15 Must-Try Eggplant Recipes

From Italian classics and spicy curries to savory Mediterranean dips – there is a little something for everyone.

A slice of eggplant parmesan being lifted on spatula out of white baking dish.

Eggplant is one of my favorite ingredients to cook with, and is the main ingredient in some of my favorite dishes here on the blog! I love cooking with it because of its meaty texture and savory taste.

Eggplant (named after its egg-like shape) is a purple berry that usually grows quite large. Raw eggplant has a bitter taste and a spongey texture, but when cooked, it becomes delicate and tender with a rich flavor. Harvest for eggplant typically begins from July through October; the end of summer is when it is most abundant!

Here are 15 recipes that are a must-try if you love eggplant! There’s a bit of everything from baked casseroles to Italian classics, Mediterranean dips, and savory stews. Enjoy!

1. Classic Eggplant Parmesan

One of the most popular Italian-American eggplant recipes is eggplant parmesan! And it’s my personal favorite. It consists of tender slices of eggplant coated in a parmesan breadcrumb mixture, then layered and baked with melty Italian cheese and rich tomato sauce. Whether you like the eggplant baked or fried, this recipe has a method for both!

eggplant parmesan in a white baking dish on dark gray background with herbs and a napkin arranged around it.

2. Eggplant Lasagna

If you love lasagna, I promise you will love this low-carb eggplant lasagna that uses sliced eggplant “noodles” instead of pasta! This dish is layered with roasted eggplant slices, a blend of three Italian cheeses, fresh herbs, and marinara. It’s one of my favorites to make for the summer.

A cast iron pan with eggplant lasagna baked in it. The pan is placed in a wooden background with fresh herbs and a parmesan rind arranged around it.

3. Eggplant Caponata

Caponata is a salty, sweet and sour appetizer, bursting with flavor! It’s perfect by itself, on top of toasted bread or crackers, or used as a topping for sandwiches.

A pan with eggplant caponata in it with a wooden spoon.

4. Roasted Eggplant Curry

Enjoy a cozy bowl of eggplant curry with chickpeas! Made with indian spices and served over rice. It’s comforting, vegan and gluten-free friendly!

A white bowl with eggplant curry and rice in it. Arranged around the bowl are fresh herbs and a light gray napkin.

5. Roasted Eggplant Meatballs

These eggplant meatballs are a fun twist on typical eggplant! They’re satisfying – without using meat – and are so flavorful and easy to make. This is the recipe if you want to try meatless spaghetti and meatballs!

white ceramic dish with spaghetti and eggplant meatballs with red sauce in it on brown wooden board.

6. Italian Stuffed Eggplant

The simplest Italian stuffed eggplant made with a flavor-packed tomato sauce, fresh basil, fennel seeds, and cheesy mozzarella. It makes for an easy and healthy recipe for a light lunch, dinner, or a delicious veggie side dish!

Stuffed eggplant on a white plate with basil leaves arranged next to it.

7. Baked Eggplant Rollatini

Rollatini is up there in popularity when it comes to eggplant recipes! And this baked eggplant rollatini is a healthier way to make it because it requires no oils or breading. It’s rolled up with fresh herbs, and Italian cheese, resulting in a flavorful dish that’s a crowd-pleaser every time!

A white dish with eggplant rollatini in it, topped with fresh herbs. The dish is sitting on a wooden background with a cheese rind, napkin, and a small bowl of red pepper flakes arranged around it.

8. Italian Eggplant Ratatouille Pasta

When my garden is overflowing with zucchini, tomatoes, and eggplant, I make this eggplant ratatouille! It’s full of fresh ingredients that are transformed into an herbaceous vegetable stew that can be tossed with pasta noodles or eaten on its own.

Hand using a fork in a bowl of eggplant ratatouille and pasta. The bowl is arranged on a dark background with a light gray napkin next to it.

9. Gochujang Eggplant

For a fun spin on eggplant, try this gochujang eggplant! The cooked eggplant is coated in a spicy & sweet chili sauce that’s served over rice.

A white bowl with cooked eggplant over white rice, with two chop sticks sitting on the bowl.

10. Roasted Eggplant Pasta

Low on time and ingredients? This six-ingredient roasted eggplant pasta is perfect! It’s hearty and satisfying without any meat being involved and is the easiest weeknight dinner everyone loves.

a light pink bowl with eggplant pasta in it on a grey plate with napkin next to it.

11. Eggplant and Zucchini Lasagna

One of my favorite lasagnas is a combination of eggplant & zucchini lasagna! It’s filled with fresh herbs, requires no ricotta (although you can add it), and is low carb, using only thinly sliced eggplant and zucchini – no pasta noodles. Whenever I serve this recipe for guests, it is always loved!

cast iron skillet with eggplant and zucchini lasagna on wooden board on a gray background.

12. Italian Eggplant Parmigiana

If you love eggplant parmesan, you will love the authentic Italian eggplant parmigiana! It’s similar to the Italian-American version of eggplant parm, but rather than dredging the eggplant in breadcrumbs, this recipe uses just flour and layers the eggplant with sauce and Italian cheese. It’s baked to perfection, and one everyone will love!

A white oval dish with eggplant parmigiana in it on a white background.

13. Baba Ganoush

If you’ve never had this popular Eastern Mediterranean dip, baba ganoush, it’s like hummus but made with cooked eggplant. It’s creamy, savory, and a little smokey in flavor!

A bowl with baba ganoush in it on a tray with sliced vegetables.

14. Greek-Style Eggplant with Chickpeas & Tomatoes

Learn how to make Greek-style eggplant in a rich sauce with tomatoes and chickpeas! Each bite is filled with warming spices such as paprika, oregano, and a pinch of cinnamon.

An oval shaped baking dish with cooked eggplant, chickpeas, and tomatoes. The dish has a spoon in it and is arranged on a wooden background.

15. Baked Eggplant Pasta

If you love baked ziti, you will love this baked eggplant pasta! The eggplant is baked with rigatoni, ricotta, mozzarella, and tomato sauce until golden and bubbling. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe!

A baking dish with baked eggplant pasta and red sauce in it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eggplant

Do you need to peel eggplant? You do not need to peel eggplant. The skin adds a lovely texture and flavor to any dish it’s in! If you prefer to peel it, you can, but the eggplant might be a little softer in texture.

Why do you have to salt the eggplant? Only a handful of eggplant dishes require the salting method. Because eggplant is known to have a high water content, the excess moisture will need to be “sweated” from the eggplant using salt before assembling the dish. If this step is not taken, the water from the eggplant will pour into the whole dish while it bakes, making it a soupy mess, which we want to avoid!

How do I store eggplant? Eggplant can be stored at room temperature, but for it to have a longer shelf life, it’s best to keep it refrigerated.

Can you eat eggplant raw? Yes, you can eat eggplant raw. The taste will be bitter, and the texture will be slightly firm and spongey. That’s why we recommend eating cooked eggplant over raw!