17 eggplant recipes so delicious they might win over eggplant skeptics

ByKsenia Prints

Many people think they don’t like eggplant until they try it prepared the right way. These 17 eggplant recipes so delicious they might win over eggplant skeptics show how this vegetable can deliver real flavor and satisfying texture. From comforting baked dishes to bold skillet meals, eggplant takes on a whole new personality. The right recipe can quickly turn doubt into appreciation.

Close-up of a baked casserole dish featuring layers of cheese with crispy golden edges, topped with fresh green herbs.
Easy Moussaka Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Homemade Balkan Bourekas With Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg And Feta Cheese

Cheesy Balkan bourekas with eggplant and tomatoes.
Homemade Balkan Bourekas With Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg And Feta Cheese. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Homemade Balkan Bourekas With Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg And Feta Cheese are flaky pastries that bake in about 35 minutes with savory vegetable filling. Main ingredients include eggplant, tomatoes, feta, Jarlsberg cheese, and pastry dough. The flavor is savory with creamy cheese and roasted vegetables. Homemade Balkan Bourekas With Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg And Feta Cheese create a rich appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Balkan Bourekas With Eggplant, Tomatoes, Jarlsberg And Feta Cheese

Cold Moussaka With Kalamata Feta Sauce

Slice of Cold Moussaka With Kalamata Feta Sauce.
Cold Moussaka With Kalamata Feta Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Cold Moussaka With Kalamata Feta Sauce is a layered eggplant dish served chilled that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. Main ingredients include eggplant, tomatoes, olives, feta, and herbs. The flavor is savory with tangy feta and olive notes. Cold Moussaka With Kalamata Feta Sauce offers a refreshing take on the classic dish.
Get the Recipe: Cold Moussaka With Kalamata Feta Sauce

Air Fryer Eggplant

Sliced air fried eggplant garnished with fresh parsley on a white plate.
Air Fryer Eggplant. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Air Fryer Eggplant cooks in about 15 minutes until the slices become tender with lightly crisp edges. Main ingredients include eggplant, olive oil, garlic, and seasoning. The flavor is savory with mild sweetness from the roasted vegetable. Air Fryer Eggplant creates a quick side dish that pairs well with many meals.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Eggplant

Eggplant Shakshuka

Eggplant shakshuka in pan.
Eggplant Shakshuka. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Eggplant Shakshuka cooks in about 30 minutes with eggs simmered in a tomato and eggplant sauce. Main ingredients include eggplant, tomatoes, eggs, garlic, and spices. The flavor is savory with warm spices and tender vegetables. Eggplant Shakshuka creates a hearty skillet meal often served with bread.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Shakshuka

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant tomato stacks with grilled eggplant slices and tomato layers.
Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Eggplant Tomato Stacks bake in about 25 minutes with layers of vegetables and cheese. Main ingredients include eggplant slices, tomatoes, cheese, and herbs. The flavor is savory with roasted vegetable sweetness. Eggplant Tomato Stacks produce a simple layered dish suitable as a side or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Sabich Sandwich Recipe With Eggplant And Potatoes

A plate with pitas and vegetables on it.
Sabich Sandwich Recipe With Eggplant And Potatoes. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Sabich Sandwich Recipe With Eggplant And Potatoes is a Middle Eastern sandwich that takes about 30 minutes to assemble with fried eggplant and vegetables. Main ingredients include eggplant, potatoes, eggs, pita bread, and tahini sauce. The flavor is savory with creamy and tangy elements. Sabich Sandwich Recipe With Eggplant And Potatoes creates a filling handheld meal.
Get the Recipe: Sabich Sandwich Recipe With Eggplant And Potatoes

Chicken Sorrentino

A close-up of a pan of cheesy baked lasagna with a serving being lifted out, showing melted cheese stretching from the pan and bits of fresh basil on top.
Chicken Sorrentino. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Chicken Sorrentino bakes in about 40 minutes with layers of chicken, eggplant, and cheese in tomato sauce. Main ingredients include chicken breast, eggplant, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. The flavor is savory with rich tomato and cheese. Chicken Sorrentino turns eggplant into part of a hearty dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Sorrentino

Roasted Eggplant Soup

Roasted eggplant soup in bowls.
Roasted Eggplant Soup. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Roasted Eggplant Soup cooks in about 35 minutes with roasted vegetables blended into broth. Main ingredients include eggplant, onions, garlic, broth, and spices. The flavor is savory with roasted vegetable depth. Roasted Eggplant Soup produces a smooth and comforting bowl.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Eggplant Soup

Eggplant Grilled Cheese With Green Hot Sauce

A grilled sandwich with mushrooms, tomatoes and pesto on a cutting board.
Eggplant Grilled Cheese With Green Hot Sauce. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Eggplant Grilled Cheese With Green Hot Sauce takes about 20 minutes to prepare with roasted eggplant layered inside toasted bread. Main ingredients include eggplant, cheese, bread, and green hot sauce. The flavor is savory with mild heat and creamy cheese. Eggplant Grilled Cheese With Green Hot Sauce creates a hearty sandwich.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Grilled Cheese With Green Hot Sauce

Quick Pickled Eggplant

A bowl of pickled eggplant slices with garlic and spices.
Quick Pickled Eggplant. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Quick Pickled Eggplant takes about 20 minutes to prepare before chilling in a tangy marinade. Main ingredients include eggplant, vinegar, garlic, and herbs. The flavor is tangy with mild garlic notes. Quick Pickled Eggplant creates a bright condiment often served with bread or salads.
Get the Recipe: Quick Pickled Eggplant

Moroccan Zaalouk

Zaalouk in a white plate with spoon and napkin.
Moroccan Zaalouk. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Moroccan Zaalouk is a cooked eggplant salad that takes about 30 minutes to prepare with tomatoes and spices. Main ingredients include eggplant, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and cumin. The flavor is savory with warm spice notes. Moroccan Zaalouk works well as a dip or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Zaalouk

Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe

Baba ganoush on a plate with pomegranate seeds, parsley.
Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe. Photo credit: At the Immigrant’s Table.

Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe blends roasted eggplant into a creamy dip that takes about 25 minutes to prepare. Main ingredients include eggplant, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The flavor is smoky with bright citrus and garlic. Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe creates a classic spread for bread or vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Lebanese Baba Ganoush Recipe

Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe

A plate of eggplant and beef meatballs with a savory sauce.
Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe cooks in about 35 minutes with grated eggplant mixed into seasoned beef. Main ingredients include ground beef, eggplant, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. The flavor is savory with rich meat and vegetable notes. Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe produces tender meatballs with added moisture.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant and Beef Meatballs Recipe

Eggplant And Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)

A bowl of rice topped with stir-fried eggplant, tofu, red bell peppers, and green onions. A fork is placed on the side.
Eggplant And Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Eggplant And Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat) cooks in about 20 minutes with eggplant and tofu stir-fried in sauce. Main ingredients include eggplant, tofu, garlic, soy sauce, and chili paste. The flavor is savory with mild spice. Eggplant And Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat) creates a quick plant-forward dish.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant And Tofu Recipe (Panda Express Copycat)

Summery Caponata

A bowl of Caponata with diced eggplant, red bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and a basil garnish. A blue and white striped cloth is beside the bowl.
Summery Caponata. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Summery Caponata cooks in about 30 minutes with eggplant simmered in a sweet and tangy sauce. Main ingredients include eggplant, tomatoes, olives, capers, and vinegar. The flavor is sweet, tangy, and savory. Summery Caponata works well as a side dish or topping for bread.
Get the Recipe: Summery Caponata

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Cheesy chicken stuffed eggplant on a baking sheet.
Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant bakes in about 35 minutes with chicken filling inside roasted eggplant halves. Main ingredients include eggplant, chicken, cheese, and tomato sauce. The flavor is savory with creamy cheese and tender vegetables. Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant produces a filling dinner.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Eggplant

Easy Moussaka Recipe

Close-up of a baked casserole dish featuring layers of cheese with crispy golden edges, topped with fresh green herbs.
Easy Moussaka Recipe. Photo credit: Thermocookery.

Easy Moussaka Recipe bakes in about 45 minutes with layers of eggplant, meat sauce, and creamy topping. Main ingredients include eggplant, ground meat, tomatoes, and béchamel sauce. The flavor is rich and savory. Easy Moussaka Recipe creates a classic casserole-style dish often served for dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Moussaka Recipe