16 Eggplant Recipes That Actually Hit

Eggplant doesn’t always get the spotlight, but it’s one of the most adaptable ingredients you can cook with. It can go silky in soups, crispy in bakes, or smoky on the grill. And, these recipes show just how many directions you can take it—Italian-inspired, Middle Eastern, Asian, or classic comfort food. You’ll find plenty of reasons to make eggplant a regular on your dinner table.

Roasted Eggplant Soup

Roasted eggplant is blended into a smooth soup with garlic, onions, and a hint of spice. It’s deeply savory and warming. A swirl of cream or yogurt adds richness. Serve with crusty bread on the side.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Soup

Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe

Ground beef is mixed with finely chopped eggplant for meatballs that are moist and flavorful. The eggplant adds richness and helps the meat stretch further. These are great over pasta or tucked into sandwiches. A simple tomato sauce brings it all together.
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Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Roasted eggplant is tossed into pasta with a creamy ricotta pesto and bursts of salty olives. The sauce is silky and rich without being heavy. Each bite gives you something different, earthy, creamy, and briny. It’s a fresh take on a classic pasta night.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Eggplant And Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)

This stir-fry brings together tender eggplant and crispy tofu in a sweet and savory glaze. The sauce clings to every piece, giving the dish a bold, addictive flavor. It’s a great alternative to takeout that comes together fast. Serve it over steamed rice for a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant And Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)

Eggplant Curry

Eggplant is simmered in a fragrant curry sauce until tender and infused with spices. The thick sauce clings to each bite, creating a deeply satisfying dish. It pairs beautifully with rice or flatbread. Add chickpeas or lentils for more substance.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Curry

Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta

Stacked rounds of roasted eggplant are layered with creamy ricotta and fresh herbs. Each bite is soft, creamy, and rich with flavor. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or pesto finishes it off. These are great for serving individually at a dinner party.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Napoleons with Whipped Ricotta

Eggplant Salad

Roasted or grilled eggplant is chopped and tossed with herbs, lemon juice, and sometimes tahini or yogurt. The result is smoky, tangy, and perfect for scooping with flatbread. This dish can be served chilled or at room temperature. It also pairs well with grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Salad

Eggplant Shakshuka

Eggplant is simmered in a spiced tomato sauce, then eggs are cracked on top and poached until just set. The eggplant adds depth and softness to the sauce. Serve it right from the pan with warm bread. It works for brunch or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Shakshuka

Easy Eggplant Salad

This quicker version uses simply roasted eggplant mixed with fresh vegetables and a light vinaigrette. It’s a no-fuss dish that’s ready in under an hour. The flavors improve as it sits. Great as a side or light lunch.
Get the Recipe: Easy Eggplant Salad

Eggplant Casserole

A layered dish that bakes eggplant with tomato sauce, cheese, and sometimes breadcrumbs or pasta. It’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for feeding a group. The eggplant softens and soaks up all the flavor. Leftovers hold up well for lunch the next day.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Casserole

Baked Stuffed Eggplant Boats

Eggplant halves are filled with a savory mix of vegetables, grains, or meat, then baked until tender. The filling soaks up the flavor from the eggplant shell. They look impressive on a platter but are easy to make. Serve with a dollop of yogurt or tahini sauce.
Get the Recipe: Baked Stuffed Eggplant Boats

Eggplant Feta Pizza

Roasted eggplant slices top a pizza base with tangy feta and a sprinkle of oregano. The combination is bold and satisfying without needing much sauce. A drizzle of olive oil before baking adds depth. You can also add sliced olives or red onions.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Feta Pizza

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Thick slices of eggplant and tomato are layered with mozzarella and roasted until soft and bubbling. Each layer brings a contrast in texture, with juicy tomato and creamy melted cheese. A touch of basil adds freshness. These work well as a side or a main.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant Lasagna

Thin slices of eggplant take the place of noodles in this layered bake with sauce, cheese, and either meat or vegetables. The result is rich and filling, with a hint of smokiness from the eggplant. It’s a good way to use extra produce. This one gets better the next day.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Lasagna

Zucchini Tomato Eggplant Bake

Layers of eggplant, zucchini, and tomato are baked together with herbs and cheese until soft and bubbling. It’s a colorful, rustic dish that brings out the sweetness in the vegetables. The texture is soft but not mushy. A drizzle of olive oil ties it all together.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Tomato Eggplant Bake

Eggplant Parmigiana

A traditional Italian dish where slices of fried or baked eggplant are layered with marinara and melted cheese. The layers meld together in the oven, creating a comforting dish full of depth. It’s often finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. Serve it hot and bubbling from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Parmigiana