10+ Eggplant Recipes You’ll Love to Try Today

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable you can use in many tasty dishes. It works well in different cooking styles, from baked to grilled or roasted.

You can easily turn eggplant into simple meals that fit your taste and lifestyle. Cooking with eggplant adds flavor and nutrition to your meals.

Ingredients

• Eggplant
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Optional herbs and spices

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash and slice the eggplant as needed.
2. Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake, grill, or roast based on your chosen recipe.
4. Cook until the eggplant is tender.

1) Classic Eggplant Parmesan

Classic Eggplant Parmesan is a tasty Italian dish you can make at home. Slice eggplant and coat the slices with flour and breadcrumbs.

Bake the eggplant slices until golden. Layer them in a baking dish with marinara sauce and cheese.

Bake everything until the cheese melts and bubbles. This dish is great for dinner and easy to share with family or friends.

You can find a simple recipe example here.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 1 cup flour
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice eggplants into ¼-inch rounds.
3. Beat eggs in a bowl.
4. Dip each slice in flour, then eggs, then breadcrumbs.
5. Place slices on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden.
7. In a baking dish, spread a little marinara sauce.
8. Layer eggplant slices, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
9. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
10. Bake for 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

2) Grilled Eggplant Lasagna

Grilled eggplant lasagna is a twist on the classic. Use sliced eggplant instead of noodles and grill them until tender and slightly charred.

This adds a smoky flavor. Layer the grilled eggplant with marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese.

Bake it to melt the cheese and blend the flavors. It’s a filling, vegetarian meal that’s naturally gluten-free.

You can grill the eggplant on a pan or an outdoor grill.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs eggplant, sliced lengthwise
• 32 oz marinara sauce
• 8 oz ricotta cheese
• 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Grill eggplant slices 3 minutes per side until soft and marked.
3. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
4. Add grilled eggplant slices, then dollops of ricotta and shredded mozzarella.
5. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella on top.
6. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

3) Garlic Sautéed Eggplant

Garlic sautéed eggplant is a simple and tasty way to enjoy this vegetable. Cook the eggplant in a pan with olive oil and garlic until it becomes soft and flavorful.

Cut the eggplant into cubes or slices. Sprinkle salt on them and let them sit for a few minutes to remove any bitterness.

Heat oil and garlic in a pan and add the eggplant. Cook until golden and tender, stirring often.

This dish pairs well with rice or pasta.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the eggplant into cubes or slices.
2. Sprinkle salt and let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F / 175°C).
4. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add eggplant and sauté, stirring regularly, until tender and golden, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Season with pepper and serve warm.

For more details, check this 15-Minute Garlic Sautéed Eggplant.

4) Roasted Caramelized Eggplant

Roasted caramelized eggplant is easy to make and full of flavor. When you cook eggplant in the oven, it becomes soft inside and nicely browned on the outside.

This method brings out its natural sweetness and creates a tender texture. You only need simple ingredients like olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes. Cut the eggplant into even pieces so they cook evenly.

You can also add herbs or spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the eggplant into 1-inch cubes or slices.
3. Toss the eggplant with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, turning halfway through.

5) Eggplant and Mozzarella Stack

This eggplant and mozzarella stack is simple and fresh. Layer slices of roasted or grilled eggplant with mozzarella cheese and ripe tomatoes.

Add basil or pesto for extra flavor. Bake the stack until the cheese melts and everything warms through.

It’s perfect for a light meal or appetizer. Serve hot or cold.

You can customize this recipe. Add parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil to boost the taste.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 large ripe tomatoes
• 8 slices mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil or basil pesto
• Salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice eggplant into ½-inch rounds and brush with olive oil.
3. Roast eggplant slices for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Layer eggplant, tomato slices, and mozzarella in a stack.
5. Sprinkle with salt and basil or add pesto.
6. Bake for 10 minutes until cheese melts.
7. Serve warm or chilled.

Try this tasty eggplant stack for your next meal!

6) Eggplant Ratatouille

Eggplant ratatouille brings together fresh vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Cook them slowly until they become soft and full of flavor.

You can enjoy ratatouille on its own or serve it with pasta or crusty bread. The recipe is easy, and you can use whatever summer vegetables you have on hand.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant, diced
• 2 zucchinis, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs like basil or thyme (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
3. Add eggplant and bell pepper, cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in zucchini and tomatoes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
6. Cover and simmer on low for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
7. Serve warm.

For more ideas, check this Eggplant Ratatouille recipe.

7) Baba Ganoush Dip

Baba ganoush is a creamy, smoky eggplant dip that’s great as a snack or appetizer. Roast or char eggplants to give the dip its rich, smoky flavor.

Mix the eggplant with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. You only need a few simple ingredients.

This dip pairs well with fresh veggies, pita bread, or crackers. You can find an easy-to-follow version of this recipe here.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prick eggplants with a fork and roast on a baking sheet for 35-40 minutes until soft.
3. Let eggplants cool, then peel off the skin.
4. In a bowl, mash eggplant with tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
5. Add salt to taste and mix well. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

8) Eggplant Caviar Salad

Eggplant caviar salad is a tasty and easy dish you can enjoy as a spread or side. Roast eggplants to create a smoky base.

Mix in fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and garlic for a fresh flavor. Add vinegar or lemon juice for tang.

Herbs like parsley give it a nice, fresh touch. Serve with bread or crackers.

You can find variations of this recipe in different cuisines, like Ukrainian “Ikra” or Greek “Melitzanosalata.” The roasted eggplant is always the star.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 red bell pepper
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tbsp sunflower or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pierce eggplants and red pepper.
3. Roast for 30-40 minutes until soft.
4. Let cool, then peel off skin.
5. Chop the vegetables finely.
6. Combine eggplant, pepper, tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a bowl.
7. Stir in vinegar or lemon juice, oil, parsley, salt, and pepper.
8. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

9) Keto Grilled Eggplant Layers

Stack thin slices of grilled eggplant with tasty fillings to make keto grilled eggplant layers. Grill the eggplant until it’s tender and slightly charred.

Add layers of pesto, feta cheese, and fresh tomatoes between the slices. This creates a colorful, low-carb dish that’s simple to prepare.

You can serve this as a light meal or a side dish. Olive oil and Italian seasoning boost the flavor and keep it keto-friendly.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 6 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice eggplants about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Brush both sides with olive oil.
3. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and black pepper.
4. Grill eggplant slices for 4-5 minutes each side at 400°F (200°C) until tender.
5. Layer grilled eggplant with pesto, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature.

10) Eggplant Fries with Herb Dip

Eggplant fries are a tasty and healthier alternative to regular fries. Bake them until crispy on the outside and soft inside.

Simple herbs add fresh flavor to the fries. You can make a creamy herb dip to go with them.

The dip pairs well with the mild eggplant and adds a bright, tangy taste. This combo works well for a snack or side dish.

Baking the eggplant keeps these fries lighter. The herbs give a fresh touch that’s easy to enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp za’atar or mixed dried herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Herb Dip:

• 1/2 cup yogurt or sour cream
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or cilantro)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Cut the eggplant into fry-shaped sticks.

3. Toss the eggplant with olive oil, za’atar, salt, and pepper.

4. Spread the eggplant in one layer on a baking sheet.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.

6. Flip the fries halfway through baking.

7. Mix yogurt, lemon juice, fresh herbs, and salt for the dip.

8. Serve the fries warm with the herb dip.

Try this easy recipe for a fresh and tasty eggplant snack.

Learn more about baking eggplant fries with herbs at The Kitchn.