Oven-Baked Eggplant Appetizer

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prep the Eggplant: Wash the eggplants and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. If you prefer a less bitter taste, you can salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 2: Bread the Eggplant

1. Prepare the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bread the Slices: Dip each eggplant slice into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Place the breaded eggplant slices onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Eggplant

1. Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle the breaded eggplant slices with olive oil or use a cooking spray to lightly coat them. This helps to achieve a crispy texture while baking.
2. Bake: Bake the eggplant slices in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish: Once baked, remove the eggplant slices from the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve: Serve the oven-baked eggplant slices warm, with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce on the side.

Conclusion

This Oven-Baked Eggplant Appetizer is a light and crispy starter that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare. The combination of the crispy breadcrumb coating with the tender eggplant inside makes for a delightful bite every time. Whether you’re serving it at a party or as a side dish, this eggplant appetizer is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more!