15 Easy Eggplant Recipes That Prove the Veggie Is Anything But Boring
There are so many creative ways to cook with this underrated vegetable!
Whether you’re whipping up a party appetizer or throwing together a weeknight dinner, seasonal vegetables have a way of making everything taste fresher and brighter. In late summer and early fall, tomatoes, zucchini, and corn often get all the attention, but eggplant deserves a spot in the rotation, too. When cooked properly, it turns tender, creamy, and delicious. “Roasted eggplant is one of life’s sheer pleasures,” Ree Drummond says.
Eggplant is surprisingly versatile, too: Grill it, fry it, bake it, stuff it, or layer it into a casserole. Eggplant parmesan may be the classic, but there are plenty of other ways to put this late-summer vegetable to work! You’ll find Italian favorites and traditional Greek dishes, along with family-friendly options like sandwiches, pizza, and pasta. There are hearty mains and easy sides for dinner, plus dips and finger foods for entertaining. Whatever you’re craving, there’s an eggplant recipe here for it!
Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan
A simplified twist on eggplant parmesan, these baked eggplant boats are stuffed with al dente pasta, bright marinara sauce, and melted cheese before they’re finished with golden breadcrumbs.
Get Ree’s Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan recipe.
Ratatouille
For a show-stopping side that puts eggplant front and center, layer thinly sliced eggplant with zucchini, squash, tomato, bell pepper, and onion. This fresh, colorful medley pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, fish, or steak.
Get the Ratatouille recipe.
Fried Eggplant
Fried in panko breadcrumbs, eggplant becomes meltingly tender on the inside and extra-crispy on the outside. Serve this snack with tomato sauce for dunking, and watch everyone crowd around the platter.
Get the Fried Eggplant recipe.
Eggplant Parmesan
Like chicken parmesan, this layered casserole is ooey-gooey and oh-so comforting, but with eggplant as the base, it’s completely vegetarian. Even meat eaters will want seconds!
Get the Eggplant Parmesan recipe.
Stuffed Eggplant
Tender eggplant is filled with a hearty mixture of fluffy couscous, seasoned vegetables, and ground beef. Cumin, paprika, and coriander add plenty of warm, bold flavor.
Get the Stuffed Eggplant recipe.
Eggplant Rollatini
This gooey, tangy dish is one of Ree's favorite eggplant recipes to order at a restaurant, but you can easily make it at home with a jar of marinara sauce and a container of ricotta cheese.
Get Ree's Eggplant Rollatini recipe.
Grilled Eggplant
One of the easiest eggplant recipes, this grilled dish comes together with just a handful of ingredients—and you won't need to peel the veggie before tossing it on the grill! The result is a smoky side that goes with just about anything.
Get the Grilled Eggplant recipe.
Eggplant Caponata
This zippy Italian dish is brimming with tender eggplant, briny capers, and golden raisins—a unique spread that’s equally delicious spooned over grilled chicken or smeared on toasted crostini.
Get the Eggplant Caponata recipe.
Eggplant Lasagna
For a fun, summery twist on classic lasagna, swap traditional noodles for tender eggplant. This eggplant recipe still has all the cozy, gooey comfort, but it’s loaded with fresh flavor.
Get the Eggplant Lasagna recipe.
Roasted Veggie Cast-Iron Pizza
Why not add fresh veggies to your next pizza night? This homemade pie is topped with caramelized eggplant, crisp asparagus, creamy goat cheese, and tangy balsamic glaze for a fresh, flavorful combination.
Get Ree's Roasted Veggie Cast-Iron Pizza recipe.
Moussaka
In this traditional Greek dish, roasted eggplant is layered with a rich meat sauce and creamy cheese sauce for a hearty casserole you’ll want to make all year round.
Get the Moussaka recipe.
Eggplant Lasagna Roll-Ups
To give eggplant lasagna a creative spin, transform the standard dish into roll-ups. That way, each bite will be packed with cheesy, saucy goodness.
Get Ree's Eggplant Lasagna Roll-Ups recipe.
Grilled Eggplant Parm Hoagies
Eggplant parmesan lovers will appreciate this variation that's ready in less than an hour. Each crusty hero roll features a drool-worthy stack of eggplant, tomatoes, marinara sauce, and provolone cheese.
Get Ree's Grilled Eggplant Parm Hoagies recipe.
Roasted Zucchini and Eggplant Puttanesca Pasta
While puttanesca is typically made with tomatoes, olives, capers, and anchovies, this version includes zucchini and eggplant for added summer flavor.
Get the Roasted Zucchini and Eggplant Puttanesca Pasta recipe.
Baba Ghanoush
A traditional Mediterranean spread, this eggplant recipe is made with smoky eggplant, plus nutty tahini and plenty of garlic and herbs. It’s an appetizer that won’t disappoint!
Get Ree's Baba Ghanoush recipe.
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