Golden Crispy Oven-Baked Eggplant Rounds Recipe for Dinner

Sizzling and golden crispy oven-baked eggplant rounds tantalize taste buds with their irresistible crunch.

These delectable slices promise a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of tender interior and crisp exterior that melts in your mouth.

The secret lies in a simple yet magical coating that transforms ordinary eggplant into a restaurant-worthy side dish.

Seasoned with herbs and parmesan, these rounds become an addictive appetizer or side that everyone will adore.

Cooking this dish is easier than you might expect, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Get ready to impress with a foolproof recipe that turns humble eggplant into a star of the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient List for Crispy Oven-Baked Eggplant Rounds

• Eggplant: Select firm, glossy eggplant with smooth skin and no blemishes, which ensures tender and creamy texture when baked.

• Flour: Helps create a smooth base layer for crispy coating and helps breading stick to eggplant.
• Eggs: Acts as a crucial binding agent to make breadcrumbs adhere perfectly to eggplant slices.
• Panko Crumbs: Provides exceptional crunchiness and light, airy texture to the eggplant rounds.
• Parmesan Reggiano: Adds rich, nutty flavor and helps create golden-brown crispy exterior.

• Vegetable Oil, Butter: Ensures even browning and adds rich, delectable flavor to eggplant rounds.
• Fresh Flat Parsley: Brings bright, fresh herbal notes and beautiful green color to finished dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances the richness of cheese and breadcrumbs.

Tools Required for Crispy Oven-Baked Eggplant Rounds

• Baking sheet: Large, sturdy pan for even cooking and crispy results.
• Ziplock bags: Two bags for flour and panko coating mixtures, making breading easy.
• Whisk or fork: For beating eggs smoothly and evenly.
• Sharp knife: To slice eggplant into uniform rounds.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking sheet.

Instructions for Making Crispy Oven-Baked Eggplant Rounds

• Ingredient Preparation

Slice eggplant into thin, uniform rounds that will crisp beautifully in the oven. Select fresh, firm eggplants with smooth, glossy skin for the best texture and flavor.

• Breading Station

Create three separate stations: one with seasoned flour, another with beaten eggs, and a final one with a zesty panko and Parmesan cheese mixture. This layered coating ensures a crunchy, golden exterior.

• Baking Surface Preparation

Preheat the oven and warm a baking sheet with a light coating of oil and butter. The hot surface helps create an extra crispy bottom for the eggplant rounds.

• Coating Process

Dredge each eggplant slice through flour, then egg wash, and finally the seasoned panko mixture. Ensure each piece is evenly and generously coated for maximum crunchiness.

• Oven Transformation

Bake the coated eggplant rounds until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop a satisfying crunch. Flip midway to guarantee even cooking and a perfect crispy texture throughout.

Tips & Tweaks for Crispy Oven-Baked Eggplant Rounds

• Crispy Kitchen Hacks: Eggplant Edition
• Slice Thickness Magic: Cut eggplant rounds between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick for the perfect crispy-to-tender ratio. Thinner slices get extra crunchy, while slightly thicker ones stay soft inside.
• Moisture-Busting Technique: Sprinkle salt on raw eggplant slices and let them sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess water. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness during baking.
• Seasoning Supercharge: Experiment with different herb blends like Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or garlic powder mixed into the panko coating for extra flavor depth.
• Dipping Delights: Serve these crispy rounds with marinara sauce, tzatziki, or a quick garlic aioli for a restaurant-worthy appetizer that'll impress family and friends.
• Leftover Love: Reheat leftover eggplant rounds in an air fryer or toaster oven to maintain their crisp texture, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Oven-Baked Eggplant Rounds

• Appetizer Elegance: Serve these crispy eggplant rounds as a sophisticated starter at your next dinner party, perfectly paired with a zesty marinara dipping sauce.
• Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Create a vibrant platter by arranging the eggplant rounds alongside hummus, olives, feta cheese, and warm pita bread for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired spread.
• Salad Topper Sensation: Crumble these crispy rounds over a fresh green salad to add a crunchy texture and rich, savory flavor that transforms an ordinary salad into an extraordinary meal.
• Sandwich Surprise: Layer the eggplant rounds inside a warm ciabatta or focaccia bread with fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet sandwich experience.

Storage Notes for Crispy Oven-Baked Eggplant Rounds

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover eggplant rounds in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their delightful crispiness.
• Quick Freezer Stash: Stack cooled eggplant slices between parchment paper, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare eggplant rounds in advance during weekend cooking sessions. They work perfectly as a make-ahead side dish or snack for busy weekdays.
• Smart Portioning: Divide batches into individual serving sizes before storing. This trick helps quick reheating and prevents unnecessary waste while keeping each slice crispy and delicious.

Delectable Eggplant Rounds

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade crispy oven-baked eggplant rounds deliver Mediterranean magic with minimal effort. Herb-seasoned breadcrumbs and precise roasting technique ensure golden, crunchy results you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan Reggiano
• 1 ½ cups panko crumbs
• ½ cup flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 medium eggplant, washed and sliced into 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) thick rounds
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tbsp fresh flat parsley, finely chopped
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Flour Preparation: Create a seasoned flour mixture by blending flour, salt, and pepper within a spacious ziplock bag, ensuring thorough integration of seasonings.
2. Panko Coating Development: Craft a crispy coating mixture in another ziplock bag, combining panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and delicate salt and pepper seasonings.
3. Baking Sheet Preheating: Position a large baking sheet in the oven, generously coating its surface with vegetable oil and a touch of butter, allowing the butter to caramelize to a rich golden shade for 3-5 minutes at 425°F.
4. Eggplant Coating Process: Systematically dredge each eggplant slice through the seasoned flour, then dip into whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off before thoroughly coating with the prepared panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure a robust, textured crust.
5. Baking Technique: Carefully arrange the coated eggplant rounds on the preheated baking sheet, maintaining adequate spacing between slices for optimal crispiness.
6. Roasting Completion: Bake in a preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, rotating the slices midway through cooking to achieve a uniformly golden, crisp exterior, ensuring the eggplant is tender and the coating is beautifully bronzed and crunchy.

Notes

• Prep Strategically: Use ziplock bags for mess-free coating, ensuring clean hands and even seasoning distribution.
• Heat Matters: Preheat baking sheet with oil and butter to create a crispy, golden base that prevents sticking and enhances flavor.
• Coating Technique: Layer flour, egg, and panko in sequence for maximum crunch, pressing gently to help breading adhere perfectly.
• Baking Balance: Flip eggplant midway through cooking to guarantee uniform crispness and prevent uneven browning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 120mg