Roundups
19 Best Eggplant Recipes
By Samira Kazan
published July 16, 2025
Eggplant is everywhere right now, and if you’re wondering how to cook it or what to make, these easy eggplant recipes are here to help. From long, slender, purple Chinese eggplants , which are tender and mildly sweet, to the small, round ones I use for makdous , eggplant comes in all shapes and sizes, and each brings something different to the table.
These recipes aren’t just a seasonal experiment. They’re dishes I’ve made and loved over the years, and I finally pulled them together in one place. If you’re new to working with eggplant or want to brush up on the basics, you can start with how to cook eggplant —it covers roasting, air frying, grilling, and more.
Whether you’re after a simple side dish, a cozy main, or a bold, flavor-packed dip, these eggplant recipes have something for every kind of eggplant fan.
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- Basic eggplant recipes
- Main dish eggplant recipes
- Eggplant sides, dips & appetizers
Basic eggplant recipes
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to use eggplant, these simple (and delicious!) recipes are a great place to start. They’re perfect on their own or tucked into a wrap, tossed in a salad, layered in a bowl, or even used in lasagna.
Main dish eggplant recipes
When eggplant is at its best, you might as well make it the main event! These hearty meals let eggplant shine. They’re rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether it’s saucy pasta, cozy stew, layered bake, or wrapped delight, these recipes are filling enough to serve as a complete meal.
Eggplant sides, dips & appetizers
These tasty eggplant recipes are perfect for snacking, dipping, or starting any meal. From creamy dips to crispy bites, they’re full of flavor, great for platters, mezze spreads, or easy side dishes. If you’re stuck in a side dish rut, try one of these bold, flavorful twists.
