White Eggplant….Who Knew?

white eggplant

🌿 Surprise! White Eggplant is a Thing!

I honestly can’t believe I’d never come across a white eggplant before—but it’s true! Growing up, the only eggplant I ever saw in the garden or grocery store was that classic deep purple. I’ve spotted a few with variegated skins over the years, but never one in this beautiful creamy white. It was so pretty… and oddly satisfying to hold!

And in true Southern fashion, what did I do next? Sliced it up, battered it, and fried it to golden perfection in hot vegetable oil. Naturally. 😉!

white eggplant fried and served with a homemade dipping sauce

We enjoyed these crispy white eggplant slices for supper last night, paired with a quick homemade dipping sauce. Of course, in true Southern style, they were just one part of the meal—we served them alongside green beans, stewed potatoes, creamed corn, sliced tomatoes, hot cornbread, and a tall glass of iced tea.

That said, these golden bites aren’t just for dinner—they’d make a perfect appetizer or snack anytime. Think backyard cookouts, tailgates, or even your next game day spread!

serve fried eggplant with dipping sauce as an appetizer

What you’ll love about white eggplant:


  • 👶 Kid-Friendly – Kids love finger foods, and white eggplant fits right in! I sliced mine into rounds for frying, but you could easily cut them into sticks for a fun, dippable snack.
  • 🥗 Healthy (Sort of!) – White eggplant is naturally low in calories and packed with good stuff like vitamins C and K, potassium, and antioxidants. Okay… maybe not when it’s battered and fried like I did it—but still!
  • 🔥 Versatile – White eggplant works great in just about anything—grilled, roasted, stir-fried, in soups, stews, casseroles, or even stuffed.
  • ✨ Unique Appearance – That creamy white skin adds an elegant, almost pearly look to any dish. It’s a beautiful touch for salads, veggie platters, or dinner presentations.
  • 😋 Milder Taste – Compared to traditional purple eggplant, the white variety has a milder flavor and no bitterness (at least in my experience). Just smooth, subtle goodness.

🍆 What is Eggplant and Where Did It Come From?

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable known for its smooth, glossy skin and distinctive shape. It comes in a variety of colors—from the classic deep purple to variegated and even white—and is used in cuisines around the world. While some eggplants have a slightly bitter taste, the white eggplant I cooked had none of that—just a mild, pleasant flavor.

Eggplant is believed to have originated in India, eventually spreading throughout Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Over time, many different varieties have been cultivated, including the white types we see today.

White eggplant is a cultivated offshoot of the traditional purple variety. There are several popular types like Casper, Clara, White Star, Cloud Nine, and others. Based on my internet research, I think the ones I cooked may be the Casper variety—but I can’t say for sure!

explanation of what white eggplant is

Southern-Style Fried White Eggplant

Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe

  • 2 med white eggplants
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup flour
  • salt & pepper
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • vegetable oil
  • smoked paprika
  • Tajin seasoning
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 T horseradish sauce

Step 1

Wash the white eggplant thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel. No need to peel—the skin is tender and adds a nice texture. Slice into rounds about slightly more than 1/4 inch thick, discarding the ends. (The texture feels a bit like slicing through foam or a mushroom.)

In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup of milk and 1 beaten egg. Add salt and pepper to taste. Place the eggplant slices in the mixture and gently toss to coat them evenly.

slice vegetable, dip in mixture of beaten egg and milk

Step 2

In a bowl, mix together flour (plain or self-rising—it doesn’t matter) and cornmeal. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, but go light—you can always season more after frying if needed.

Pour the flour mixture into a large zip-top bag. One at a time, shake off any excess milk mixture from the eggplant slices and place a few into the bag. Gently shake to coat each slice well. Remove, then repeat until all slices are dredged in the flour and cornmeal mix.

batter eggplant slices in egg and milk mixture, then dredge in a mixture of flour and cornmeal using a ziplock back

Step 3

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. To test the oil, place one eggplant slice in the pan—when it begins to sizzle and fry around the edges, it’s ready.

Add a few more slices, but don’t overcrowd the pan. Use tongs to turn each piece just once, frying until golden brown on both sides.

Remove and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Continue in batches until all slices are fried.

fry battered eggplant slices in hot vegetable oil, turn only one, drain on paper towels

🥣 Easy Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together:

  • Mayonnaise
  • Prepared horseradish sauce

Add a dash or two of smoked paprika and Tajín seasoning (a flavorful blend of chili, lime, and salt). Stir well and adjust to taste.

Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonings—this sauce is super flexible and perfect with fried white eggplant!

Tips
  • Double Dip for Extra Crunch: If you have leftover egg/milk mixture, try dipping the slices a second time—back into the liquid, then again into the flour and cornmeal mixture for an extra crispy coating.
  • Bag or Bowl? Your Call: You can dredge the slices in a bowl, or use two zip-top bags nested together for extra security. When you’re done, just toss the bags—easy cleanup!
  • Bonus Fry-Up: Slice up an onion and batter a few rings while you’re at it. Fry them alongside the eggplant for a delicious side pairing.s.
  • No Time for Sauce? Ranch dressing makes a great quick dip if you’re short on time!
serve plain or with a dipping sauce

For even more delicious recipes, you may like these:

Did You Make This Recipe?

I’d love to see your take on fried white eggplant! Mention me @jeannie38863 or tag your post with #jeannie38863 so I can see your delicious creations. You can also leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out!

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