Roasted Eggplant Parmesan Focaccia

Perfect for lunch on a cold day, these warm, open-faced, eggplant Parmesan sandwiches are made on focaccia bread with tender roasted eggplant and a tasty tomato sauce.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 312 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 (1 1/2 pound) eggplant
• canola oil cooking spray
• 1 (14 ounce) can cherry tomatoes
• 1 (5 ounce) package baby arugula
• 4 slices focaccia bread

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2

Cut eggplant into twelve 1/4-inch rounds and place on one of the prepared baking sheets. Spray both sides with cooking spray and season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove from the oven and turn on the broiler.

Step 4

When you flip the eggplant, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until soft and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring continuously, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes, arugula, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir to flatten the cherry tomatoes and cook until arugula is wilted and sauce is hot, 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 5

Place focaccia bread on the second baking sheet. Top each piece with 3 eggplant rounds and an equal amount of tomato sauce, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.

Step 6

Place under the broiler until cheese melts, about 1 minute. Sprinkle with oregano and serve.