Italian Breaded Eggplant, a fast and easy Italian appetizer. Nothing like sliced eggplant in a delicious Parmesan and bread crumb coating. The perfect side dish to any meal.
Finally after all the Zucchini we are finally getting some eggplant. After I become bombarded with a certain vegetable and we all get darn sick of it, the next one that arrives all of a sudden becomes my new favourite.
So now it is eggplant’s turn to shine. And shine it does. From Eggplant Parmesan to a delicious Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake to this simple Italian Breaded Eggplant.
It has always amazed me what an Italian can do with just a few ingredients to turn any dish into something incredibly delicious. Especially my mother-in-law!
When she needed to do a fast dish, not only was it quick and simple but absolutely delicious. She loved eggplant and some of her best dishes were made with this vegetable.
For example she would slice the eggplant (let it sit in a little salt for about 20 minutes), fry it in a little oil, garlic, oregano and a pinch or two of hot pepper flakes, and there you have a tasty vegetable side dish, pretty good for an easy dish!
When she wanted to make it a little more than just a vegetable side dish, a perfect light main dish, she would add two or three eggs. When the eggplant was almost cooked she would scramble it all together. One of my husband’s favourites.
But once in a while you have to make this delicious breaded eggplant. Fast and easy. A delicious side dish. I know , I know, but they are fried!
Not deep-fried mind you, we’ll say lightly fried. As the Italian says if you are going to eat them, you might as well eat them right. Buon Appetito!
Italian Breaded Eggplant
Italian Breaded Eggplant, an easy and so delicious side dish or appetizer, sliced eggplant lightly fried in a yummy Parmesan breadcrumb mix.
- 2-3 round or long eggplant (young and firm), slice into 1/4 inch more less thick, (no need to peel)
- 1 teaspoon salt 5.64 grams
- 2/3 cup bread crumbs 60 grams
- 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese 7 1/2 grams
- 2/3 cup flour 80 grams
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying 50 grams
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Place sliced eggplant in a large bowl and toss with salt, let sit for 20 minutes.
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In a small plate mix bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, in another plate beat eggs well, in a third plate add flour.
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Dip slices of eggplant first in flour, then egg, then coat well with breadcrumb mixture.
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Fry in hot oil a couple of minutes on each side until golden. Drain on a paper towel lined plate. Serve. Enjoy!
This is how I was introduced to eggplant! My dad makes it the exact same way. Mangia!
Hi Malia, so good I know, I loved it so much when my mother-in-law first made it.
Can I omit the eggs I am vegan can it be substituted with milk?
Hi Shobha, I don’t see why not, try it and let me know. I hope you enjoy it.
Trying eggplant for first time. This recipe
Looks so good!
Hi Debby, I hope you like it! Let me know.
Is there any way to make this 1.5 hours before serving as a side dish with dinner? Can we keep it warm in an oven until serving or can it be served at room temp without getting unappetizing and soggy? Thank you!
Hi Kelly, I would suggest, preparing them but not frying them, place them on a parchment paper lined plate, cover with plastic and refrigerate (or leave at room temperature if not too much time has to pass before frying), then fry and serve. Unfortunately this is one of those things that will go soggy if it sits too long, make and serve. Hope that helps.
This looks delicious. I love eggplant, but I usually bake it — I never thought of frying it this way before, but I’ll give it a go!
Hi Carolyn, let me know how you like, thank you.
I love eggplant any way I can get it. This is one great way to enjoy it.
I love eggplant! Thanks for sharing this recipe..it looks delicious!
Thanks Sue, yeah it is really good if I do say so myself.
yes, please!one of my favorite things! Our eggplant didn’t make it through the heat.
Hi Katherine, Sorry to hear your eggplant didn’t make it, have a great weekend.
This is undoubtedly will become one of my regular meals. It is easy and looks so appealing. Thanks so much. I don’t usually make comments, so I want to take the opportunity to tell you how much I love your blog and look forward to all the authentic recipes. I live vicariously through you!!! To live in Italy is only in my dreams!!!
Looks yummy! It’s a good think you’re still getting goodies from the garden 🙂 Have a great day!