Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Sandwiches
Indulge in these delicious Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Sandwiches, combining the rich flavors of crispy, baked eggplant, zesty spaghetti sauce, and gooey mozzarella. Inspired by Italian cuisine, this easy-to-make open-face sandwich is perfect for lunch or as a snack. Each bite is a heavenly mix of textures, with the crunchiness of the breadcrumb crust paired with the softness of the rolls and the warmth of the melted cheese. Enjoy these sandwiches as a quick meal or as a delightful addition to any gathering!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplants
2 small (sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch slices)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 cups (none)
grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup (none)
large eggs
3 (beaten)
water
3 tablespoons (none)
olive oil cooking spray
to taste (for coating)
hard Italian rolls
4 (split in half)
spaghetti sauce
1 (16 ounce) jar (heated)
shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your broiler and adjust the oven rack so it is about 12 inches from the heat.
2
Slice the eggplants crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices.
3
In a shallow bowl, combine the Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
4
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until well blended.
5
Dip each eggplant slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, and then dredge it in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
6
Arrange the coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet that has been lightly coated with olive oil cooking spray. Generously spray the tops of the eggplant with more cooking spray.
7
Broil the eggplant slices for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy.
8
Once broiled, evenly distribute the crispy eggplant slices on the split Italian rolls placed on a baking sheet.
9
Spoon warmed spaghetti sauce over the eggplant, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
10
Return the assembled rolls to the broiler and broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Sandwiches?
They are open-face Italian-inspired sandwiches featuring baked eggplant with a breadcrumb-Parmesan crust, topped with spaghetti sauce and melted mozzarella on Italian rolls.
How many eggplants are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 small eggplants, sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices.
What ingredients are in the breading mixture?
The coating consists of 2 cups of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I make the egg wash for the eggplant?
Whisk together 3 large eggs and 3 tablespoons of water in a shallow bowl until well blended.
What is the recommended oven rack position for broiling?
The oven rack should be adjusted so it is approximately 12 inches away from the heat source.
How long should I broil the eggplant slices?
Broil the coated eggplant slices for 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and crispy.
What type of bread is used for these sandwiches?
The recipe calls for 4 hard Italian rolls, split in half to create an open-face style.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
You will need one 16-ounce jar of spaghetti sauce, which should be warmed before assembly.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The sandwiches are topped with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, these Crispy Eggplant Parmesan Sandwiches are categorized as a vegetarian meal.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
Do I need to fry the eggplant in oil?
No, the eggplant is broiled on a baking sheet coated with olive oil cooking spray for a healthier, crispy texture.
How do I ensure the breading sticks to the eggplant?
Dip each slice into the egg mixture first to fully coat it, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
How long do the assembled sandwiches cook?
Once assembled with sauce and cheese, broil the sandwiches for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can these be served as a snack?
Yes, they are versatile enough to be served as either a quick lunch or a delightful snack.
What is the preparation for the Italian rolls?
The rolls should be split in half and placed on a baking sheet before adding the eggplant and toppings.
Do I need to spray the top of the eggplant before cooking?
Yes, generously spray the tops of the coated eggplant slices with olive oil cooking spray before broiling.
What is the texture of the eggplant in this recipe?
The eggplant has a crunchy breadcrumb crust on the outside and remains soft on the inside.
Is the spaghetti sauce applied cold?
The instructions recommend spooning warmed spaghetti sauce over the crispy eggplant slices.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Italian seasoned?
You can, but Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are recommended for the specific herbs and flavor profile of this dish.
How thick should the eggplant slices be?
Slices should be crosswise and approximately 1/4-inch thick for even cooking.
What cuisine style is this dish?
This dish is inspired by Italian cuisine, specifically the traditional Eggplant Parmesan flavors.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is described as an easy recipe that is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.
How many eggs are used in the coating process?
The recipe uses 3 large eggs, which are beaten and mixed with water.
Can I add more Parmesan to the coating?
The recipe suggests 3/4 cup, but you can adjust the ratio of Parmesan to breadcrumbs to suit your taste.
Should the rolls be toasted separately?
The rolls are toasted during the final broiling step when the cheese is being melted.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Is this recipe baked or fried?
The eggplant is broiled in the oven, making it a baked alternative to traditional frying.
How do I distribute the eggplant on the rolls?
Once broiled, evenly distribute the crispy eggplant slices across the 4 split Italian rolls.
What makes the cheese bubbly?
The high heat of the broiler during the final 3 to 5 minutes of cooking melts the mozzarella until it is bubbly.