Are you ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey?

I’m updating my Crispy Baked Eggplant recipe to create a scrumptious dish with a twist – the baked eggplant will be the star on the bottom, and a luscious blend of stewed tomatoes and cheese will be spooned over the top. To make it even more flavorful, we’ll drizzle it with balsamic glaze.

Not only all that, but it’s easy to make!

 So, let’s get into this delightfully crispy baked eggplant recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 2 cups bread crumbs (Panko works well for extra crispiness)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups canned stewed tomatoes (I prefer fire roasted tomatoes)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling
• Balsamic glaze for drizzling
• Cooking spray

Optional Ingredients:

• Red pepper flakes for a little kick
• Sliced black olives for added flavor
• Sliced bell peppers for extra color and taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: . Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray. .
2. Prepare the Eggplant: . Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt on both sides and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This will help remove excess moisture. Pat them dry with a paper towel. .
3. Breading the Eggplant: . In one bowl, place the beaten eggs. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs. Nest, dip each eggplant slice into the egg, letting any excess drip off, then coat it in breadcrumbs. Place the breaded eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet. .
4. Bake the Eggplant: . First, drizzle olive oil over the breaded eggplant slices. Then, bake for about 20-25 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown. .
5. Layer the Dish: . In a separate bowl, mix the stewed tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, and parsley. Place the baked eggplant slices in the bottom of your baking dish, followed by a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Spoon the stewed tomatoes over top. .
6. Bake Again: . Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden, and the tomato mixture is hot and slightly caramelized. ..
7. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: . Drizzle a generous amount of balsamic glaze over the cheese and eggplant. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but the sweet and tangy flavor will add a wonderful contrast to the dish. .
8. Serve: . Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Garnish with extra fresh basil and parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Baked Eggplant:

• If you have time, you can let the eggplant slices sit with salt for longer to draw out more moisture, making them even crispier.
• Use Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
• Preheating your baking sheet in the oven before adding the eggplant can help make them crispier.

Dinner Table Fodder:

Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is native to the Indian subcontinent and has a rich history. It was first cultivated in India over 4,000 years ago. In ancient times, eggplant was a symbol of prosperity and believed to bring good luck. It traveled along the Silk Road to Europe, where it was initially grown as an ornamental plant before it became a staple in Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of eggplant, tomatoes, and cheese is a classic in many cuisines, and this dish is a modern interpretation of that tradition.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, assuming 4 servings)

• Calories: 445
• Total Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 137mg
• Sodium: 870mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 11g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 25g

Crispy Baked Eggplant Side Dishes

This dish can stand on its own, but if you’d like some side dish ideas, consider serving it with a fresh garden salad, garlic bread, or a simple pasta salad. The cool and crisp contrast of a salad or the comforting warmth of garlic bread complements the eggplant dish perfectly. Give it a try, and let your taste buds savor the delight of crispy baked eggplant with tomatoes and cheese. Don’t forget to share the history with your dinner companions for a delightful conversation starter.

Godere!

P.S. Be sure to check out these other eggplant recipes…

 

Speaking of baking dishes, these are good ones (with lids for leftovers!)…