Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large, sturdy baking sheet with a fresh piece of parchment paper.
- Wash the globe eggplant, trim the stem, and slice crosswise into thick rounds approximately 1 to 1.5 inches thick.
- Arrange the eggplant rounds flat on the baking tray. Brush both sides of each round thoroughly using 2 tablespoons of the extra virgin olive oil, then season uniformly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, until the eggplant flesh has softened completely and turned a delicate golden hue.
- While roasting, combine the ricotta cheese, crumbled feta, minced garlic, chopped fresh oregano, and 2 tablespoons of the chopped fresh parsley in a mixing bowl. Stir vigorously until a smooth, uniform cheese paste forms.
- Remove the eggplant tray from the oven. Using the rounded back of a clean metal spoon, gently press down into the center of each hot round to create a distinct, shallow well.
- Divide the garlic herb cheese filling evenly among the slices, spooning it directly into each center well.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of parsley. Spoon this crunchy mixture over the top of the cheese filling on each slice.
- Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for an additional 12 to 15 minutes until the filling bubbles at the margins and the breadcrumb topping achieves a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Remove from heat, transfer to a platter, garnish with an extra pinch of fresh parsley and flaky sea salt, and serve hot.
Notes
- To eliminate any moisture worries, consider pre-salting your raw eggplant slices for 20 minutes before rinsing and drying them.
- Always use full-fat cheese components to ensure the internal filling retains its luxurious, creamy shape during cooking without leaking moisture onto the tray.
- Always use full-fat cheese components to ensure the internal filling retains its luxurious, creamy shape during cooking without leaking moisture onto the tray.
