Crispy Eggplant Parm Sandwich Recipe

Eggplant Parm Sandwiches are a delightful treat, perfect for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful meals with a bit of a twist. This crispy eggplant parm sandwich is a perfect combination of crispy fried eggplant, melty cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and a fresh basil garnish, all piled between two soft and crusty pieces of bread. It’s a vegetarian delight that rivals any meat-based sandwich and can easily stand as a full meal on its own. Whether you’re hosting a lunch gathering, need a quick dinner, or are looking to bring something special to your next cafe treat session, this crispy eggplant parm sandwich will steal the show. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering sandwich, and explore some other complementary recipes like Tomato Gnocchi Soup, Sweet Potato Carrot Soup, and more.

Why Choose the Crispy Eggplant Parm Sandwich?

Eggplant has long been a favorite in Mediterranean cuisine and Italian cooking. Not only is it versatile, but it also provides a meaty texture that works wonderfully as a substitute for meat in vegetarian and vegan dishes. In this recipe, we’ll bread and fry the eggplant slices, creating a crispy texture on the outside while keeping them tender and flavorful on the inside. Combining this with a rich tomato sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a crispy baguette or ciabatta roll, the result is an incredibly satisfying sandwich.

Eggplant Parm Sandwiches are perfect for various occasions, whether you’re in the mood for a cozy meal at home or impressing guests at a casual gathering. Pairing it with a comforting soup, like Tomato Gnocchi Soup or Sweet Potato Carrot Soup, will create a perfect meal. Not to mention, this sandwich is perfect for those who love Italian flavors but are seeking a twist with the eggplant.

Ingredients for Crispy Eggplant Parm Sandwich

Here’s what you need to make this delicious sandwich:

For the Crispy Eggplant:

2 medium-sized eggplants, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup olive oil (for frying)

For the Sandwich Assembly:

4 large sandwich rolls (such as baguettes, ciabatta, or hoagie rolls)
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce or tomato sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (preferably whole milk mozzarella)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional)
Olive pesto (for spreading, optional)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for extra flavor)

For the Tomato Gnocchi Soup (Optional Soup Side):

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (15 oz) can of crushed tomatoes
3 cups vegetable broth
1 tbsp dried basil
2 cups gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

For the Sweet Potato Carrot Soup (Optional Soup Side):

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 large carrots, peeled and diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup coconut milk (optional, for creaminess)
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions for Crispy Eggplant Parm Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

Slice the eggplant: Cut the eggplants into 1/2-inch slices. Lay them out on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to release excess moisture, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
Bread the eggplant: Set up a breading station by placing flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a third. Dredge each slice of eggplant in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
Fry the eggplant: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

Warm the bread: Lightly toast the sandwich rolls in a toaster or on a grill pan until golden and crispy.
Layer the sandwich: Start by spreading a thin layer of olive pesto on the bottom half of each roll (optional but adds great flavor). Add a generous spoonful of marinara sauce and then place the crispy eggplant slices on top.
Add the cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the eggplant slices, and spoon more marinara sauce over the top. You can add a little balsamic vinegar for an added touch of tanginess, if desired.
Melt the cheese: Place the assembled sandwich under a broiler for about 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Be careful not to burn the bread, so keep a close eye on it.
Finish the sandwich: Once the cheese is melted and the sandwich is toasty, remove it from the broiler. Top with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish, and close the sandwich with the top half of the roll.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the crispy eggplant parm sandwich in half, and serve immediately while hot and crispy. It’s delicious on its own, but you can also pair it with a warm bowl of Tomato Gnocchi Soup or Sweet Potato Carrot Soup for an even more satisfying meal.

Tomato Gnocchi Soup

For a perfect companion to your Crispy Eggplant Parm Sandwich, try a flavorful and hearty Tomato Gnocchi Soup. This soup features the rich, savory taste of tomato combined with soft gnocchi for a satisfying texture. The combination of vegetable broth and Italian seasonings gives the soup a comforting depth of flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the eggplant parm sandwich.

How to Make Tomato Gnocchi Soup:

Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
Add the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and dried basil, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, or until they float to the surface.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Sweet Potato Carrot Soup

For a unique flavor profile, try pairing your sandwich with a velvety Sweet Potato Carrot Soup. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and carrots, combined with aromatic spices like cinnamon and cumin, creates a warm, comforting soup that pairs beautifully with the crispy, savory eggplant sandwich.

How to Make Sweet Potato Carrot Soup:

In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
Add sweet potatoes and carrots, followed by vegetable broth and spices. Bring to a boil and then simmer until the vegetables are tender.
Blend the soup until smooth, then stir in coconut milk for creaminess.
Season with salt and pepper and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Other Complementary Dishes to Try

Four Cheese Pasta

For an extra cheesy experience, consider pairing your sandwich with a side of four cheese pasta. The combination of mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, and gorgonzola offers a rich and creamy texture that complements the crispy eggplant in the sandwich.

Spicy Spaghetti

If you’re in the mood for something with a little heat, try a plate of spicy spaghetti. The robust, fiery flavors of the sauce will contrast nicely with the mellow richness of the eggplant parm sandwich, creating a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

The crispy eggplant parm sandwich is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a cozy weekend meal. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a bowl of Tomato Gnocchi Soup or Sweet Potato Carrot Soup, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your hunger and tantalize your taste buds. The combination of crispy eggplant, melty cheese, and zesty tomato sauce is always a winner, and with a few simple ingredients, you can create a sandwich that’s both delicious and filling.

Next time you’re in the mood for a satisfying, Italian-inspired meal, reach for the eggplant and make yourself a crispy eggplant parm sandwich. Pair it with one of the tasty soups or sides above, and you’ll have a meal that’s worthy of any cafe treat session.