Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Parmesan (Printable)

Golden eggplant slices topped with crispy Parmesan and Mediterranean herbs for a flavorful snack or appetizer.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium eggplants (about 1.3 pounds), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

→ Cheese

02 - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 3.5 ounces)

→ Herbs & Seasonings

03 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

→ Garnish

10 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil
11 - Lemon wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets.
03 - Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
04 - Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through, until the eggplant is golden and tender.
05 - Remove baking sheets from the oven. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over each eggplant slice.
06 - Return to the oven and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until the Parmesan is melted, bubbly, and starting to crisp.
07 - Let cool for 3 to 5 minutes to allow the crisps to firm up slightly.
08 - Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The contrast between creamy roasted eggplant and salty Parmesan crunch is addictive
  • These disappear from platters faster than anything else I serve
02 -
  • Crowding the baking sheet is the fastest way to end up with steamed, soggy eggplant instead of roasted perfection
  • Letting them cool for a few minutes feels impossible but is what transforms these from slippery to crisp
03 -
  • If your Parmesan is not browning enough, hit the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes but watch closely like a hawk
  • Pecorino Romano brings a sharper bite if you want more punch