Eggplant is one of those vegetables that transforms beautifully when grilled. Its mild flavor and tender, creamy texture soak up marinades, spices, and sauces, making it a versatile star in both simple weeknight dinners and elegant summer cookouts. With these 12 easy and delicious grilled eggplant recipes, you’ll discover new ways to enjoy this underrated veggie—whether as a side dish, a main course, or even a savory appetizer.
Grilling eggplant is wonderfully simple. The high heat caramelizes its natural sugars, giving it a smoky, slightly sweet flavor. All it takes is a quick brush of olive oil, a sprinkle of seasoning, and a few minutes on the grill to create something mouthwatering. From Mediterranean-inspired dishes to Asian-flavored creations, this collection is packed with flavor combinations that anyone can make without fuss.
Start with classic grilled eggplant slices, brushed with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. They’re perfect for layering in sandwiches, topping salads, or serving alongside grilled meats. For a burst of tang, try eggplant marinated in balsamic vinegar before grilling—it adds depth and a hint of sweetness that pairs well with fresh mozzarella or feta.
If you love Mediterranean flavors, grilled eggplant with tahini sauce is a must-try. The creamy sesame dressing, paired with charred eggplant, creates a rich and satisfying side or appetizer. You can also make Baba Ganoush, a smoky Middle Eastern dip, by grilling the eggplant whole until it’s tender and then blending it with lemon juice, garlic, and tahini.
For something heartier, try stuffed grilled eggplant. Slice the eggplant in half, scoop out some flesh, and fill it with a mixture of quinoa, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and cheese before grilling. It’s a wholesome vegetarian main that’s both colorful and satisfying.
Asian-inspired options are equally tasty. Miso-glazed grilled eggplant delivers a savory-sweet punch, while soy-ginger marinated eggplant pairs perfectly with grilled fish or rice dishes.
You can also turn grilled eggplant into a pasta-friendly topping. Toss charred eggplant cubes with garlic, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil for an easy summer pasta sauce. Or make eggplant parmesan stacks—alternating grilled eggplant slices with marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then finishing them under the broiler.
One of the best parts of these recipes is that they’re quick and adaptable. You can prepare eggplant on an outdoor grill for a smoky flavor, or use a stovetop grill pan if you’re cooking indoors. Most recipes take less than 20 minutes from start to finish, making them ideal for busy evenings.
These 12 easy and delicious grilled eggplant recipes prove that this humble vegetable can be the highlight of any meal. Whether you keep it simple with olive oil and salt or dress it up with bold sauces and creative fillings, grilled eggplant is a summer staple worth adding to your menu.
Chef John’s Baba Ghanoush
In the words of Chef John, “This is a wonderfully savory yet refreshing vegetable dip.” Here, the grilled eggplant is flavored with tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. The dip gets an extra creamy consistency with the addition of Greek yogurt. Serve with warm pita bread.
Grilled Eggplant Rollups
In this recipe, slices of grilled eggplant are wrapped around goat cheese and roasted red peppers. The creator of the recipe says it “couldn’t be easier” and “is good served hot, cold, or as leftovers.”
Grilled Eggplant and Asparagus Salad
Yao-ming, who shared this recipe, describes it as “warm grilled eggplant, asparagus, and tomatoes [atop] a bed of cool, crunchy romaine and endive lettuce with a balsamic vinegar dressing.”
Thai Charred Eggplant with Tofu
This recipe is made best with the Thai variety of eggplant, which is smaller in size, round in its shape, and has a bright green skin.
Eggplant Mixed Grill
In this colorful side dish, grilled eggplant is mixed with a variety of other grilled vegetables, including red onion, asparagus, crimini mushrooms, and bell peppers. Prior to grilling, the vegetables are marinated in olive oil, garlic, and lots of fresh herbs for ultimate flavor.
Grilled Vegetables with Balsamic Vinegar
Here’s another recipe where eggplant is mixed with a variety of vegetables and marinated prior to grilling. In this case, the marinade is a combination of olive oil, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar, which adds a touch of sweetness. Rusty’s girl says “Wonderful! Great on a roll with garlic mayo and any kind of cheese. Yum!!”
Melitzanosalata AgioritikiÂ
The smoky flavor of eggplant in this salad really stands out against the briny feta, sweet tomato, and a simple vinaigrette. Our community member veka said, “The recipe is great. I did not change anything and it was just like we eat in Thassos this summer.”
For a fun presentation, cut the eggplant, bell peppers, and zucchini into cubes, and skewer along with mushrooms. Brush the kabobs with basil-garlic vinaigrette as they grill and enjoy with a yogurt dipping sauce.
Italian Grilled Eggplant with Basil and Parsley
The classic Italian side dish, Melanzane Grigliate al Basilico e Prezzemolo, will be your go-to summer side when you have an abundance of basil and parsley. Eggplant is traditional, but you could use zucchini if that’s what your garden is growing.
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan
Use the grill to lend smoky flavor to both the tomato sauce and the eggplant slices. The marinated eggplant slices quickly cook while you blend the ingredients for the sauce, which gets this grilled eggplant recipe on the table in less than an hour.
Italian Grilled Eggplant Caprese
This summer variation on insalata Caprese uses grilled eggplants for a fast and nearly-effortless summer appetizer or side dish. “It is really easy and yummy,” writes reviewer Reen McGurl.
