Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this garlic parmesan grilled eggplant! It’s one of my go-to recipes when I want something that’s super simple but absolutely bursting with flavor. Seriously, the combination of soft, smoky eggplant with that rich, nutty parmesan and the punch of garlic is just heavenly. Plus, it’s healthy, making it a perfect side dish or even a light main course. I remember the first time I made this for some friends; they couldn’t believe how delicious eggplant could be! They were all asking for the recipe, and I was just grinning ear to ear.
What I love most about this dish is how quick and easy it is to whip up. In just about 25 minutes, you can have a delightful, Mediterranean-inspired dish that will impress anyone at your table. And the best part? You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a grill and a few simple ingredients. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for those warm, sunny days when grilling is a must!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients for this garlic parmesan grilled eggplant is a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium eggplants, firm and glossy
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (you can never have too much garlic!)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (the good stuff, please!)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin is my favorite)
- 1 tsp salt (to enhance all those lovely flavors)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you can)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (for that Mediterranean flair)
These ingredients are all about simplicity and flavor. I often find that when I stick to fresh, quality ingredients, the dish shines even brighter! Plus, you probably have a few of these on hand already, right?
How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Grilled Eggplant
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step magic of preparing this garlic parmesan grilled eggplant. I promise it’s as easy as it sounds, and you’ll be savoring those smoky flavors in no time!
Prepping the Eggplant
First things first, let’s get our eggplants ready! You’ll want to slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds—this thickness is perfect for grilling, allowing them to cook evenly while still keeping that lovely texture. When you’re choosing your eggplants, look for ones that are firm and glossy; they should feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with soft spots or wrinkles, as they might not be as fresh. Once sliced, I like to lay them out on a paper towel and sprinkle a little salt on both sides. This helps to draw out excess moisture and bitterness, making them even tastier!
Making the Garlic Oil Mixture
Next up, let’s whip up that delicious garlic oil mixture! In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup of olive oil, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, and 1 tsp of dried oregano. The garlic really shines here, so don’t be shy with it! Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This is where all the flavor comes from, so make sure you get that garlic evenly distributed throughout the oil. You can even give it a little taste—wow, right? Now you’re all set to brush this aromatic goodness onto your eggplant slices!
Grilling Instructions
Alright, it’s grilling time! Preheat your grill to medium heat—this is key for getting those beautiful grill marks without overcooking. Once it’s nice and hot, it’s time to brush both sides of your eggplant slices with that flavorful garlic oil mixture. Place the slices on the grill and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they develop those gorgeous grill marks and are nice and tender. Here’s the fun part: during the last minute of grilling, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the eggplant. It will melt beautifully, creating an irresistible cheesy layer! Once done, remove them from the grill and serve warm. Trust me, your taste buds are going to thank you!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! It’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful garlic parmesan grilled eggplant:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 300mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use. But overall, this dish is a guilt-free indulgence that’s packed with flavor and nutrients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Deliciously flavorful with a perfect balance of garlic and parmesan.
- Healthy ingredients that are packed with nutrients, making it a guilt-free side.
- Vegetarian-friendly, perfect for everyone at the table.
- Versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of meals or can stand alone.
- Impressive enough for guests but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Honestly, this garlic parmesan grilled eggplant checks all the boxes: it’s quick, tasty, and oh-so-satisfying. You’ll be craving it again and again!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure you nail this garlic parmesan grilled eggplant! First, make sure your grill is preheated properly—medium heat is key to achieving that lovely char without burning the eggplant. If you’re unsure, do a quick test by holding your hand above the grill; you should feel a steady heat after a few seconds.
Next, don’t skip the salting step when prepping your eggplant! It helps to draw out moisture and enhances the flavor. If you want to experiment, feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or parmesan to suit your taste! And when it comes to serving, these grilled beauties go wonderfully alongside a fresh salad or even as a topping for pasta. You can also drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over them for an extra kick. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
One of the best things about this garlic parmesan grilled eggplant is how easily you can switch it up! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of oregano for a vibrant twist. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also bring a delightful kick if you love a bit of heat. You can even swap out the parmesan for crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy flavor explosion!
And don’t stop at eggplant—this recipe works beautifully with other vegetables too! Zucchini and bell peppers are fantastic on the grill, absorbing all that garlicky goodness. You could also try asparagus or even portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. Let your creativity shine, and make this dish your own!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made this delicious garlic parmesan grilled eggplant, let’s talk about what to serve it with! This dish is incredibly versatile, so it pairs beautifully with a variety of options. For a light meal, I love serving it alongside a fresh Mediterranean salad made with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette. The bright flavors complement the rich, cheesy eggplant perfectly!
If you’re looking for something heartier, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish. The smoky notes from the grill really tie everything together! For a vegetarian feast, stack it on top of a bed of quinoa or couscous, and drizzle with a bit of tahini or balsamic glaze for added flavor. You can even layer it in a sandwich with some fresh mozzarella and basil for a delightful twist. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy this fabulous dish in so many different ways!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers of this scrumptious garlic parmesan grilled eggplant? No worries! To store, simply place any uneaten slices in an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days, so you can enjoy them again without any fuss!
When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend using the oven or a skillet for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the eggplant on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you prefer a quicker method, just toss them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, flipping gently until they’re heated up again. You can even sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top while reheating for that cheesy goodness to melt again! Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Grilled Eggplant: 5 Minutes to Comfort Food
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Grilled eggplant with garlic and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Brush the eggplant slices with the olive oil mixture.
- Grill the eggplant for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top during the last minute of grilling.
- Remove from the grill and serve warm.
Notes
- Choose firm eggplants for best results.
- Adjust garlic and cheese to taste.
- Serve as a side dish or appetizer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan grilled eggplant