This versatile vegetable is one of the most underrated ingredients out there. In the right recipe, it can become the star of the show. It will soak up rich flavorful sauces, add layers to creamy casseroles, and provide a tasty alternative to meat in healthy plant-based dishes. Your eggplant education starts today with this comprehensive list of 24 crazy-good eggplant recipes. And I mean crazy-good. Ever heard of eggplant ‘bacon?’ How about eggplant tacos or eggplant parmesan sandwiches? If that isn’t enough, I’ve also included eggplant burgers, eggplant meatballs, and eggplant pizza. A world of binge-worthy eggplant goodness awaits!
1. Baked Eggplant
In this easy recipe, eggplant is topped with garlic and parmesan, then baked until perfectly browned and crunchy. It’s the perfect healthy side dish for those who normally have to be coerced into eating their vegetables. So if you have a picky partner or complaining kids, serve this. And make extra because they will ask for more.
2. Baba Ganoush
Hailing from the Eastern Mediterranean, baba ganoush is a hummus-style dip made by blending eggplant with herbs, spices, and a dash of olive oil. It only takes a few minutes to assemble this epic baba ganoush, making it ideal for snacking, spreading, or just eating straight from the dish with a spoon.
3. Ratatouille
Once the domain of French chefs, you can now create Michelin-star worthy ratatouille at home. This chunky vegetable stew is made with eggplants, tomatoes, peppers and fresh herbs. It’s a bowl full of fresh, zesty flavors, perfect for long lunches and decadent dinners.
4. Stuffed Eggplant
Forget boring breadcrumbs, in this recipe, eggplant is stuffed with a mouth-watering mix of chickpeas, couscous, tomatoes, and herbs. Vegetarians will love the plant-based perfection, while everyone else will just enjoy chowing down on this simple-but-satisfying meal.
5. Grilled Eggplant
Grilling eggplant gives it a unique, smoky flavor reminiscent of long, lazy summer days and backyard BBQs. This recipe is ideal for outdoor entertaining, upgrading the humble grilled eggplant into a party piece with a hearty couscous salad topping.
6. Eggplant Parmesan
Quick. Cancel all your dinner plans. This cheesy, tasty eggplant parmesan is calling your name. Fresh herbs, gooey mozzarella, and crispy baked eggplant drenched in rich marinara sauce – need I say more?
7. Eggplant Tacos
As kids, we’re told not to play with our food. Forget that advice. Cooking is all about getting creative, and it doesn’t get more creative than eggplant tacos. Here, the South American staple is transformed into crispy eggplant tacos with fresh cilantro sauce. This is culinary creativity at its best.
8. Eggplant Parmesan Sandwiches
What happens when you take crispy breaded eggplant, douse it in marinara sauce, layer it with melted cheese, and wrap it in a ciabatta bun? You’ll blow your mind and your tastebuds. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. You’ll never look at lunch the same way again.
9. Roasted Eggplant Soup
Soups are a great staple, but they can get boring fast. Not so with this unique tasting roasted eggplant stew. Fragrant flavors like cumin, thyme and cilantro give a lift to this hearty vegetarian broth. Add a little kick of cayenne to offset the creaminess of the eggplant, and it’s a big bowl of yum.
10. Eggplant Meatballs
Ok, so there’s no actual meat in these delicious ‘meatballs,’ but give them a go, and you might find you prefer it that way. In fact, you won’t even miss the meat. Chopped eggplant holds these baked meatballs together, while fresh herbs like parsley bring the taste. Serve solo as a game-day snack or just heap them on top of your favorite pasta. You’re only limited by your appetite!
11. Eggplant Lasagna
Lasagna is in my top 10 comfort foods (yes, I keep a list), but sometimes, you’ll want the comfort without the carbs. This tasty eggplant version fits the bill perfectly, replacing noodles with thinly-sliced, roasted eggplant for maximum flavor and minimum carbs.
12. Eggplant Salad
This fresh, zesty salad ticks all the boxes. Vegan, Paleo, Whole30 – it’s a must for anyone looking for more nutritious nibbles. Chopped eggplant, tomatoes, and onion are roasted before being tossed with Middle Eastern spices and herbs. It’s simple, healthy, and very tasty.
13. Zaalouk
Zaalouk is a Morrocan eggplant salad flavored with juicy tomatoes, smoky paprika, and warming cumin. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it hot or cold, and enjoy it as a side dish, appetizer, dip, or sauce.
14. Baked Eggplant Fries
This recipe is for everyone who’s ever tried (and failed) to resist a plate of crispy, hot fries. No resisting is necessary for these healthy-but-heavenly eggplant treats. They’re a guilt-free indulgence perfect for when you’re craving something salty. Crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, eggplant fries are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Especially when served with fresh tzatziki sauce.
15. Pasta Alla Norma
A lighter take on the classic Italian favorite, this recipe goes heavy on the eggplant to cut the carbs. Roasted eggplant is tossed with pasta, marinara sauce, and fresh basil to create a little taste of Italy right in your own kitchen.
16. Eggplant Burgers
Food should be fun as well as flavorful, and these ‘messy’ eggplant burgers deliver on both counts. In this inventive recipe, eggplant blends with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices to make a sturdy patty that’s then fried and sandwiched in a classic burger bun. Top with tangy dijon and horseradish sauce, and have some napkins handy as you dig in!
17. Caponata
Caponata is a sweet and sour relish originating from Sicily, where it’s usually served as an appetizer or side. In this version, creamy eggplant meets tart olives and capers for a snappy salad that tastes of summer.
18. Eggplant Pizza
Nope, I’m not talking eggplant on pizza, but rather eggplant as pizza. In this low-carb recipe, eggplant replaces the conventional crust for a healthier take on a traditional temptation. Here, the ‘pizza’ is topped with melted cheese and spinach, but you can easily make it your own with your favorite flavors.
19. Eggplant Bacon
Humans are nothing if not resourceful. We invented the internet, went to the moon, and created vegan bacon. Yep, this is bacon… but not as you know it. Thin strips of eggplant are brushed with soy sauce and maple syrup before baking low and slow. The resulting chewy strips can be used to replace bacon in sandwiches, salads or breakfast rolls. Sure, they’re not actually made from meat, but they’re just as tasty, crunchy, and crave-worthy as the real deal.
20. Moussaka
You knew I’d get there, eventually. You can’t have a list of eggplant recipes without including everyone’s favorite Greek casserole – moussaka. Layers of eggplant, ground beef, and tomato are topped with a creamy bechamel sauce in this hearty and satisfying dish.
21. Mnazeleh
Popular in Israel, mnazeleh is a vegan chickpea stew bursting with the vibrant flavors of the Middle East A dense tomato-based stew with hints of cinnamon and a touch of chili, it’s ideal for family feasts or a quiet night in. It stores well too, so if you like to meal plan, make a big batch ahead of time and pull out a bowl for a quick and healthy mid-week meal.
22. Italian Eggplant Pie
Sad-looking eggplants overstaying their welcome in the fridge? Whip them into this savoury pie and they’ll taste good as new. In this easy-to-follow recipe, sweet sundried tomatoes, salty parmesan, and creamy eggplant are combined in a pie crust and baked to perfection. Light, but satisfying, this is equally enjoyable for lunch, snacking or dinner.
23. Baked Eggplant Sticks
Bring these crunchy baked snacks to a potluck or a party and watch them disappear. Coated in golden breadcrumbs and served with tangy marinara sauce, eggplant has never been so appetizing.
24. Eggplant Hummus
Eggplant lends itself well to dips and sauces thanks to its thick creamy texture. In this foolproof recipe, the eggplant is charred first to give it that earthy, smoky taste before being whipped with tahini, garlic, and lemon. After that, it’s up to you. You can eat it by the spoonful, smear it on bread or add a dollop to your favorite sandwich. If you’re bringing it to a BBQ or gathering, be sure to drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika to make it extra fancy. Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 4.9 / 5. Vote count: 8 No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
Share on social media: Let us improve this post!
