Easy Grilled Eggplant Caprese Recipe

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Grilled eggplant Caprese combines the smoky goodness of grilled eggplant and the freshness of a classic Caprese salad. It’s made with fresh ingredients and bursting with vibrant colors and flavor. It’s just perfect for summer meals.

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Grilled eggplant caprese is a versatile dish served as a side, main or appetizer. It’s perfect for entertaining or family dinner, whether served at room temperature or cod; it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

🤍Why you will love this recipe

Quick and effortless, made with a handful of fresh, simple ingredients.
Healthy, delicious, and low calorie; instead of breading eggplant, it’s grilled.

Ingredients needed to make eggplant caprese

Here is what you will need

This is an overview of the ingredients and steps to make this recipe; scroll down for a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions.

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🛒Ingredients

Eggplant
Fresh mozzarella cheese
Tomatoes
Fresh basil leaves
Extra virgin olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Garlic powder
Dried oregano

🥄Equipment

Grill

How to make eggplant caprese

Prepare the ingredients: Slice the eggplant into 1-inch slices and arrange them on a paper towel or clean kitchen towel to absorb the moisture.

Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Roughly chop or tear the basil. Preheat the grill at medium heat.

STEP 1: Mix the marinade ingredients in a shallow glass dish. Add the eggplant slices and toss them in the marinade. Marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.

STEP 2: Place the eggplant slices onto the hot grill, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they become soft.

a picture of eggplant tomatoes and cheese on a plate

STEP 3: Arrange the caprese on a platter by layering the eggplant, tomato slices and cheese. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Eggplant – There are various types of eggplant, and you may use any variety that you prefer. Globe eggplant, which is the most common is my preference.

Look for eggplant that is medium in size firm to the touch with smooth skin and free of blemishes. Avoid heavy large eggplant as they may have too many seeds.

Tomato – Look for large meaty ripe tomatoes such as heirloom tomatoes or beefsteak tomato that can easily be sliced.

Balsamic vinegar – Is a sweet vinegar with a slight bite. It can be substituted with red wine vinegar or white vinegar for a more acidic flavor.

How to make grilled eggplant caprese ahead of time

This is an easy dish to prepare ahead of time and assemble just before serving. Marinate and grill the eggplant a day or two before serving and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Just before serving remove the cooked eggplant from the refrigerator and assemble the dish. It is not recommended to assemble the Caprese until just before serving it.

How to store leftovers

This is a recipe that tastes much better when it’s fresh, but if you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Leftover eggplant caprese tastes great in a salad or sandwich.

Try this! Layer leftover eggplant caprese with a drizzle of balsamic reduction between two slices of artisinal bread, then grill until golden brown.

Recipe variations

Eggplant Caprese stack – Assemble the eggplant caprese in stacks layering grilled eggplant, mozzarella and basil then secure with toothpicks.

Pesto drizzle – Drizzle basil pesto over the grilled eggplant and mozzarella cheese.

Caprese skewers – Thread cubes of grilled eggplant, mozzarella balls, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers for an appetizer.

Zucchini or Mushroom Caprese – Instead of eggplant, use slices of zucchini or portobello mushrooms.

Burrata eggplant caprese – Insead of fresh mozzarella, use creamy burrata cheese.

Eggplant Caprese salad – Serve grilled eggplant slices with cheese and mozzarella on a bed of fresh arugula for a delicious salad.

Vegan eggplant caprese – Make it vegan by replacing the mozzarella cheese with vegan cheese for a vegan version.

a picture of eggplant caprese on a plate

Serving suggestions

Serve eggplant caprese as an entree, over pasta with a salad, or as a side dish with grilled chicken, pork or beef.

Eggplant caprese also tastes great as an appetizer on a charcuterie board.

💡Top Tips

Be sure to cut the eggplant into slices that are of the same thickness to ensure even cooking.
Try to slice the tomatoes, mozzarella, and cheese in uniform thickness for a visually appealing presentation.
If the eggplant is large or has larger seeds, sprinkle the slices with a little salt before marinating them.

Do I need to peel the skin from the eggplant?

It is not necessary to peel the skin from an eggplant unless the skin is tough. The skin contains most of the nutrients and doesn’t have much flavor.

How can I prevent the eggplant from being bitter?

To reduce the bitterness, sprinkle salt over the eggplant slices and let them sit for 20 minutes. Pat them dry before marinating them.

Can I grill eggplant on a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?

Yes, you can grill eggplant slices on a grill pan. Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat, and grill the slices until they are tender.

Are you too tired to cook dinner?

If you’re feeling uninspired when it’s time to cook dinner, this free guide will help you make a quick and healthy dinner with ingredients you have in your kitchen.