20 Italian Eggplant Recipe Make Ahead You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 17, 2024
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy make-ahead dish? Look no further than this Italian Eggplant recipe! This versatile and flavorful dish can be prepared in advance and is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Not only is it easy to make, but it's also packed with nutrients and bursting with flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouth-watering Italian-inspired dish that will impress your family and friends.
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Eggplants, Salt, Freshly Ground
If you're looking for a delicious and easy way to prepare eggplant, then this Italian-style grilled eggplant recipe is a must-try. The combination of flavors from the balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs will leave your taste buds begging for more. Plus, grilling the eggplant adds a smoky and charred flavor that takes this dish to the next level.
2of 20
Italian Eggplant Ricotta Bake
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Small Onion, Garlic, Eggplant, Large Tomato
This Italian eggplant ricotta bake is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner. Layers of roasted eggplant, creamy ricotta, and tangy tomato sauce create a flavorful and satisfying meal. It's also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for picky eaters.
3of 20
Italian Eggplant Grilled Cheese
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Sandwich Bread, Butter, Garlic Powder
Who says grilled cheese has to be boring? This Italian eggplant grilled cheese is a gourmet twist on a classic sandwich. Thinly sliced eggplant is grilled until tender and then paired with gooey melted cheese and crispy bread. It's a perfect lunch or quick dinner option.
This Italian eggplant pie is a unique and delicious way to serve up eggplant. Thinly sliced eggplant is layered with a savory mixture of tomatoes, herbs, and cheese, and then baked in a flaky pie crust. It's a great option for a vegetarian main dish or a side dish for a larger meal.
Looking for an impressive dish to serve at your next dinner party? These Italian eggplant rollatini are sure to impress. Thinly sliced eggplant is rolled up with a delicious mixture of ricotta, herbs, and parmesan cheese, and then baked in a rich tomato sauce. It's a show-stopping dish that is surprisingly easy to make.
6of 20
Italian Eggplant Sandwich
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Black
This Italian eggplant sandwich is a hearty and satisfying meal that is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The eggplant is breaded and fried until crispy, and then topped with a tangy tomato sauce and melted mozzarella. Serve it on a crusty roll for the ultimate sandwich experience.
One of the most classic Italian eggplant recipes, eggplant parmesan is a dish that everyone should have in their cooking repertoire. Layers of breaded and fried eggplant, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese come together to create a mouthwatering meal that is perfect served over pasta.
This Italian eggplant fan is a simple and elegant way to serve up eggplant. Slices of eggplant are fanned out and then roasted until tender and slightly crispy. Serve it as a side dish or appetizer, and watch it disappear in no time.
9of 20
ITALIAN EGGPLANT RELISH
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Kosher Salt, Olive Oil, Red Onion, Celery
This Italian eggplant relish is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. It's made with roasted eggplant, tomatoes, and herbs, and can be served as a dip, spread, or topping for meats and sandwiches. It's a great way to add some Italian flavor to any dish.
10of 20
Italian Eggplant Cheese Melts
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Olive Oil Spray, Tomato Paste, Fresh Basil
These Italian eggplant cheese melts are a fun and tasty twist on traditional grilled cheese sandwiches. Slices of eggplant are breaded and fried until crispy, and then topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
11of 20
Italian Eggplant Meatballs / Polpette
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Large Egg, Grated Parmesan Cheese
If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs, then these Italian eggplant meatballs are the perfect option. Made with roasted eggplant, breadcrumbs, and herbs, these "polpette" are flavorful and satisfying. Serve them with your favorite pasta and sauce for a delicious meal.
12of 20
Pasta alla Norma | Authentic Italian Eggplant Pasta
Main Ingredients: Large Eggplant, Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Pasta alla Norma is a classic Italian dish that originated in Sicily. It's a simple and flavorful pasta dish that combines eggplant, tomatoes, and basil for a delicious and comforting meal. It's a great way to use up any extra eggplant you may have on hand.
13of 20
Italian Eggplant with Walnut Stuffing
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Olive Oil, Garlic, Chopped Onion, Tomatoes
This Italian eggplant with walnut stuffing is a unique and tasty way to serve up eggplant. The eggplant is roasted until tender and then filled with a mixture of breadcrumbs, walnuts, and herbs. It's a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a vegetarian main course.
14of 20
Caponata di Melanzane | Authentic Italian Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Raisins, Large Eggplant, Frying Oil, Pine Nuts, Extra
Caponata di Melanzane is a traditional Italian eggplant dish that is full of flavor and texture. It's a sweet and sour eggplant stew that is made with eggplant, tomatoes, olives, capers, and other vegetables. It can be served as a side dish or appetizer, or even as a topping for crostini.
15of 20
Make Your Own Italian Eggplant Caponata
Main Ingredients: Medium Eggplants, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Diced Onion
If you love caponata but want to make it your own, then this recipe is for you. This make-your-own Italian eggplant caponata allows you to customize the recipe to your liking, whether you prefer it sweeter or more savory. Serve it as a dip or topping, or use it to add some Italian flavor to your favorite dishes.
16of 20
One Pot Italian Eggplant Noodle Parmesan
Main Ingredients: Eggplants, Cherry Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Garlic, Oregano
This one-pot Italian eggplant noodle parmesan is a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. The eggplant is roasted together with the pasta and tomato sauce, making for a flavorful and low-maintenance dish. Top it with parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for the finishing touch.
17of 20
Italian Eggplant Casserole with Cashew-Tofu Ricotta
Main Ingredients: Cashews, Nutritional Yeast, Garlic, Firm Tofu, Nondairy
This Italian eggplant casserole is a healthier take on traditional eggplant parmesan. The eggplant is layered with a cashew-tofu ricotta, tomato sauce, and breadcrumbs, and then baked until bubbly and crispy. It's a delicious and satisfying option for those looking to cut back on dairy and meat.
18of 20
Italian Eggplant Pasticcio with Ham and Cheese
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Olive Oil, Garlic, Mozzarella Cheese, Cubed
This Italian eggplant pasticcio is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold winter night. Layers of eggplant, ham, and cheese are baked together with a creamy bechamel sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal. It's a great way to use up any leftover ham you may have.
This Italian eggplant salad is a refreshing and light dish that is perfect for warmer weather. The eggplant is grilled and then tossed with a simple dressing made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs. Serve it as a side dish or add some protein to make it a complete meal.
20of 20
Italian Grilled Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Italian Parsley, Garlic, Olive Oil
If you're tired of the same old vegetables on the grill, then give this Italian grilled eggplant a try. Thick slices of eggplant are marinated in a flavorful mixture of garlic, herbs, and balsamic vinegar, and then grilled until tender and slightly charred. It's a delicious and healthy side dish for any summer cookout.
How to Make Italian Eggplant Recipe
Ingredients:
2 large eggplants, sliced into rounds
1 cup of breadcrumbs
1 cup of grated parmesan cheese
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup of marinara sauce
1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
Olive oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for 30 minutes to remove any bitterness.
In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Dip the eggplant slices in the beaten eggs, then coat them in the breadcrumb mixture.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Fry the eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Remove the eggplant slices from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain the excess oil.
In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
Place a layer of eggplant slices on top of the sauce, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up.
Cover the baking dish with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
When ready to serve, preheat the oven to 375°F and bake the eggplant for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Why Make Ahead Recipes Are Great
Now that you have the recipe, let's talk about why make-ahead recipes are a game-changer for busy individuals. With our hectic schedules, it can be challenging to find time to prepare a healthy and delicious meal every day. That's where make-ahead recipes come in handy. By preparing this Italian eggplant dish in advance, you can save time and energy during the week. All you have to do is pop it in the oven and dinner is served! Plus, this dish can be easily reheated for a quick and satisfying lunch the next day.
This Italian eggplant recipe is also a great meal to have on hand for unexpected guests. With just a few minutes of prep, you can have a delicious and impressive dish ready to serve in no time. It's also a great option for potlucks or parties, as it can be made in a larger batch to feed a crowd.
Final Thoughts
This Italian eggplant recipe is not only a delicious and healthy make-ahead dish, but it's also a crowd-pleaser. With its crispy exterior and cheesy, flavorful interior, it's a dish that will have everyone coming back for more. So next time you're in need of a make-ahead meal, give this recipe a try, and thank us later!
With just a few simple steps, you can create a mouth-watering Italian-inspired dish that will impress your family and friends. So don't wait any longer, gather the ingredients and get cooking. Your taste buds will thank you!
