Eggplant San Jacobos Recipe: Crispy Ham and Cheese Bites 2026

Eggplant San Jacobos are a surprising and wonderfully easy twist on a classic comfort dish. Two slices of eggplant sandwich ham and melted cheese, then get breaded and fried until golden and crisp. The result is an irresistible bite that comes together in just 20 minutes.

This version keeps everything simple: a single eggplant, cooked ham, and cheese are all you need for the filling. A quick flour, egg, and breadcrumb coating gives each piece its crunchy shell, while the cheese turns gooey inside.

They are perfect as a main dish with a green salad, or serve them as a tapa alongside other small plates. Just remember they are at their best eaten fresh from the pan.

Ingredients for Eggplant San Jacobos

For 2 servings

• 1 eggplant
• 2 slices cooked ham
• 2 slices cheese
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• 40 g wheat flour
• 1 medium egg
• 50 g breadcrumbs
• 100 ml olive oil, for frying

How to Make Eggplant San Jacobos Step by Step

1. Slice the eggplant

Wash 1 eggplant and cut it into half-centimeter slices. For the best results, choose an eggplant that is as even in thickness as possible so the slices are uniform. If your eggplant tastes bitter, salt the slices and let them drain in a colander to remove the bitter juices, then rinse and continue.

2. Cover with ham

Cut 2 slices of cooked ham to the same size as the eggplant slices and distribute them over half of the eggplant slices. Any trimmings of ham can be used too.

3. Add the cheese

Cut the cheese and ham into rounds to match the size of the eggplant so they fry well without the filling spilling out. Place a slice of cheese on top of the ham on each covered eggplant slice.

4. Top with eggplant

Cover with the remaining eggplant slices and season with salt and pepper on both sides.

5. Bread the filled eggplant

Place 40 g of wheat flour on one plate, beat 1 medium egg in another, and spread 50 g of breadcrumbs on a third plate. Coat the eggplant San Jacobos in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.

6. Fry the San Jacobos

Heat 100 ml of olive oil (or enough to have one centimeter of oil in the pan) without letting it smoke, around 170 °C. Fry the eggplant San Jacobos for about 4 minutes on one side over medium-high heat. You do not need much oil in the pan; one finger's depth is enough.

7. Flip and brown

Turn them and cook for 4 more minutes on the other side, until they are golden all over. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

8. Serve immediately

Serve these delicious eggplant San Jacobos freshly made so they are at their best. They should be eaten right away to prevent them from getting soggy. A green salad on the side makes a great quick meal for your weekly menu.

Tips for the Best Eggplant San Jacobos

Choose the right eggplant

Pick an eggplant that is uniform in thickness so the slices are even and cook at the same rate. If your eggplant is bitter, salt the slices and let them drain in a colander to remove the bitter juices, then rinse and pat dry before using.

Keep the filling inside

Cut the ham and cheese to match the size of the eggplant slices so they fry well without the filling spilling out. Also, use just enough oil to reach one centimeter in the pan; you do not need a deep fryer.

Serve them fresh

These San Jacobos are best eaten freshly made to avoid them becoming soft. Pair them with a green salad for a quick and satisfying meal.

30 Home-Cooked Recipes I Keep Coming Back To

If you're anything like me, your kitchen rotation probably includes a little bit of everything — cozy comfort plates, tried-and-true dishes from around the globe, and sweets that make a crowd happy.

When a rich, indulgent treat is calling my name, I reach for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this refined Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a luxurious Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And on days when only something fruity and soothing will do, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is my go-to.

Mornings and lighter plates call for these airy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a hearty Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these bright Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple I can keep on hand, this no-fuss Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe does the trick.

Tapas and Mediterranean flavors are a constant craving, so I switch between this punchy Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, golden Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, silky Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and a cool Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. And when the occasion begs for something a touch fancier, this elegant Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is what I serve.

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Street-food cravings and party spreads usually mean this succulent Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, boldly seasoned Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crisp Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These simple Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also make an effortless appetizer or snack.

And when I'm hosting and mixing drinks alongside a full menu, dinner often gets paired with a cool Original Cuban Mojito recipe, a strong Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the spread, I like setting out this zesty French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side, or finishing the table with this eye-catching Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of cooking, testing, and tweaking in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the greatest dishes are built on three things: simplicity, techniques you can trust, and flavor that really pops.

Every recipe gathered here is one I genuinely cook over and over — whether it's a fast solo meal or a spread I'm putting together for the people I love.

On the sweet side, the rich, silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a favorite of mine when I want something that feels fancy yet comes together without fuss. Another dessert I adore is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, modeled after the celebrated Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, knowing how to make syrup for better dessert texture pays off, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

When something light and unfussy sounds right, I tend to go with the timeless Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a flawlessly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. And for cozier, heartier fare, I'm quick to suggest the filling Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the velvety Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the fast weeknight winner One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Sharing dishes from across the globe is another joy of mine — among them the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, golden Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the traditional Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is another category I turn to often, since it delivers great texture while saving time. The ones I make most are Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that a classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely gratifying without any gluten.

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