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- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½ inch rounds - Salt, for sweating the 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 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil for frying Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Eggplant Parmesan Bites. Start with fresh eggplants; they should feel firm and heavy. I like to use medium-sized eggplants because their flavor is just right. The salt helps draw out moisture, which makes the eggplant bites less soggy. Next, you need flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for the coating. I prefer Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor. Don’t forget the marinara sauce! It’s the perfect companion for these bites. Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese give a rich taste that you will love. Fresh herbs like basil bring a nice touch to this dish. You can use dried basil if fresh isn't available. Lastly, you can use olive oil spray or regular olive oil for frying. This will help achieve that golden brown, crispy texture. Having all these ingredients ready makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. If you're excited to get started, check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step instructions! To start, I need to prepare the eggplants. First, I slice them into ½ inch rounds. Next, I sprinkle salt generously on both sides of each slice. This step helps to draw out excess moisture and bitterness. I let them sit in a colander for about 30 minutes. After this, I rinse the slices under cold water. Then, I pat them dry with paper towels to remove any remaining moisture. Now, I set up my breading station. I arrange three shallow bowls in a row. In the first bowl, I add 1 cup of all-purpose flour. The second bowl holds 3 large beaten eggs. For the third bowl, I mix 2 cups of breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of dried oregano and a pinch of salt. This adds great flavor to the breadcrumbs. It's time to bread the eggplant slices. I take each slice and dip it into the flour first, shaking off any extra. Then, I immerse the slice in the beaten eggs, letting the excess egg drip off. Finally, I coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing slightly to make sure it sticks well. Next, I heat a skillet over medium heat. I add olive oil or spray it with olive oil. Once it's hot, I carefully add the breaded eggplant slices in batches. I fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. After frying, I place them on paper towels to absorb any leftover oil. Now, I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, I spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. I arrange the fried eggplant slices over the sauce. Each slice gets a spoonful of marinara, a handful of shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. I continue layering the eggplant, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan until I use all the slices. The top layer has to have a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan. For a fresh touch, I sprinkle chopped basil on top. I then transfer the dish into the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. I check for doneness by looking for melted, bubbly, and golden brown cheese. To see the full process, check out the Full Recipe. To make your eggplant bites extra crispy, here are a few key tips: - Use salt to sweat the eggplants. This will draw out moisture and bitterness. - Let the eggplant sit for 30 minutes after salting. Rinse and dry them well. - Make sure you coat each slice evenly. Press the breadcrumbs on firmly. - Fry in batches to avoid crowding. This keeps the oil hot and creates a better crunch. If you want to skip frying, try these alternatives: - Bake the bites at 375°F. Spray them lightly with olive oil for a crisp finish. - Use an air fryer. This method gives you a nice crunch with less oil. Adding herbs and spices can enhance the flavor of your eggplant bites. Here are some suggestions: - Mix in garlic powder or crushed red pepper for a kick. - Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley add fresh notes to the dish. - Experiment with spices like smoked paprika for a unique taste. When it comes to cheese, consider these variations: - Try using provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile. - Blend mozzarella with ricotta for a creamier texture. Eggplant Parmesan Bites can shine as appetizers or a main dish. Here are some pairing options: - Serve them with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. - Pair with a light pasta dish to balance flavors. For creative plating ideas: - Stack the bites in a small tower and drizzle marinara sauce on top. - Serve them on a wooden board with fresh basil for a rustic look. For the full recipe, check out the link provided. {{image_4}} You can swap eggplant for zucchini or squash. Both vegetables work well in this recipe. Slice them the same way. They absorb flavors just like eggplant does. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs. This makes the dish friendly for all diets. To spice up your marinara sauce, add crushed red pepper or garlic. This adds a kick to the bites. You can also experiment with different cheeses. Try using provolone or gouda for a unique taste. Mixing cheeses enhances flavor and makes each bite special. If you want a healthier option, an air fryer is perfect. It cooks the bites with less oil while keeping them crispy. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes. Just check to ensure they are golden brown. Baking is another great method. It’s simple and reduces the mess. After breading, place the bites on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. This gives you a crispy texture without frying. Feel free to get creative with these variations. You can find the Full Recipe for a complete guide to making these delicious Eggplant Parmesan Bites! To keep your Eggplant Parmesan Bites fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This will prevent the bites from drying out or absorbing other odors. If you have a large batch, divide them into smaller containers. This makes it easy to grab just what you need. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for long-term storage. They are great at sealing in flavor while being easy to clean. Always allow the bites to cool to room temperature before sealing them up. When reheating, aim to keep that crispy texture. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the cheese stay gooey and the bites crispy. For a quick fix, you can use a microwave. But remember, the bites might lose some crunch. To keep cheese gooey, cover the dish with a damp paper towel while microwaving. This adds moisture and helps heat evenly. Yes, you can freeze Eggplant Parmesan Bites. It's a great way to save some for later. First, let the bites cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. This helps them hold their shape. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. To thaw, place the bites in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps them tasty and enjoyable. Yes, you can prepare Eggplant Parmesan Bites ahead of time. Here’s how: - Sweat the eggplants: After slicing, sprinkle salt on both sides and let them sit for 30 minutes. Rinse and dry them afterward. - Bread the eggplants: Follow the breading process as described in the recipe. - Store: Place the breaded bites in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Fry before serving: When you are ready, fry the bites until golden brown. This keeps them fresh and crispy. You will know the eggplant is properly sweated when: - Texture: The slices should feel slightly soft. - Moisture: You will see beads of water or moisture on the surface. - Taste: Sweating reduces bitterness, making the eggplant taste sweeter. These signs show that the eggplant is ready for cooking. Eggplant Parmesan Bites pair well with various sides and drinks. Here are some ideas: - Side dishes: A fresh garden salad or garlic bread works great. You could also serve them with roasted vegetables. - Drinks: A light red wine, like Pinot Noir, complements the flavors well. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon. Absolutely! Eggplant Parmesan Bites are great for meal prep. Here’s why: - Make in batches: You can easily double or triple the recipe. - Store: Keep the bites in the fridge for up to three days after cooking. - Reheat: Use an oven to reheat, ensuring they stay crispy. For the full recipe, check the detailed steps above and start cooking! This blog post detailed how to make delicious Eggplant Parmesan Bites. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for crispy results. Remember to experiment with flavors and presentation to make this dish your own. Whether you serve them as a snack or a main course, these bites deliver great taste. Follow the storage tips to enjoy them later, too. With practice, you'll impress friends and family with your cooking skills. Now, it’s your turn to try this recipe and savor the deliciousness!

- Eggplant Parmesan Bites

Looking for a tasty treat that's easy to whip up? Try these Eggplant Parmesan Bites! This flavorful recipe teaches you how to turn fresh eggplants into crispy delights layered with gooey mozzarella and zesty marinara. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, these bites are sure to impress family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and get cooking today! Your new favorite dish is just a bite away!
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Ingredients
  

2 medium eggplants, sliced into ½ inch rounds

Salt (for sweating the 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 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

Prepare the Eggplant:

    - Generously sprinkle salt on both sides of the eggplant slices and arrange them in a colander. Allow the eggplants to sit for about 30 minutes. This step draws out excess moisture and bitterness. Afterward, rinse the slices under cold water and pat them dry using paper towels.

      Set Up Breading Station:

        - Create a breading station by placing three shallow bowls in a row. Fill the first bowl with all-purpose flour, the second bowl with the beaten eggs, and in the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with dried oregano and a pinch of salt for flavor enhancement.

          Bread the Eggplant:

            - Take each slice of eggplant and dip it into the flour first, shaking off any excess. Next, immerse the slice in the beaten eggs, allowing any extra egg to drip off, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing slightly to ensure an even coating.

              Fry the Eggplant Bites:

                - Heat a skillet over medium heat and add either olive oil or spray it with olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the breaded eggplant slices in batches, frying them until they turn golden brown and crispy, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. After frying, place them on paper towels to absorb any leftover oil.

                  Assemble the Bites:

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

                      Layer and Bake:

                        - Continue layering the eggplant, marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan until all the eggplant slices are used, ensuring the final layer features a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan. For added freshness, sprinkle chopped basil on top.

                          Final Bake:

                            - Transfer the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

                              Serve:

                                - Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes, then cut into squares or bite-sized pieces. Serve warm with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

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