Garlic Parmesan Baked Eggplant

 1 large eggplant

6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp Italian seasoning

1.  Start by preparing the eggplant: Wash the eggplant and trim off the green end.  You can peel the skin but you don't have to. I like leaving it on. Next, slice eggplant into 1/2 inch disks.  Place all disks in colander or cooking rack set over baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and let sit for at least 30 minutes.

2.  Next, melt butter in a bowl.  Mix breadcrumbs, spices and Parmesan cheese in another bowl.

3.  Dip each eggplant disk into butter first, then breading mixture.  Place on aluminum foil or parchment paper lined baking sheet.

4. Bake in a 400 degrre oven for 15 minutes, then flip each disk and bake for 7 more minutes.  The eggplant should be golden brown and the breading crispy. 

5.  Serve as a side dish, appetizer or use in eggplant Parmesan.