Description
Grilled Balsamic Eggplant Stacks are a Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian dish featuring smoky grilled eggplant layered with creamy mozzarella, sweet roasted red peppers, and fresh basil, finished with a drizzle of rich balsamic vinegar. Perfect as a light main course, side dish, or elegant appetizer, this recipe is healthy, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
1 medium eggplant, cut into an even number of ½-inch slices
1/4 cup olive oil
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
8 oz jar roasted or grilled red peppers
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus extra leaves for garnish
Balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction
Instructions
- Preheat grill or indoor griddler to high heat.
- Sprinkle eggplant slices with kosher salt and let sit for 10 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess liquid and salt.
- Brush both sides of eggplant slices with olive oil. Season with black pepper and garlic powder.
- Grill the eggplant slices for 10–15 minutes, flipping once, until tender and lightly charred.
- Preheat broiler (if using an indoor grill).
- Pair up eggplant slices of similar size. Top one slice from each pair with roasted red peppers and fresh mozzarella.
- Place under the broiler or return to the grill with the lid closed until cheese melts, about 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Layer with chopped basil, the second eggplant slice, more roasted peppers, and remaining basil.
- Drizzle generously with balsamic vinegar or balsamic reduction. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh, as eggplant softens when stored.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 2 days.
- Reheat under the broiler or in a 375°F oven for best texture.
- For extra flavor, add pesto, goat cheese, or toasted pine nuts.
- Can be made vegan by using plant-based mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stack
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
