Tasty Fried Eggplant Balls

Try this fried eggplant appetizer for your next party. Made with eggplant, veggies, and Cheddar, these crispy little balls are melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

• Preparation Time: 40 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins
• Calories: 646 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large eggplant, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups vegetable oil for frying, or as needed
• 2 large eggs, divided
• 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup chopped onion
• 0.75 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1.5 cups bread crumbs, divided
• 1.75 teaspoons salt, divided
• 0.5 ounce shredded Cheddar cheese

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

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

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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