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Crispy Baked Eggplant

Crispy Baked Eggplant transforms ordinary eggplant into a delightful, guilt-free snack or side dish. With a golden-brown crust and creamy interior, this easy recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying cozy nights in. Serve it with marinara sauce or balsamic glaze for an irresistible flavor boost that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium eggplant (about 1 lb), sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Slice the eggplant, sprinkle salt on both sides, and let it sit for about 20 minutes to draw out moisture.
  3. In one bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, add olive oil.
  4. Coat each eggplant slice in olive oil, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
  5. Arrange on the baking sheets and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
  6. Serve warm with marinara sauce or balsamic glaze.

Nutrition

Keywords: For additional flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the breadcrumb mixture. You can also substitute breadcrumbs with crushed nuts for a unique twist.