Recipe for Warm Eggplant Parmesan Dip

This warm dip is a little like eggplant parmesan in a bowl, only better. You can spread this dip on triscuit crackers, toasted french bread, or toasted pita bread triangles. I think this would also be good to top a Boboli pizza crust. Yummy!

Eggplant is a nightshade, or flowering plant, that is closely related to the tomato. It is botanically classified as a berry for its many, soft edible seeds. The name comes from the 18th century, when early cultivated plants produced yellow or white rounded fruit that resembled goose or hen eggs, resulting in the name "egg-plant".

Eggplant has been used by many cultures in recipes as far back as 544. It is popular in cooking for its dense flesh that is capable of absorbing sauces and flavors, making it a great addition to many dishes.

All measurements are approximate. This recipe lets you alter it to your taste.

1 small or medium sized eggplant (depending on how much dip you want to make)
1 cup of tomato pasta sauce (or more if you have a larger eggplant)
1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs (or omit beadcrumbs and use 1 cup of parmesan instead)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
sprinkle of oregano (optional)
cooking spray

1. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray and pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Peel skin off eggplant (you can leave it on but it's better without) and slice into discs about 1/4" thick.

3. On a plate, mix together parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.

4. Lay eggplant slices in parmesan/breadcrumbs mixture to cover one side (only), then place on cookie sheet with cheese/crumbs side up.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes. Slices are done when they are tender and a knife can be easily inserted.

6. Put eggplant slices in a bowl and lightly mash with a fork as you would a banana for banana bread. Leave eggplant mash quite chunky and lumpy.

7. In your serving bowl, layer ingredients for dip. First put in 1/2 cup of pasta sauce, then half of eggplant mash, sprinkle on some oregano if you choose. Top with half of the mozzarella. Then the other 1/2 of pasta sauce, eggplants mash, and oregano. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella.

8. When you are ready to serve, put dip into microwave until mozzarella melts. Then give dip one strong stir, blending and bringing some of the bottom ingredients to the top.

You can serve this appetizer with a variety of dipping and spreading options. This dip would be great on warm, doughy bread sticks, or discs of toasted french bread. It's also tasty on toasted pita bread triangles or just a triscuit cracker.

For family snacks, spread the dip on english muffins and toast for a few minutes to brown the muffin. And for family dinners, use it as the topping on your favorite pizza crust :)

Hope you enjoy this recipe! Please let me know how it turns out for you :)

Try my other recipes:

Super Easy, Super Quick Salsa Cheese Dip

Easy Meatball & Pepperoni Pasta Bake

Easy Meatball & Mushroom Casserole

Awesomely Altered Blueberry Muffins (Healthier Version)