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.
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!
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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.
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 and 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:
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.
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 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!
I sliced my eggplant very thin so it would cook more evenly in the waffle maker. My slices are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
These eggplant slices will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container.
Reheat your eggplant in the oven. Bake at 350º F for 10 minutes to reheat.
More delicious low fat recipes:
- Crispy Baked French Fries with Curry Dipping Sauce
- Crispy Delicata Squash Cheddar Fritters
- Creamy Roasted Eggplant Dip
- Gluten Free Zucchini Ribbon Lasagna Alfredo
If you tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave me a rating and a comment. I LOVE hearing from you!! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest to see even more delicious recipes!
📋 Recipe
Crispy Gluten Free Baked Eggplant Slices
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup gluten free panko * see note
- 2 large eggplants
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 cup marinara
- 1/3 cup parmesan
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the waffle iron.
- Slice the eggplant thinly.
- Add eggs to a bowl and whisk to blend. Set aside.
- Add gluten free panko and spices to another bowl and whisk to blend.
- Take an eggplant round. Dip in the egg, turning it to coat both sides.
- Next, dip the egg covered eggplant in the panko mixture.
- Spray the waffle iron with cooking oil. (I used avocado oil.)
- Drop the eggplant round in the waffle iron. Cook 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Top with your favorite marinara sauce, parmesan, and fresh basil. Serve hot.
Video
Notes
- If you do not have a waffle iron, feel free to pan fry these eggplant slices.
- You can use gluten free panko, or make your own gluten free bread crumbs.
- These eggplant slices will keep up to 4 days in an air-tight container.
- 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!
Nutrition
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Megan
I haven't had eggplant in forever--what a fun application!
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you so much Megan 🙂
Alicia Pope
THis is a great idea! I wonder if it would be good with almond flour instead of panko?
Sandi Gaertner
Hi Alicia, I haven't tried this recipe with almond flour. Would you be so kind to write back and let us know how it turns out if you try it?
Audrey
I adore eggplant parmesan.This recipe is brilliant! I can't wait to try it.
Sandi Gaertner
Thank you so much Audrey 🙂