Delicious Oven-Baked Eggplant Appetizer Recipe
Eggplants, often overlooked in the culinary world, are a versatile vegetable that can be transformed into a delectable dish with the right recipe. Our oven-baked eggplant appetizer is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor, making it the perfect addition to any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need:
- 1 eggplant
- 3 tomatoes
- 300 grams mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sweet pepper
- 1 tablespoon dry basil
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s crucial to prepare your ingredients. Start by slicing the eggplant, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese into evenly sized pieces.
4. Making the Sauce
The secret to our mouthwatering eggplant appetizer lies in the flavorful sauce. In a bowl, combine the chopped garlic, salt, black pepper, sweet pepper, dry basil, and olive oil. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a tantalizing sauce that will elevate the dish to new heights.
5. Layering the Eggplant Slices
Now that your sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble the appetizer. Grease a pan with olive oil and place the sliced eggplant evenly across the surface. Next, drizzle a teaspoon of the prepared sauce onto each eggplant slice, ensuring that each one is generously coated. Top each slice with a slice of tomato and mozzarella cheese, creating a flavorful stack of goodness.
6. Baking
With your appetizer assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Pop the pan into the oven and let the eggplant slices bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and marvel at your masterpiece.
7. Serving Suggestions
This oven-baked eggplant appetizer pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Serve it as an appetizer at your next dinner party, or enjoy it as a light lunch alongside a fresh salad. The possibilities are endless!
8. Health Benefits
Not only is this eggplant appetizer bursting with flavor, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Eggplants are rich in antioxidants and fiber, making them a healthy addition to any diet. By opting for the oven-baked version rather than frying, you’ll also cut down on excess oil and calories, making this dish a guilt-free indulgence.