Eggplant Parmesan Bites

Directions

1. 1Layout eggplant slices on paper towels, sprinkle with salt and top with another layer of paper towels. Allow to sit for a few minutes. This will remove some of the water from the eggplant and make it more tender.
2. 2Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
3. 3Place a large metal rack on a baking sheet and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
4. 4In a medium bowl, combine the the filling ingredients – the three cheeses, parsley, salt and pepper. Set aside.
5. 5In a shallow container, mix together panko, seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
6. 6Lightly whisk the eggs in another shallow container.
7. 7Cut the eggplant slices into thirds, lengthwise – you’ll have about 50 full strips. Dip each eggplant strip first into the eggs and then into crumb mixture, coating both sides. Place on prepared baking rack.
8. 8Bake the eggplant strips at 400 degrees for 8 minutes, until tender, but not quite golden brown. Allow to cool until you can handle easily.
9. 9Spoon about a tablespoon of the cheese filling, and roll lightly into a ball. Place on one end of an eggplant strip and roll up. Secure roll with a toothpick. Place the eggplant rolls on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, until the filling is just warm and the cheese is beginning to get melty.
10. 10Serve the Eggplant Parmesan Bites with warmed marinara sauce, for dipping.