Go Back
Exploring the delightful world of vegetables can lead to some truly delicious creations, and Crispy Parmesan Eggplant Sticks are a perfect example of how to elevate a humble ingredient. This recipe transforms eggplant into a crunchy, flavorful snack that doubles as a delightful appetizer or a side dish that even the pickiest eaters will love. With a golden, crispy coating and a cheesy flavor, these eggplant sticks can be enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce. In this post, we will delve into the details of preparing this scrumptious dish, exploring its ingredients, preparation methods, and serving suggestions.

Crispy Parmesan Eggplant Sticks

Dive into the world of veggies with Crispy Parmesan Eggplant Sticks, a delectable treat that's perfect for any occasion! This recipe transforms the often-overlooked eggplant into a crunchy, cheesy delight that even picky eaters will adore. Easy to prepare, these eggplant sticks are enhanced with a golden, crispy coating and flavored with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy them solo or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible snack or appetizer. Explore the versatility of eggplant and discover how to make this scrumptious dish today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 large eggplant

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra crunchy texture)

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

2 large eggs

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the Eggplant: Rinse the eggplant under cold water. Slice it lengthwise into sticks about 1/2 inch thick. For a less bitter flavor, you can sprinkle the slices with a little salt and let them rest for 15 minutes. This step will draw out excess moisture. After resting, pat the slices dry with a paper towel.

      Set Up Breading Station: Create a three-bowl breading station:

        - In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour.

          - In the second bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly until they are well combined and slightly frothy.

            - In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until evenly blended.

              Coat the Eggplant Sticks: Take one eggplant stick and dredge it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing the extra egg to drip off. Finally, roll the stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well. Place the coated eggplant stick on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this breading process for all eggplant sticks.

                Bake: After placing all the breaded eggplant sticks on the baking sheet, lightly spray or drizzle them with olive oil to encourage crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sticks are golden brown and crispy. Remember to flip them halfway through the baking time for even browning.

                  Serve: Once golden and crispy, remove the eggplant sticks from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve them hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | Serves 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Arrange the crispy eggplant sticks in a fan shape on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for added color. Serve with small bowls of sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delightful appetizer!