Crispy Baked Eggplant {Gluten Free}

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If you love crispy eggplant, this crispy baked Eggplant recipe is for you. Eat plain, or top with marinara, parmesan, and fresh basil!! These eggplant slices make a great side dish or appetizer.

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Why this recipe is great:
What you need to make this:
Recipe step by step directions:
Waffle Iron Tips and Recipe FAQ:
More delicious gluten free recipes:
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Have you ever used your waffle iron for anything besides waffles? I can't wait to share this new recipe idea with you. It is one of a few new creative waffle iron recipes coming soon!

These baked eggplant slices are low fat because they are baked...but they are crispy like they were fried! This gluten free eggplant recipe would also make a delicious appetizer if you used the skinny Italian eggplant instead of the big purple ones.

Healthy and delicious, you make this recipe in a fun new way...on your waffle iron!! If you love eggplant as much as I do, you will want to try this easy Roasted Eggplant Red Pepper Dip too!

We have been buried in sweets for two months because of the holiday season. I am desperately trying to get back on track and eat healthier. Is anyone else a little burned out on sweets besides me?

Why this recipe is great:

This recipe was a spur-of-the-moment creation...I got a new waffle maker and I wanted to see what I could do with it. This eggplant is quick and easy to make and is so crispy because it is cooked in a waffle iron, low fat.

My inspiration for this recipe came from my kids complaining that I never use my waffle iron. I have more than the average food geek's worth of kitchen toys, but I always forget about the waffle iron.

You may also like this Curried Sweet Potato Hash Brown Waffle recipe that is also made on a waffle iron!

What you need to make this:

Eggplants - get wide eggplants so you get good-sized slices
Marinara - you can use store-bought or try my homemade gluten free marinara recipe.
Gluten free panko - you can buy panko or try my easy gluten free bread crumbs recipe to make your own.

Recipe step by step directions:

Crispy eggplant steps one and two photos.

Step 1: Set up your station and preheat your waffle iron.

Step 2: Add the panko bread crumb topping and dried spices and seasonings to a bowl and whisk to blend.

Coating the eggplant steps 3 and 4 photos.

Step 3: Dip the eggplant slices into the egg mixture and flip it over to coat the other side.

Step 4: Take the egg coated eggplant and put it into the bowl of seasoned panko.

Step 5: Flip the eggplant to coat both sides with panko. Use a fork to press down the panko on the slice.

Step 6: Place the eggplant onto the waffle maker and close the lid. Cook for 4-5 minutes until your eggplant is crispy.

Step 7: Add marinara, parmesan, and fresh basil. Your healthy eggplant parmesan is ready to eat!

Waffle Iron Tips and Recipe FAQ:

You will need your waffle iron to be on a high-temperature setting.
Depending on your waffle iron, you may have to push down on it for a couple of minutes to soften the eggplant enough for the lid to stay down flat.
Spray coconut oil or olive oil on the waffle iron to give a nice crisp to the gluten free panko coating.
Remember the waffle iron is hot so add and remove the eggplant carefully!
Don't forget to unplug the waffle iron when you are done cooking with it!

How thick do you slice the eggplant?

I sliced my eggplant very thin so it would cook more evenly in the waffle maker. My slices are about ¼ to ½ inch thick.

How long will the crispy eggplant keep?

These eggplant slices will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container.

How do you reheat the eggplant to keep it crispy?

Reheat your eggplant in the oven. Bake at 350º F for 10 minutes to reheat.

The top view of two plates with crispy eggplant parmesan.

More delicious gluten free recipes:

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