Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches

Eggplant mozzarella sandwiches are a game-changer for any gathering. This Italian-inspired delight combines crispy fried eggplant slices with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil, all sandwiched between soft bread slices.

It’s a flavorful twist on a classic that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants, sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
• 3 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 12 slices of bread

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Get three shallow dishes ready.

In the first dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

In the second dish, beat the eggs.

In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt.

Dip each eggplant slice first in the flour mixture, coating both sides, then in the eggs, and finally in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Place the coated eggplant slices on a plate or tray.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Fry the eggplant slices in batches until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Drain on paper towels.

In a small bowl, combine the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

To assemble the sandwiches, place a few slices of fried eggplant on each bread slice, followed by a spoonful of the cheese mixture and a sprinkle of chopped basil.

Top with another bread slice.

Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

The eggplant slices need to be sliced evenly so they cook consistently, so try to make the slices as uniform as possible.

Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the eggplant slices gently but firmly so they stick well.

Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the eggplant slices, cook them in batches if necessary, you want to give them enough room to cook evenly.

To prevent the breadcrumbs from getting everywhere, try to keep the work surface clean and contained.

Frying the eggplant slices will give them a nice crunch, but be gentle when placing them on the paper towels to drain, you don’t want to break them.

You can customize the sandwiches by adding other ingredients like sliced tomatoes or spinach, feel free to get creative! To make the sandwiches more substantial, you can add some sliced meats like prosciutto or salami.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 420
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 34g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 18g