Crispy Baked Eggplant Slices
Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic favorite with these Crispy Baked Eggplant Slices. This recipe retains all the delicious flavors of traditional fried eggplant while significantly reducing the fat content. The eggplant is coated in a savory blend of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, offering a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce, or can be enjoyed on its own as a fantastic finger food with a sprinkle of salt. Perfect for making Italian Eggplant Parmesan or delicious grinders, this dish is not only tasty but also a crowd-pleaser for anyone looking to enjoy vegetables in a fun and flavorful way.
6
Servings
50
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
2 (medium, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds)
egg whites
2 (beaten)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (plain or seasoned, for coating)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
basil
1/4 teaspoon (dried or use 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning)
garlic salt or garlic powder
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Generously spray a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a large bowl, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, dried basil or Italian seasoning, and a dash of garlic salt or garlic powder, mixing well to ensure even distribution.
4
Peel the eggplants and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
5
Dip each eggplant slice in the beaten egg whites, making sure to coat them thoroughly.
6
After dipping in the egg whites, immediately transfer the slices to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto each slice to ensure a good coating.
7
Arrange the coated eggplant slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the eggplant is golden brown and tender.
Nutrition Information
1.5g
Fat
6.5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recipe for Crispy Baked Eggplant Slices?
This recipe is a healthier twist on traditional fried eggplant, featuring slices coated in Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and parmesan, then baked until golden and tender.
How many calories are in a serving of this eggplant?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
This recipe is low in fat, containing only 1.5g per serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
How long do the eggplant slices need to bake?
Bake the slices for 12 to 15 minutes, ensuring you flip them halfway through.
Should I peel the eggplant before slicing?
Yes, the instructions recommend peeling the eggplants before slicing them into rounds.
How thick should I slice the eggplant?
Slice the eggplant into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds for even cooking.
What is used to make the eggplant crispy without frying?
A coating of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese provides the crunch when baked.
What liquid is used to help the breadcrumbs stick?
The slices are dipped in beaten egg whites before being coated in the breadcrumb mixture.
Can I use regular Italian seasoning instead of dried basil?
Yes, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of dried basil or 1/4 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
How do I prevent the eggplant from sticking to the pan?
Generously spray your baking sheet with cooking spray before arranging the eggplant slices.
Is this recipe suitable for making Eggplant Parmesan?
Absolutely, these crispy slices are perfect for using in Italian Eggplant Parmesan dishes.
Can these be served as a snack?
Yes, they make fantastic finger food and can be enjoyed with a sprinkle of salt or dipped in marinara sauce.
What are the main seasonings used in this dish?
The seasonings include Italian breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, dried basil, and garlic salt or powder.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 2.5g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 6.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use garlic powder instead of garlic salt?
Yes, the recipe allows for either garlic salt or garlic powder based on your preference.
Are these eggplant slices vegan?
As written, the recipe contains egg whites and parmesan cheese, but it can be adapted with vegan substitutes.
What should the eggplant look like when it is finished cooking?
The eggplant slices should be golden brown and tender.
How many eggplants do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 medium-sized eggplants.
Can these be used in sandwiches?
Yes, they are excellent for making delicious grinders or sub sandwiches.
Do I need to salt the eggplant to draw out moisture?
The provided instructions do not require salting the eggplant; you can proceed directly to peeling and slicing.
What kind of breadcrumbs work best?
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are recommended for the best flavor profile.
How much parmesan cheese is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Is this recipe considered a vegetable dish?
Yes, it is classified under vegetable, snack, and finger food categories.
Should the eggplant slices be crowded on the pan?
No, you should arrange them in a single layer to ensure they become crispy.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 6 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
According to the nutritional data, there is no sugar listed for this dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, because it uses standard breadcrumbs, but you could substitute with gluten-free crumbs to adapt it.