Tasty Fried Eggplant Balls

4.4
(78)

This fried eggplant appetizer will be a hit at any party. A tasty combination of eggplant, veggies, and Cheddar is rolled into balls, breaded, and fried until golden brown.

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Prep Time:
40 mins
Cook Time:
25 mins
Additional Time:
2 hrs
Total Time:
3 hrs 5 mins
Servings:
8

Ingredients

  • 1 large eggplant, peeled and cubed

  • 1 ¾ teaspoons salt, divided

  • 1 ½ cups bread crumbs, divided

  • ¾ cup chopped green bell pepper

  • ¼ cup chopped onion

  • ½ ounce shredded Cheddar cheese

  • 2 large eggs, divided

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying, or as needed

Directions

  1. Fill a medium pot with an inch of water, then add eggplant and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until eggplant is tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.

  2. Transfer eggplant to a large bowl; stir in 3/4 cup bread crumbs, bell pepper, onion, Cheddar, one egg, remaining 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, paprika, and pepper until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.

  3. When ready to cook, set out three shallow bowls. Place flour in one bowl, beat remaining egg in another bowl, and place remaining 3/4 cup bread crumbs in the third bowl.

  4. Drop heaping teaspoonfuls of eggplant mixture into flour; roll until completely coated. Dip into beaten egg, then lift up so excess egg drips back into the bowl, and roll in bread crumbs to coat.

  5. Heat oil in a large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

  6. Fry eggplant balls in hot oil until golden brown and heated through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Editor's Note

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of breading ingredients. The actual amount of breading consumed will vary. We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. The exact amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

646 Calories
58g Fat
27g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 646
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 58g 75%
Saturated Fat 8g 41%
Cholesterol 48mg 16%
Sodium 605mg 26%
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 4g 16%
Protein 7g 13%
Vitamin C 14mg 15%
Calcium 69mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 302mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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