Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant: 7 Steps to Perfection

Name: Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant: 7 Steps to Perfection
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 1 h 2 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 large eggplant; salt (for drawing out moisture); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

by basmer

9 de February de 2026

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Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant is a delightful dish that has transformed my approach towards vegetables. Picture tender eggplant slices, perfectly coated in a crispy, flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, baked to golden perfection. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up, making it an ideal side dish or appetizer for any occasion. If you want to impress your guests—or simply treat yourself—this dish is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant

This Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant brings together the beautiful flavors of garlic and Parmesan in a way that will have everyone asking for seconds. Here are a few reasons to love this recipe:

It’s a fantastic vegetarian option that pleases even meat-lovers.
The crispy texture makes it feel indulgent without being heavy.
Easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Low-carb, which is great for those watching their intake.
Full of flavor thanks to the garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Perfectly versatile as an appetizer or a side dish.
It can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.

This dish falls under the Italian cuisine category, making it a wonderful addition to any meal.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant

Gather these items:

1 large eggplant
salt (for drawing out moisture)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant Step-by-Step

Step 1: Wash the eggplant and trim off the green stem end. Optionally, peel the skin if preferred. Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick disks.
Step 2: Place the sliced disks in a colander or on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet, sprinkle generously with salt, and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness.
Step 3: Melt the unsalted butter in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, shredded Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, mixing them thoroughly.
Step 4: Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 5: Dip each eggplant disk first into the melted butter, ensuring both sides are coated, then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breading evenly.
Step 6: Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then place the breaded eggplant disks on it in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the eggplant slices for 15 minutes.
Step 8: Carefully flip each slice and bake for an additional 7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the breading is crispy.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and serve warm. These crispy Garlic Parmesan Eggplant Slices make a great side dish or appetizer.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant

Keep these in mind:

Make sure to salt the eggplant well to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness.
Use fresh breadcrumbs if possible for a better texture.
Experiment with additional spices in the breadcrumb mixture to customize the flavor.

These tips will help ensure a delightful outcome as you master the Baked Eggplant with Garlic and Parmesan.

Best Ways to Serve Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant

This dish is incredibly versatile! Here are a few serving suggestions:

Serve as a starter with marinara sauce for dipping.
Pair with pasta dishes for a flavorful side.
Use in a sandwich or wrap for added texture and taste.

These serving ideas will help you enjoy this Vegetarian Garlic Parmesan Eggplant Dish in various ways.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain its crispiness. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant

What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant?

For the best results, make sure to salt the eggplant adequately before cooking. This will help remove excess moisture and bitterness, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the breaded eggplant slices in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Simply bake them fresh when ready to serve for optimal crispiness.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant?

To avoid soggy eggplant, ensure you properly salt and dry the slices before breading, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.

Variations of Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant You Can Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations:

Add some chopped fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
Try a vegan alternative by using plant-based butter and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Experiment with different types of cheese for varied taste profiles.

These ideas will keep your culinary adventures exciting while enjoying this classic dish!

For more delicious vegetarian recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Garlic Parmesan Bread Bites as a tasty appetizer!

Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant: 7 Steps to Perfection - Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant - additional detail

For more information on the health benefits of eggplant, you can visit Healthline.

Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant: 7 Steps to Perfection

Author: basmer
Total Time: 62 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Tender eggplant slices coated in a crispy, flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, baked to golden perfection. A delicious and easy side dish or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large eggplant
salt (for drawing out moisture)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Wash the eggplant and trim off the green stem end. Optionally, peel the skin if preferred. Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick disks.
Place the sliced disks in a colander or on a cooling rack set over a baking sheet, sprinkle generously with salt, and allow to sit for at least 30 minutes to draw out moisture and reduce bitterness.
Melt the unsalted butter in a bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, shredded Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, mixing them thoroughly.
Pat the eggplant slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Dip each eggplant disk first into the melted butter, ensuring both sides are coated, then dredge them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breading evenly.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper, then place the breaded eggplant disks on it in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the eggplant slices for 15 minutes.
Carefully flip each slice and bake for an additional 7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the breading is crispy.
Remove from the oven and serve warm. These crispy baked eggplant slices make a great side dish, appetizer, or can be used in recipes like eggplant Parmesan.