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Crispy Eggplant Marinara Bites are a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that serve as the perfect appetizer or snack for any gathering. These little bites are not only pleasing to the palate but also visually appealing, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. Made with tender eggplant, crispy breadcrumbs, and a rich marinara sauce, this recipe is an excellent way to showcase the versatility of eggplant, a vegetable that is often overlooked yet incredibly delicious.

Crispy Eggplant Marinara Bites

Discover the joy of cooking with crispy eggplant marinara bites, a perfect appetizer that brings together delicious flavors and textures. These little treats offer a crunchy exterior paired with rich marinara sauce, showcasing the often-overlooked versatility of eggplant. Packed with nutrients and easy to prepare, this recipe is ideal for impressing family and friends. Embrace this tasty culinary adventure and elevate your snack game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 large eggplant, cut into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

Prepare the Eggplant: Place the cubed eggplant in a colander, sprinkle generously with salt, and let it sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Rinse the salt off and pat the cubes dry with paper towels.

    Set Up Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, arrange the flour, beaten eggs, and a mix of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

      Bread the Eggplant: Dredge each eggplant cube first in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the panko mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

        Fry the Eggplant: In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the breaded eggplant cubes in batches (do not overcrowd) and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked cubes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

          Serve with Marinara: Arrange the crispy eggplant bites on a serving platter. Warm the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Serve the eggplant bites with a small bowl of marinara sauce for dipping and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

            Enjoy: Dig in and savor these deliciously crispy, flavorful bites!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 25 minutes | 1 hour | 4-6 servings