant rounds with a clean paper towel to remove the salt and moisture.
3. Prepare Your Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls for breading:
– Bowl 1: Add the flour.
– Bowl 2: Beat the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper.
– Bowl 3: Mix the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Having these bowls ready makes it easier to coat the eggplant slices properly.
4. Bread the Eggplant
Take each eggplant round and dip it into the flour first, coating both sides. This helps the egg stick. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully covered. Finally, press it gently into the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture, ensuring the entire surface is coated with the crispy layer.
Continue this process until all the eggplant slices are breaded.
5. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
6. ** Arrange and Bake**
Place the breaded eggplant rounds on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure there’s space between each slice so they cook evenly. Spray the tops of the eggplant rounds lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up.
Bake the eggplant for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The eggplant rounds should be golden brown, crispy, and cooked through when done.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the eggplant rounds from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. These crispy rounds are delicious on their own, but you can also dip them in marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or a garlic aioli for extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Eggplant Rounds
- Don’t skip the salting process: Removing the moisture from the eggplant helps it stay crispy and prevents the slices from turning soggy.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: If you prefer extra crunch, panko breadcrumbs work beautifully in place of regular breadcrumbs.
- Keep an eye on the oven: Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so check the rounds after 20 minutes to make sure they’re not overdone.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
Crispy baked parmesan eggplant rounds are easy to make, healthy, and versatile. This dish is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking for a meat-free option that feels indulgent and satisfying. It’s also an excellent way to introduce eggplant to kids or picky eaters because the cheesy coating makes it irresistible.
Give this recipe a try the next time you want to whip up a quick and tasty snack or side dish. Whether you pair it with a salad, pasta, or serve it as a finger food for a party, these eggplant rounds are sure to impress your family and guests!
Do you feel ready to bake now? Let us know in the comments how your eggplant rounds turn out, or share any creative twists you add to the recipe!
