Everyone loves fried eggplant, but this recipe of mine takes it a step further by adding in fresh slices of mozzarella cheese. I call this recipe Fried Eggplant and Mozzarella Stacks and you’ll see why.
This beautiful Italian recipe uses slices of mozzarella sandwiched between layers of fried eggplant topped with fresh marinara sauce.
Do you have to really fry the eggplant?
I fried the eggplant just like I do as if making regular eggplant cutlets, however, I made a few minor changes which I talk about below.
Then I add the mozzarella and top it with a simple Italian tomato sauce and some fresh basil. If you don’t have the sauce, frankly you can skip it and put some tomato slices on the side or even in between.
There is no right or wrong way, as long as it tastes good.
Why Mozzarella Cheese with Eggplant?
Mozzarella and fried eggplant go well with each other. Mozzarella and tomato go well, and eggplant and tomato go well, and mozzarella and basil or tomato and basil go well, so no matter how you slice it (pun intended) it all goes well with each other!
For this recipe you will want to use fresh mozzarella. The processed blocked of mozzarella may be fine for cheese and crackers but not for this! Use fresh – the kind that is either sealed or packed in water.
This makes a great lunch, snack or appetizer, especially during the summer when eggplant is in season.
In regards to the tomato sauce, I just use my own Italian pasta sauce which is meatless. I don’t recommend using a heavy sauce – you know the versions with the three different meats, and tons of spices.
You want to keep it simple and not have the sauce overpower the dish.
Fried Eggplant and Mozzarella Stacks
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant slicked into 1/2" slices
- 1 ball fresh mozzarella cut into 1/4" slices
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs beaten
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup Romano or Parmesan cheese
- Fresh marinara sauce
Instructions
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In large frying pan, heat 1/2 cup olive oil over medium heat heat.
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Meanwhile, dip eggplant slices in the flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
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Place slices in hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes until light golden brown.
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Turn eggplant slices over and fry for 1 minute longer.
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Remove from oil and let drain on some paper towels. Repeat until all eggplant slices are done.
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Once finished, position one slice of eggplant on the bottom, then add a slice of cheese, then another eggplant, then cheese and finish with a final slice on top.
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Top with the hot tomato sauce and garnish with some fresh basil.
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Eat and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
TIP #1: I like to bread all my eggplant first and then fry them. This allows me to focus just on frying so I do not let anything burn.
TIP #2: Make sure oil is hot, otherwise the eggplant will just soak up all the oil and not get crispy.
TIP #3: The timing depends on the heat so if it takes a shorter amount of time to get a golden brown - then that is fine.
TIP #4: These are best served and eaten warm! Therefore, you may want to top with the hot tomato sauce when you serve them.
TIP #5: My eggplant was average size, and made enough for 4 people. It depends on how thick you make the slices too so you really have to just use your gut and common sense when doing this meal. It is very easy!
TIP #6: Top with some Romano or Parmesan cheese. This rounds out the flavor even more.
Kitchenware, Gadgets, and Tools Recommended for Use in this Recipe:
