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Delicious Garlic Herb Crusted Eggplant Slices Recipe

Delicious Garlic Herb Crusted Eggplant Slices Recipe
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Delicious Garlic Herb Crusted Eggplant Slices are tender eggplant rounds coated with a crispy, aromatic garlic and herb breadcrumb crust. This versatile and healthy dish is quick to prepare, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light main course, and combines crunchy texture with rich herb flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium firm eggplant (about 1 lb), sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
  • 2–3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred or fine)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, thyme, and oregano mix (or 1 tablespoon dried herbs)
  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Variations & Substitutions

  • Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free/vegan option
  • Add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
  • Swap herbs with basil, rosemary, or dill according to preference
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts for gluten-free diet

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Eggplant: Wash the eggplant and slice it evenly into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Optionally, sprinkle salt over the slices and let them rest for 20 minutes to draw out bitterness and moisture. After resting, pat the slices dry with a paper towel.
  2. Make the Garlic Herb Crust: In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, minced garlic, herbs (fresh or dried), Parmesan cheese if using, salt, and pepper. Drizzle in olive oil gradually, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated and hold together slightly when pressed.
  3. Coat the Eggplant Slices: Lightly brush both sides of each eggplant slice with olive oil. Then firmly press each slice into the garlic herb breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides evenly to form a generous crust.
  4. Cook to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the slices gently halfway through, until the crust turns golden brown and crisp, and the eggplant becomes tender. Alternatively, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes for extra crispiness.

Notes

  • Slice eggplant uniformly to ensure even cooking.
  • Salting and drying eggplant slices helps reduce sogginess and bitterness.
  • Fresh herbs enhance flavor vibrancy but dried herbs work well.
  • Brushing olive oil is essential for crisp, golden crust formation.
  • Flip eggplant slices carefully halfway through baking to maintain crust integrity.
  • Garlic herb breadcrumb mixture can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggplant, garlic herb crust, appetizer, snack, vegetarian, gluten free, easy recipe, baked eggplant, crispy eggplant

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/delicious-garlic-herb-crusted-eggplant-slices-recipe/