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Eggplant, with its rich, meaty texture and ability to absorb flavors, has secured its place as a beloved ingredient in various cuisines worldwide. This versatile vegetable can be grilled, roasted, stuffed, or fried, making it a culinary favorite for both home cooks and professional chefs. Today, we're focusing on a delightful way to enjoy eggplant: Crispy Parmesan Eggplant Sticks. This dish not only highlights the unique qualities of eggplant but also aligns perfectly with the growing trend of healthy snacking.

Crispy Parmesan Eggplant Sticks

Discover a tasty and healthier way to enjoy eggplant with these Crispy Parmesan Eggplant Sticks! This delicious snack features a crunchy, golden-brown exterior and savory cheesy flavor that satisfies your cravings without the guilt. Learn the best techniques for preparing and baking eggplant, plus tips for creating a perfect breading station. Ideal as an appetizer or wholesome snack, these eggplant sticks are sure to become a family favorite in your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

1 large eggplant

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for maximum crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil spray (or enough for drizzling)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper, which will make for an effortless clean-up later.

    Prepare the Eggplant: Slice the eggplant into sticks about 1/2 inch thick. For an extra step, you can lightly salt the sticks and let them rest for 20 minutes to help draw out moisture and bitterness. Afterward, rinse the sticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

      Set Up the Breading Station:

        - In a shallow bowl, pour in the all-purpose flour. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.

          - In a second shallow bowl, crack the two eggs and whisk them together until fully blended.

            - In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a bit more salt and pepper for flavor.

              Breading the Eggplant: Take each eggplant stick and first coat it in the flour mixture—make sure to shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured stick into the egg wash, allowing any extra to drip off.

                Final Coating: Roll the eggplant stick in the Parmesan-breadcrumb mix, pressing gently to ensure a thorough coating. Repeat this process for all the eggplant sticks until they are all breaded.

                  Arrange for Baking: Place the coated eggplant sticks on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring that they are spaced apart. This helps them achieve maximum crispiness.

                    Add a Touch of Olive Oil: Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the breaded eggplant sticks. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crispy texture.

                      Bake to Perfection: Insert the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to flip the sticks halfway through to promote even browning and crispiness.

                        Serve and Enjoy: Once they are golden brown and crispy, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve these delicious crispy eggplant sticks hot, paired with marinara sauce or a creamy dip of your choice for an irresistible treat.

                          Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4