Savory Baked Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwich
Indulge in this deliciously crafted Savory Baked Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwich! Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe combines the rich flavors of baked eggplant, fresh herbs, and gooey melted mozzarella on toasted whole grain buns. The eggplant is perfectly breaded and baked to crispy perfection, making it a delightful alternative to traditional meat-based sandwiches. Ideal for vegetarians and anyone looking to add more flavor and nutrition to their meals, share this with friends and family for an unforgettable taste experience!
4
Servings
195
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unseasoned breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (None)
Fresh basil
4 teaspoons (Finely chopped)
Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (Grated)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Egg
1 (Whisked)
Eggplant
12 slices (1/4-inch thick)
Olive oil
4 teaspoons (Drizzled)
Multi-grain thin buns
2 (Split and toasted)
Pasta sauce
3 tablespoons (Preferred good quality sauce)
Part-skim mozzarella cheese
4 slices (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2
In a shallow bowl, mix together the unseasoned breadcrumbs, finely chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
3
In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg until well blended.
4
Dip each slice of eggplant into the whisked egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
5
Place the coated eggplant slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the slices with olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
6
Bake the eggplant in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7
Once baked, transfer the eggplant to a clean plate and discard the parchment paper.
8
Set the toasted halves of the multi-grain thin buns, cut side down, on the same baking sheet.
9
Evenly distribute the baked eggplant slices on each bun half, spoon a generous amount of your favorite pasta sauce over the eggplant, and top with a slice of part-skim mozzarella cheese for each sandwich.
10
Place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for about 2 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
11
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein substitute in this sandwich?
The main ingredient used as a meat alternative in this sandwich is sliced eggplant.
Is the Savory Baked Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwich vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses eggplant, eggs, and cheese without any meat products.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this eggplant sandwich?
Each serving contains approximately 195 calories.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for multi-grain thin buns, split and toasted.
How long do the eggplant slices need to bake?
The eggplant slices should be baked for 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
How thick should the eggplant be sliced?
The eggplant should be cut into 12 slices, each about 1/4-inch thick.
What kind of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 4 slices of part-skim mozzarella cheese.
What ingredients make up the breading mixture?
The breading consists of unseasoned breadcrumbs, finely chopped fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and salt.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 8 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this sandwich?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this sandwich provide?
Each sandwich contains 7.5 grams of protein.
Do I need to use oil for baking the eggplant?
Yes, the recipe suggests drizzling the eggplant slices with 4 teaspoons of olive oil before baking.
What should I use to line the baking sheet?
You should use parchment paper to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
How do I prepare the egg for the breading process?
One egg should be whisked in a shallow bowl until well blended.
What is the final step in assembling the sandwich?
The final step is to place the assembled sandwiches under the broiler for about 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbling.
Can I use any type of pasta sauce?
Yes, you can use 3 tablespoons of your preferred good quality pasta sauce.
Is fresh basil required?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh basil mixed into the breadcrumbs for flavor.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 10 total ingredients required for this recipe.
How much salt is used in the breading?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Should the buns be toasted before assembly?
Yes, the multi-grain thin buns should be split and toasted.
How do I ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the eggplant?
Dip the eggplant into the whisked egg first, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure they adhere.
Can this be served for lunch or dinner?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This is classified as a vegetarian Italian-style sandwich or comfort food.
How much Parmesan cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, with 195 calories and being baked rather than fried, it is tagged as a healthy option.
What should the cheese look like after broiling?
The mozzarella should be bubbling and lightly golden.
How many eggplant slices go on each sandwich?
Since there are 12 slices for 4 servings, each sandwich typically uses 3 slices of eggplant.
How much olive oil is used?
A total of 4 teaspoons of olive oil is used to drizzle over the eggplant slices.