- Eggplant Parmesan Bites

$- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds - Salt for sweating eggplants - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 3 large eggs, beaten - 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned) - 1 cup marinara sauce - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil) - Olive oil spray or a few tablespoons of olive oil for frying To make the best Eggplant Parmesan Bites, start with fresh eggplants. Choose firm ones without blemishes. The salt helps remove bitterness from the eggplant. It also improves the taste. After sweating the eggplant, rinse it well and pat it dry. This step is key for crispy bites. You will need a breading station for coating the eggplant. Set out three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with oregano. This setup makes breading easy and quick. As you prepare the other ingredients, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot when you're ready to bake your bites. Gather your marinara sauce, cheeses, and herbs for layering. You will love how these flavors come together! Using mozzarella and Parmesan gives the bites a rich and creamy taste. Fresh basil adds a nice touch. If you want a little more flavor, feel free to add spices to the breadcrumbs. For frying, you can use olive oil spray or pour a few tablespoons into a skillet. This helps the eggplant become crispy and golden. These ingredients work together to create a delicious snack that everyone will enjoy. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions and enjoy making these savory Eggplant Parmesan Bites! - Sprinkle salt on the eggplant slices and let them sweat. This step helps draw out moisture and bitterness. - After 30 minutes, rinse the slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. - Arrange three bowls in a row. - Fill one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs mixed with dried oregano and a pinch of salt. - Take each eggplant slice and dip it into the flour first. Shake off any extra flour. - Next, dip it into the egg to coat it. - Finally, press it into the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is well covered. - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Once hot, fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches. Cook until they are golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. - Drain them on paper towels to absorb any excess oil. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. - Place a layer of fried eggplant bites over the sauce. - Top each slice with a spoonful of marinara, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. - Repeat layering until all eggplant slices are used. - Finish with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top. - Sprinkle fresh basil for added flavor. - Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Following this simple guide will help you create delicious Eggplant Parmesan Bites. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To get the best breading on your eggplant bites, start with the right technique. Make sure you coat each slice evenly. First, dip it in flour. This helps the egg stick better. Then, cover it with the beaten egg. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure it sticks well. This process gives you that perfect crispy crust. Frying can be tricky. Keep the oil at the right temperature. If the oil is too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks. If it’s too cool, the bites soak up oil and get soggy. Aim for medium heat. You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread. If it bubbles and sizzles, you’re ready to fry your eggplant bites. Want to add a twist? Try mixing in spices or herbs with your breadcrumbs. Oregano adds a nice touch, but you can also experiment with garlic powder or crushed red pepper for heat. Fresh herbs like basil can add a burst of flavor. These simple tweaks can transform your eggplant bites into a unique snack that everyone will love. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_2}} You can easily make these bites gluten-free. Simply swap out the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs. Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. For the breadcrumbs, try crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free panko. This keeps the texture crisp while being safe for those with gluten sensitivities. Want a plant-based twist? Replace the eggs and cheese with vegan options. Use a flaxseed egg made from one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. For cheese, try vegan mozzarella or cashew cheese. This way, you enjoy the same great taste without animal products. Eggplant Parmesan Bites are great on their own, but you can enhance them further. Serve them with a side of marinara for dipping. A fresh salad pairs well too. For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Each option brings a unique flavor to your snack. To keep your Eggplant Parmesan Bites fresh, store them in airtight containers. This helps avoid sogginess. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. Seal it tightly and put it in the fridge. They stay good for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat without losing crispiness, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also use an air fryer. This method keeps them crispy and warm. Avoid using a microwave. It makes them soggy. You can freeze Eggplant Parmesan Bites for later. Let them cool completely first. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1 to 2 hours until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, they won't stick together. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results. Eggplant Parmesan Bites can last about three to four days in the fridge. To store them, place the bites in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat. When you're ready to enjoy them again, just reheat. Yes, you can make Eggplant Parmesan Bites ahead of time. You can prepare the eggplant and bread it a day before. Just store the breaded bites in the fridge until you are ready to fry or bake them. This saves time for a busy day. Eggplant Parmesan Bites can be healthy. Eggplants are low in calories and high in fiber. They also have vitamins like B6 and K. However, frying increases the fat content, so consider baking for a lighter option. The best dipping sauce is marinara sauce. It adds a nice, tangy flavor that complements the bites. You can also try pesto or a creamy garlic sauce for a twist. These options enhance the overall taste. Yes, you can bake Eggplant Parmesan Bites for a healthier version. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray them lightly with olive oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until golden and crisp. Enjoy a guilt-free snack! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions on how to make these tasty bites. Eggplant Parmesan Bites are simple yet delicious. We discussed the key ingredients, from eggplants to cheese. Following the step-by-step guide, you learned how to prepare, bread, and fry them. Tips for crispiness and flavor add extra value. Variations show options for gluten-free and vegan diets, making this dish flexible. Finally, proper storage and reheating keep leftovers tasty. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and remember: these bites are both fun to make and eat!$

Craving a delicious snack? Try these savory Eggplant Parmesan Bites that are crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-tasty! This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night at home. Learn how to layer flavors and achieve the perfect crunch with simple ingredients.Your taste buds will thank you!

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Ingredients

2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds

Salt, for sweating eggplants

1 cup all-purpose flour

3 large eggs, beaten

2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)

1 cup marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)

Olive oil spray or a few tablespoons of olive oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Eggplant:

- Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt on both sides and place them in a colander. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

Set Up Breading Station:

- Arrange three shallow bowls for the breading process. Fill one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with dried oregano and a pinch of salt.

Bread the Eggplant:

- Dip each eggplant slice first into the flour, shaking off the excess, then into the egg to coat, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure they are well coated.

Fry the Eggplant Bites:

- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil (or spray with olive oil). Once hot, fry the breaded eggplant slices in batches until golden brown and crisp on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Assemble the Bites:

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of fried eggplant bites over the sauce, and top each slice with a spoonful of marinara, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Bake the Bites:

- Repeat the layering until all eggplant slices are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Sprinkle fresh basil on top for extra flavor.

Final Bake:

- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve:

- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares or bite-size pieces. Serve with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings