How to Make Delicious Parmesan Eggplant
Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, and pairing it with parmesan cheese is a game-changer. Parmesan eggplant is a popular Italian-American dish that is easy to make and impresses with its rich and satisfying flavor. In this article, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of making parmesan eggplant, along with some variations and tips to elevate your dish.
What You Need for Parmesan Eggplant
Before we dive into the recipe, gather the following ingredients and supplies:
- 2 medium eggplants
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil (for sautéing)
- Additional parmesan cheese, grated, for serving (optional)
Preparation Steps
Here’s the step-by-step recipe for making parmesan eggplant:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cut the eggplant: Cut the eggplants into 1-inch thick slices, discarding ends. |
| 2 | Brush with oil and season: Brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoned salt (a.k.a. kosher salt) on both sides. |
| 3 | Dredge in flour: Coat each eggplant slice in flour, shaking off excess. |
| 4 | Dip in breadcrumbs: Coat the floured eggplant slices in breadcrumbs. |
| 5 | Fry and drain: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil (such as vegetable or canola) in a large skillet over medium-high. Fry the eggplant slices (2-3 minutes per side). Repeat with remaining slices. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. |
Zest Up with Garlic (Optional)
Want to add an extra layer of flavor to your parmesan eggplant? Omit the breadcrumbs after step 4 and sauté 2-3 minced garlic cloves (1-2 minutes) per side in the skillet before proceeding with step 5.
Assembly and Baking
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Prepare parmesan mixture: Mix parsley (if using), garlic (if sautéed), and melted butter. |
| 2 | Assemble eggplant: Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with additional melted butter. Arrange layers of eggplant slices, dotting with the parmesan mixture on each layer. |
| 3 | Final layer: Top with shredded parmesan cheese and dollop of melted butter. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, then broil for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden brown. |
| 4 | Serve: Warm and enjoy, topped with additional parsley and grated parmesan (if desired). |
<h2 Variations and Tips
Explore these variations and tips to elevate your parmesan eggplant recipe:
Layering options:
• Meatballs, sliced Italian sausage or ground beef adds a meaty twist
• Thinly sliced red onion, bell pepper, and or mushrooms add extra textures and flavors
• Pesto mixed with parmesan cheese boosts the flavor
Make it light:
• Top with fresh tomatoes, basil and mozzarella for a bruschetta inspired dish
• Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for more flavor
Make it ahead:
• Prepare eggplant slices, breadcrumbs and parmesan mixture 1 hour beforehand
• Bake and assembe for a quick rehearsal dinner or special occasion
Conclusion
With these steps, you’ll soon be enjoying the crispy, cheese-covered goodness of parmesan eggplant. Experiment with variations and combinations to create your own unique twist on this delicious Italian-American classic. Whether as an appetizer, main course or for a special occasion, parmesan eggplant is sure to delight your taste buds.
Additional Tips:
• Preheat your oven 15 minutes in advance to ensure a hot 375°F (190°C) interior.
• Don’t overfill your baking dish, as eggplant requires some room to breathe during the layering process.
• Keep leftover breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese away from children, as they can represent a choking hazard.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!