If you are on the search for a new way to use eggplant, then look no further than these cheesy fried eggplants. They involve sandwiching slices of eggplant with cheese before breading and frying them. These crispy morsels make a perfect appetizer for when you are serving a crowd.
To make the cheesy fried eggplants, you salt the eggplant to remove excess moisture before sandwiching them with mozzarella cheese. Then, you bread them with breadcrumbs before frying them in hot oil until they are crispy and golden brown. The melted cheese and crispy edges make these eggplants so addictive!
What are Cheesy Fried Eggplants?
These cheesy fried eggplants are squares of eggplant that are sandwiched with mozzarella cheese, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried in hot oil. Served with tomato sauce for dipping, they make the most delicious appetizer for a special dinner.
Pro Tips
- Don’t skip the step of salting the eggplant as that will help remove some of its bitterness.
- Use a measuring tape to ensure that you cut the eggplant slices into even sizes and thicknesses.
- When breading the eggplant, use one hand to dip them into the wet ingredients and the other hand to dip them into the dry ingredients.
- Make sure that the oil is thoroughly heated before you fry the eggplant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Another Type of Cheese for the Fried Eggplants?
Absolutely! If preferred, you can replace the mozzarella with cheddar cheese, gruyere, provolone, or even a mix of different kinds of cheeses. The key is to choose one that you enjoy and one that will melt easily and have that tantalizing cheese pull.
How to Serve Cheesy Fried Eggplants?
For an appetizer, these are great served with a tangy tomato sauce for dipping. Alternatively, if you would like them for a light lunch, you could serve them with a leafy green salad.
Do I Have to Salt the Eggplant?
Yes, pre-salting the eggplant is an important step as it will help remove excess moisture from the eggplant, making it safer to fry. Adding moisture to a pot of hot oil can cause it to bubble over. Additionally, salting the eggplant will help remove the eggplant’s natural bitterness.
How to Store Cheesy Fried Eggplants
Any eggplant that isn't eaten can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. It isn’t ideal to freeze them as the eggplant may become soggy and the cheese may become tough once reheated.
Ingredients
How to Make Cheesy Fried Eggplants
Cut the mozzarella into slices. Wash and trim the eggplants, and cut them into ½-inch thick rectangular slices. Salt the eggplant, place them in a colander set over a bowl, and allow them to drain for 30 minutes. Rinse them under water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Cut the mozzarella into slices. Wash and trim the eggplants, and cut them into ½-inch thick rectangular slices. Salt the eggplant, place them in a colander set over a bowl, and allow them to drain for 30 minutes. Rinse them under water and pat them dry with a paper towel.
Sandwich the eggplant slices with the mozzarella cheese.
Sandwich the eggplant slices with the mozzarella cheese.
Whisk the eggs with salt and pepper in a bowl and place the flour in another bowl. Place the breadcrumbs in a bowl as well.
Whisk the eggs with salt and pepper in a bowl and place the flour in another bowl. Place the breadcrumbs in a bowl as well.
Coat the eggplant sandwiches in the flour followed by the eggs.
Coat the eggplant sandwiches in the flour followed by the eggs.
Coat them in the breadcrumbs. Fry them in a pan of hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
Coat them in the breadcrumbs. Fry them in a pan of hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
Serve and enjoy!
Serve and enjoy!
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