Cheesy Baked Eggplant Slices – Appetizers and Sides
These cheesy baked eggplant slices make a perfect appetizer or side dish to a meal. A simple, easy and effortless recipe gets done in less than 30 minutes. They make a great addition to sandwiches or salads. Try different cheeses such as Boursin or Camembert for a more fun variety.
Cheesy Baked Eggplant Slices, Baked Eggplant Appetizer, Bake Aubergine Slices
I think the eggplant is a very unappreciated vegetable. Don’t you? Often, I get people who say they don’t like eggplant and when asked ‘have you tasted it?’ – they can’t remember or have never tried it.
Personally, I love eggplant and have always loved it as a kid. Yeah, when it comes to fruits and veggies I was weird because I loved all the veggies that most kids didn’t care for. My Rhea is like me, she can live on veggies and never complain. She needs her salad at every meal like me.
Aadi is a meat person so he still is not on board with the eggplant. He claims he hates eggplant but loves these cheese slices in his sandwiches, enjoys a nice bowl of baba ganoush with pita bread. Will feast over the eggplant and onion quiche and loves Indian style eggplant curry. Works for me as long as he eats veggies – right?
Now, these eggplant slices are easy as it can get when it comes to a good side dish. The cheese really goes well with the eggplant making them more soft and creamy. I love adding cheese with strong flavors, I believe, the eggplant is a tough flavor to mask so no matter how strong a flavor you add – there is no hiding that it’s eggplant. I actually love that about this vegetable. Though when it comes to picky eaters that’s not necessarily a plus.
The eggplant is versatile, so, it makes a great side dish to big elaborate meals such as a roast chicken or lamb. But it can stand on its own with just a side salad or soup to accompany it.
Cheesy Baked Eggplant Slices – Baked Eggplant Slices, Cheesy aubergine slices.
Let’s talk ingredients and substitutes (Save/Pin)
- Eggplant – I love to use any eggplant I can get on hand for this dish as long as I can make slices. I even tried the Baladi variety which is almost seedless and those are even better, unfortunately, they have a very short season here.
- Garlic Powder -Love the ease of just sprinkling some garlic powder and the fresh garlic tends to get burnt easily when baking giving a bitter taste to the dish. If you can’t find garlic powder – use some garlic oil instead.
- Cheese – I’ve used Parmesan because I love the rich nutty flavor it adds to the eggplant and I love the sharp taste that cheddar brings to the eggplant. I highly recommend trying different cheese as it really does add so much to this dish.
Cheesy Baked Eggplant Slices, Cheesy eggplant slices, baked aubergine slices
Recipe – Cheesy Baked Eggplant Slices (Save/Pin)
Useful Tips and Tools
- A baking dish to cook the eggplants. I prefer to use one that will give me layers so I have a mix of both soft eggplant on the bottom. Using a larger baking dish will give more crisp baked eggplant slices.
- Us a Baking Tray and line it with parchment or aluminium foil for easy clean up
- Keep a Colander on hand to drain excess moisture. Eggplant can absorb lots of liquid.
- You will need a Kitchen Knife and of course a Chopping board to chop veggies.
Cheesy Baked Eggplant Slice, baked eggplant slices, cheesy aubergine slices.
Ingredients
- Eggplant – 1 large (300 grams)
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Pepper – 1 tsp
- Parmesan cheese – 2 tbsp
- Cheddar cheese – 2 tbsp
Cheesy Baked Eggplant Slices, Baked Eggplant slices, Cheesy aubergine Slices
Method
Prepare
- Preheat the oven to 200 C / 400 F
- Slice Eggplant into half-inch thick round slices
- Season with salt and let sit in a colander for 15 minutes
- After 15 minutes, wipe off the bitter juices released from each slice with a paper hand towel.
Bake Eggplant slice
- Brush each eggplant slice with olive oil on both sides.
- Lay the eggplant slices on a baking tray sprayed with cooking spray
- Sprinkle with garlic powder and pepper
- Bake for 7 minutes then turn the slices over and bake another 7 minutes.
Top with Cheese
- Remove baked slices from the oven and layer all eggplant slices in a baking pan
- Top with grated Parmesan and Cheddar Cheese.
- Continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Enjoy!
Save this recipe on Pinterest for later.
You can find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.
Cheesy baked eggplant slices, baked eggplant parmesan, parmesan baked eggplant, cheesy aubergine slices.
Cheesy Baked Eggplant Slices
Ingredients
- 300 grams Eggplant cut into slices (large)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp Cheddar cheese
Instructions
Prepare
- Preheat the oven to 200 C / 400 F
- Slice Eggplant into half-inch thick round slices
- Season with salt and let sit in a colander for 15 minutes
- After 15 minutes, wipe off the bitter juices released from each slice with a paper hand towel.
Bake eggplant slices
- Brush each eggplant slice with olive oil on both sides.
- Lay the eggplant slices on a baking tray sprayed with cooking spray
- Sprinkle with garlic powder and pepper
- Bake for 7 minutes then turn the slices over and bake another 7 minutes.
Top with cheese
- Remove baked slices from the oven and layer all eggplant slices in a baking pan
- Top with grated Parmesan and Cheddar Cheese.
- Continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Suggestions
Need more Eggplant dishes or Appetizers and side dishes you can try?
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Christine
My husband and I have been making eggplant a lot lately, so this recipe is perfect for us! Looks delicious and perfect as a snack or lunch recipe!
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely perfect for lunch. I hope you try it. Thanks Christine
Veronika's Kitchen
I love the idea of cheesy eggplants! Also, it is so easy to make it) Saving this recipe for future!)
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Veronika. Hope you try it soon.
Amy Nash
So far I haven’t been able to get my family on board with regards to eggplant, but I’ve never tried covering it in cheese before! It sounds delicious to me, so I’m going to give this a go and see if I can convert them!
Veena Azmanov
The cheese here is not too loaded Amy, so it’s not overly rich. You must try and see what they think. Thanks
Sara
This looks really yummy! I can’t wait to try your recipe!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Sara.
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
What a fun way to enjoy eggplant! It’s definitely one of those vegetables that can go really wrong if it’s not treated right. My husband thought he didn’t like eggplant because he had only had it prepared where it was mushy and bitter. Now he’s a fan, and something like this that’s covered in beautifully melty, golden cheese would totally be a hit with him!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Ashley – Yeah I do think we need to bring Eggplant more to the forefront. Lot of people like your husband have not eaten eggplant made the right way lol. Your hubby is lucky you changed his mind.
Krisitna
I love eggplant! I usually grill it with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, and herbs but this looks like a great alternative. Delicious!
Veena Azmanov
This is super easy you must tr Kristina. let me know if you do.
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
So agree with you. Eggplant is such an under-appreciated vegetable! In Italy, it is so popular and I have loved it since childhood. A cheesy baked eggplant dish is always a great choice, Kind of like a white and simpler version of an eggplant parmigiana. Great!
Veena Azmanov
Yes, Italy does have some really nice eggplant recipes, unlike the west where it is so unappreciated. Actually in India also we do a lot with eggplant.
Claire
I’ve never had eggplant but have always wanted to try it. I’ve always kind of thought it was an intimidating vegetable (maybe because I’ve never made anything with it). I’ll definitely have to give this a try!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Claire – this is fairly simple recipe and eggplant is actually very tasty
elenarade
I am in love with this dish. I like Chinese eggplant better than regular eggplant (it seems less tough) and I am up for anything with Szechuan in the title! I also love to mix the flavors from different cuisines in my cooking it makes it so much more fun!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Elenarade. I think Szechuan would go well with eggplant too! Love trying different cuisines myself.
Abby
I agree that eggplant doesn’t get the love it deserves. It can skew toward slimy if not prepared correctly, but when done well, it’s so good! These baked slices look so easy and so good!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Abby. I love eggplant and glad you think so too.
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
I agree with you that eggplant is an underrated vegetable. I love eggplant! Especially easy eggplant recipes like this! I look forward to trying this delicious eggplant slices!!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Elaine. I do belive the eggplant has so much more to offer us.
Carrie
I love eggplant so this cheesy bake is right up my street, healthy comfort food!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Carrie. It does make a great sandwich or side dish. Enjoy!
Analida @ ethnicspoon.com
I have never been a big eggplant fan but the is one dish I would love to try. The cheese makes it for me for sure!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Analida. Eggplant is so versatile, you must try this – I’m sure you will enjoy it.
Danielle
I agree – eggplant is completely under-appreciated! It’s just a versatile vegetable as this recipe shows. These are SO easy, and a refreshing alternative to something like eggplant parm. I could definitely make a meal with just this eggplant and a simple green salad.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Danielle. Eggplant sure is so versatile and there is so much you can do with it.
Sunrita
Absolutely love this recipe! What a brilliant and easy idea for potluck and a vege side! Am so making this ASAP!
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely Sunrita. It’s really simple so can definitely work as a great side dish for a potluck
Anna
I’m so trying this recipe! Looks delicious, and I also like eggplant but don’t really know many recipes with it, so this one will be on top of my list!
Veena Azmanov
I love eggplant too and this really is simple and easy
Chichi
This is an easy lowcarb/ keto dish. Lucky for me cia I have been lowcarb for a while now. Adding another recipe to my collection is always welcome.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Chichi. Yes, it sure is low carb and keto friendly. Didn’t even realize that. Thanks I hope you enjoy it.
Danielle
I love eggplant! I am partial to Japanese eggplant, but regular is tasty too. And of course, cheese makes everything better 🙂
Veena Azmanov
I love Japanese food too but this eggplant is a must try Danielle. It’s really simple and easy
Jessica Formicola
I am loving all of that cheese!
Veena Azmanov
Yeah we love cheesy
Britt | Sweet Tea and Thyme
Yum! I love a good, fast, and easy side dish! I’m always looking for new ones to serve with dinner and this is perfect!
Veena Azmanov
Me too Britt. Good fast and easy is perfect for working moms like me.
Ginny
I’m always looking for new ways to fix eggplant. Thanks for the simple recipe.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Ginny. I know what you mean I too am always looking for simple
Ann
Oh yum! I bet these are great in sandwiches! I’m picturing them on a soft roll with some tomato sauce for a kind of vegetarian meatball sub. I love eggplant!
Veena Azmanov
These make amazing sandwich fillings – yesterday we had some with pastrami eggplant and more cheese! yup more cheese.
Silvia
So good! I love eggplant but I don’t really know a lot of recipes to cook it. This looks like something I would enjoy, and my husband would love, for sure.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Silvia. This is really simple and easy – one of those recipes you can make without any fuss. I call these my fuss free recipes