Indulge in a culinary journey with our tantalizing Eggplant Parmesan Sliders, a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate. These sliders are not just any ordinary sandwiches; they are a carefully crafted masterpiece that combines the smoky richness of grilled eggplant, the savory tang of marinara sauce, the gooey decadence of melted cheese, and the crispy crunch of toasted slider buns. Each bite is an explosion of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.
In our collection of recipes, you'll find three variations of this delectable dish, each with its own unique twist. The Classic Eggplant Parmesan Sliders are a timeless favorite, featuring breaded eggplant slices smothered in a flavorful marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. For those who prefer a spicy kick, the Spicy Eggplant Parmesan Sliders infuse the classic recipe with a zesty blend of chili flakes and cayenne pepper, creating a fiery delight that will ignite your taste buds.
If you're looking for a lighter option, the Baked Eggplant Parmesan Sliders are the perfect choice. These sliders are made with grilled eggplant slices instead of breaded ones, resulting in a healthier version that is just as satisfying. Topped with a tangy marinara sauce and melted cheese, these sliders are a guilt-free indulgence that won't compromise on taste.
No matter which variation you choose, our Eggplant Parmesan Sliders are sure to be a hit at your next party or gathering. They're easy to make, customizable to your liking, and absolutely delicious. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you and your loved ones craving more.
EGGPLANT PARMESAN SLIDERS
Skip the forks in favor of your fingers with this quick and easy recipe for crowd-friendly Eggplant Parmesan Sliders.
Provided by Kelly Senyei
Time 1h5m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Slice the eggplants lengthwise into ½-inch thick slices, then use the cookie cutter to cut out two rounds from each of the slices.
- Place the eggplant rounds in a colander and toss them with 1½ teaspoons salt. Let them drain in the colander over a bowl in the sink for 45 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Bread the eggplant rounds in batches by coating them in the flour, then the eggs and then the breadcrumbs.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to liberally coat the bottom of the pan. Pan-fry the breaded eggplant rounds in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping them once until both sides are golden brown. Remove the cooked eggplant rounds and immediately transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Continue the pan-frying process, changing the oil as necessary, until all of the rounds are cooked.
- Halve the brioche slider rolls and add 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce to the bottoms of the rolls. Stack an eggplant round atop the sauce, top it with another tablespoon of sauce and a piece of sliced mozzarella. Repeat the assembling process with all of the buns, transferring them to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Turn your broiler to high and carefully slide the cookie sheet under the broiler just long enough until the cheese melts. Immediately cap off the sliders with the tops of the buns and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 178 kcal, Carbohydrate 19 g, Protein 9 g, Fat 7 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Cholesterol 47 mg, Sodium 400 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving
EGGPLANT PARMESAN TOWERS
Provided by Trisha Yearwood
Categories main-dish
Time 1h15m
Yield 4 to 6 servings, with extra sauce
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- To make a quick marinara sauce, place a saucepot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Pour in the red wine and cook for 1 minute to reduce. Using your hands or a potato masher, crush the tomatoes and add to the saucepot, including any juices from the can. Stir to combine. Add 1 whole stem of fresh basil leaves. Bring the sauce to a simmer and reduce the heat to medium low. Allow the sauce to continuing cooking while the rest of the components are prepared.
- Pour the vegetable oil into a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot and attach a deep-frying thermometer. Heat the oil over medium heat to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with paper towels and top with a cooling rack.
- Set up 3 low-sided dishes to make a breading station: To the first dish, add the flour, Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and stir to combine. In the second dish, beat the eggs. To the third dish, add the breadcrumbs.
- Dredge both sides of the eggplant slices in the seasoned flour, shaking each piece to remove any excess. Next, dip the eggplant slices into the egg, allowing it to drip before moving onto the third dish. Then, coat the eggplant in the breadcrumbs evenly on both sides.
- Working in batches, carefully place the breaded eggplant into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 30 seconds per side. Transfer to the cooling rack on the baking sheet. Sprinkle each slice generously with kosher salt. Continue this process until all the eggplant rounds have been fried.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Remove the basil stem from the marinara sauce.
- Remove the paper towels from the baking sheet. Build towers on the cooling rack: Top a slice of eggplant with 1 tablespoon of marinara sauce, 1 tablespoon mozzarella, 1 tablespoon Parmesan and 1 basil leaf. Place a second piece of eggplant on top and repeat this process. Top the tower with a third piece of eggplant and repeat only with sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan (no basil). Repeat this process to create 8 towers on the cooling rack.
- Bake until the cheese is melted and slightly browned on top, about 20 minutes. Transfer the towers to a serving platter. Garnish each eggplant tower with a fresh basil leaf and serve immediately.
EGGPLANT PARMESAN MOZZARELLA SLIDER
Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King
Categories main-dish
Time 45m
Yield 6 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Put a baking sheet on the bottom rack of the oven and preheat to 500 degrees F (or as high as your oven will go). Position a wire rack over a second baking sheet, spray with nonstick spray, and set aside.
- For the eggplant: Peel the eggplant and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick medallions. Mix the panko and Parmesan together in a shallow dish and season with salt and pepper. In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs. Dip only one side of the eggplant slices first in the beaten egg, then in the breadcrumb mixture to coat. Transfer to the wire rack.
- Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Pour the oil directly onto the hot baking sheet. Working quickly, place the eggplant slices, panko-side down onto the oiled baking sheet. Sprinkle the unbreaded side with salt. Put immediately back on the bottom rack of the oven and bake until the breaded bottoms are golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove eggplant from oven and flip over so the golden breaded side is facing up.
- For the sandwich: Slice the rolls in half horizontally, keeping them all attached. Spread the bottom of the rolls with the tomato pesto and place on a baking tray.
- Heat the butter in a small pan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and a pinch of salt and cook, stirring, at a low simmer so that the garlic infuses the butter, about 5 minutes. If the garlic starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat. Set aside.
- Layer half of the mozzarella on top of the pesto, then the eggplant, then the remaining mozzarella. Place the top of the rolls back on the sandwich. Brush the tops with the garlic butter. Bake the sliders in the oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is slightly toasted, 10 to 12 minutes.
- For the sauce: In a saucepan, add the vodka sauce and heat over medium- to medium-low heat until warm. Whisk in the Calabrian chiles and cream. Set aside.
- Remove the rolls from the oven and brush with more garlic butter. Cut into small sliders and serve with the vodka sauce alongside for dipping.
EGGPLANT PARMESAN SLIDERS
Steps:
- Slice the eggplants lengthwise into ½-inch thick slices, then use the cookie cutter to cut out two rounds from each of the slices. Place the eggplant rounds in a colander and toss them with 1½ teaspoons salt. Let them drain in the colander over a bowl in the sink for 45 minutes to remove excess moisture. Bread the eggplant rounds in batches by coating them in the flour, then the eggs and then the breadcrumbs. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to liberally coat the bottom of the pan. Pan-fry the breaded eggplant rounds in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping them once until both sides are golden brown. Remove the cooked eggplant rounds and immediately transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Continue the pan-frying process, changing the oil as necessary, until all of the rounds are cooked. Halve the brioche slider rolls and add 1 tablespoon of tomato sauce to the bottoms of the rolls. Stack an eggplant round atop the sauce, top it with another tablespoon of sauce and a piece of sliced mozzarella. Repeat the assembling process with all of the buns, transferring them to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Turn your broiler to high and carefully slide the cookie sheet under the broiler just long enough until the cheese melts. Immediately cap off the sliders with the tops of the buns and serve.
Tips:
- Choose small to medium-sized eggplants, as they have fewer seeds and a milder flavor.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the eggplants evenly, so they cook evenly.
- Dredge the eggplant slices in flour before frying them. This will help them to brown and crisp up.
- Be sure to cook the eggplant slices until they are golden brown and tender. If they are not cooked through, they will be tough and chewy.
- Use a good quality marinara sauce for the sliders. A homemade sauce is always best, but a store-bought sauce can also be used.
- Top the sliders with plenty of melted cheese. Mozzarella cheese is a classic choice, but other cheeses, such as Parmesan or provolone, can also be used.
- Serve the sliders hot and fresh out of the oven. They can be served as an appetizer or a main course.
Conclusion:
Eggplant Parmesan sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or main course. They are perfect for parties or potlucks, and they can also be served as a family meal. With their crispy eggplant, flavorful marinara sauce, and melted cheese, these sliders are sure to be a hit.
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