Eggplant Parmesan Bites

Eggplant Parmesan Bites are delicious, crispy morsels that combine the rich flavor of eggplant with tangy marinara sauce and gooey cheese. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these bites are both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• Eggplant - 1 medium
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• All-purpose flour - 1/2 cup
• Egg - 1 large
• Breadcrumbs - 1 cup
• Grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup
• Mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup, shredded
• Marinara sauce - 1/2 cup
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh basil - for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Slice the eggplant into 1 cm thick rounds and sprinkle both sides with salt. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Rinse the eggplant slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow bowl, beaten egg in another, and mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano in a third bowl.
5. Dip each eggplant slice first in flour, then in egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Place the breaded eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over them.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
8. Remove the eggplant from the oven and spoon a small amount of marinara sauce on each slice, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
9. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 38 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins from eggplant.
• Provides a good source of fiber aiding digestion.

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