10+ Eggplant Recipes to Love and Enjoy

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can add a rich flavor and unique texture to your meals. Whether you’re looking for hearty casseroles, simple side dishes, or creative appetizers, there are countless eggplant recipes to explore. Cooking with eggplant can be a delightful experience, especially as you discover its ability to absorb flavors beautifully.

Many people might wonder how to prepare eggplant effectively in their kitchens. It can be used in a variety of dishes, from hearty pastas to health-conscious options. With the right techniques and recipes, you can enjoy delicious dishes that highlight this wonderful vegetable.

1) Classic Eggplant Parmesan

Classic Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious Italian dish that you can easily make at home. This recipe features tender eggplant slices that are baked with marinara sauce and layers of melted cheese.

To start, you will need to slice the eggplant and coat it in flour and breadcrumbs. Baking it helps achieve a crispy texture. Then, layer the eggplant with rich marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Bake the dish at 375°F (190°C) until it’s bubbly and golden. This dish is perfect as a main course or a side dish!

Ingredients:

• 2 medium eggplants
• Salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplants and sprinkle them with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.
3. Dredge the eggplant slices in flour, then dip in breadcrumbs.
4. Place the breaded eggplant on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes.
5. In a baking dish, layer the baked eggplant, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
7. Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Enjoy!

2) Garlic Sautéed Eggplant

Garlic sautéed eggplant is a quick and tasty dish. The eggplant turns tender and flavorful when sautéed with garlic. Plus, it’s easy to make!

To start, you will need fresh eggplant, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Feel free to add herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cut the eggplant into cubes or slices.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
3. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
4. Add eggplant to the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

3) Eggplant Ratatouille

Eggplant ratatouille is a delicious French dish made with fresh vegetables. It brings together eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes for a vibrant meal. This stew is perfect as a main dish or a side.

To make it, start by slicing the vegetables into even pieces. You want them to cook evenly. Sauté onions and garlic first to enhance the flavor. Then, add in your veggies gradually.

Let everything simmer together until tender. You can add herbs like basil and thyme for extra taste. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the tasty blend!

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant (1 pound), diced
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Olive oil
• Fresh herbs (basil, thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft.
3. Add diced eggplant and cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in zucchini and bell peppers, cooking for another 5 minutes.
5. Add chopped tomatoes, herbs, salt, and pepper.
6. Cover and simmer on low for 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4) Grilled Eggplant Lasagne

Grilled eggplant lasagne is a tasty twist on traditional lasagne. You can enjoy the flavors of roasted vegetables layered with cheese. This dish is both gluten-free and vegetarian, making it great for various diets.

Start by grilling sliced eggplant until it’s tender. You can add your favorite homemade sauce for extra flavor. Layer the grilled eggplant with ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce.

Bake it at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden. This will take about 25-30 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
2. Slice the eggplants and brush with olive oil.
3. Grill eggplant slices for 3 minutes on each side.
4. In a baking dish, layer grilled eggplant, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella.
5. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Let cool before serving.

5) Roasted Eggplant with Herbs

Roasted eggplant with herbs is a simple yet delicious dish that’s great as a side or a main. The eggplant becomes tender and flavorful when roasted, and the herbs add a lovely touch.

To start, you will need fresh eggplant, olive oil, and your favorite herbs. You can use basil, oregano, or thyme for a burst of flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the eggplant into slices or cubes.
3. Toss the eggplant with olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs in a large bowl.
4. Spread the eggplant on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender. Enjoy!

6) Eggplant Fries

Eggplant fries are a tasty and healthier alternative to regular fries. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can enjoy them as a snack or a side dish.

To make these fries, you can bake or air fry them. Baking gives you a lighter option, while air frying creates a crunchy texture. Both methods retain the delicious flavor of eggplant.

Pair your eggplant fries with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or marinara. It’s a fun way to get more veggies into your diet.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• Salt
• ½ cup tapioca flour (or cornstarch)
• 1½ cups breadcrumbs (or almond flour)
• Olive oil spray

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Slice eggplants into fry shapes.
3. Sprinkle salt on eggplant and let sit for 15 minutes.
4. Rinse and pat dry.
5. Coat with tapioca flour, then breadcrumbs.
6. Place on a baking sheet and spray with olive oil.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and crispy.

7) Eggplant and Mozzarella Casserole

Eggplant and mozzarella casserole is a delicious dish that’s easy to prepare. You’ll enjoy the mix of roasted eggplant, melty cheese, and savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a family gathering.

Start by slicing the eggplant and roasting it until tender. This brings out the flavor and removes excess moisture. Layer the roasted eggplant with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish.

After layering, bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the eggplant and roast it until tender.
3. In a baking dish, layer the eggplant, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
4. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
5. Top with remaining cheese and season.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly.

8) Spicy Eggplant Tacos

Spicy eggplant tacos are a fun and tasty way to enjoy this vegetable. They bring a nice kick to your meal and are perfect for any taco night. Plus, they’re easy to make!

Start by soaking shredded eggplant in lime juice and salt. This helps enhance the flavor and texture.

Next, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the eggplant until it’s tender. You can add your favorite spices for more flavor.

Assemble your tacos with tortillas and load them up with the cooked eggplant. Add toppings like salsa, avocado, or fresh cilantro to finish them off!

Ingredients

• 1 eggplant, shredded
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Taco tortillas
• Toppings (salsa, avocado, cilantro)

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the shredded eggplant in lime juice and salt for 5-7 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté the eggplant until tender.
4. Assemble tacos with tortillas and cooked eggplant.
5. Add your desired toppings.

9) Eggplant Caponata

Eggplant caponata is a classic Sicilian dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or side. This dish features tender eggplant combined with tomatoes, olives, and capers, giving it a rich, tangy flavor.

You can serve caponata warm or cold, making it a versatile option for any meal. It pairs wonderfully with crostini or as a topping for grilled meats.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant, diced
• 2 cups tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup olives, pitted and sliced
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and celery; sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the eggplant; cook until tender.
4. Add tomatoes, olives, and capers; cook for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in sugar and vinegar; simmer for 5 more minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm or cold, garnished with basil.

10) Eggplant Moussaka

Eggplant moussaka is a delicious Greek dish that layers eggplant, meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner with family or friends.

To start, slice fresh eggplants and roast them until tender. You’ll then prepare a spiced meat sauce, usually with ground beef or lamb.

Next, layer the eggplant with the meat sauce in a baking dish. Top it all off with a rich béchamel sauce. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden.

Let it cool slightly before serving for the best flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups tomato sauce
• 2 cups béchamel sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Spices (such as cinnamon or nutmeg)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice eggplants and roast until soft.
3. Cook onion and meat in a pan until browned.
4. Add tomato sauce and spices; let simmer.
5. Layer eggplant and meat sauce in a baking dish.
6. Pour béchamel over the top.
7. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden.
8. Cool and serve.