Baked fried breaded eggplant –Elevate your culinary skills with our delightful Baked “Fried” Breaded Eggplant recipe. This dish offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried eggplant while preserving the comforting, crispy texture we all crave. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or main course, this versatile recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Baked “Fried” Breaded Eggplant
Experience the exquisite flavors of this baked dish that beautifully balances the richness of eggplant with a crunchy, golden coating. It’s simple to prepare and uses readily available ingredients to create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½-inch rounds
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions:
- Prepare the Eggplant: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the eggplants into ½-inch rounds, then sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture, which will prevent a soggy texture.
- Set Up Breading Station: In three separate bowls, place the flour in the first, whisk the eggs in the second, and combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Bread the Eggplant: Rinse the salted eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Dredge each slice in flour, dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure they adhere well.
- Bake: Arrange the coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil to enhance crispness. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the eggplant from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
Enjoy this healthier rendition of a classic favorite that maintains all the flavor and texture without the excess oil. It’s the perfect addition to any meal and a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.