20 Creative Vegetarian Eggplant Recipes

Stuffed Miso Eggplant

It doesn't get much better than miso-seasoned walnuts served up in perfectly ripe eggplant boats. The topper (literally)? A colorful cherry tomato salad. Summer bliss.

Eggplant Bolognese

We know, we know -- you see "bolognese" and all you can think of is meat, meat, and more meat. Not so fast! Eggplant is a terrific hearty substitute for this beefed-up (but without beef) sauce from Greatist.

Marinated Eggplant

Not quite convinced eggplant is for you? This may just be your gateway recipe. A Healthy Life For Me presents these delicious-yet-simple marinated slices that, along with a nice loaf of crusty bread, make up the ideal summer dinner. Bonus: you can make it ahead of time.

Thai Eggplant Tempura with Spicy Garlic-Soy Dipping Sauce

When Faith over at An Edible Mosaic picked up some tiny Thai eggplants on a whim, she settled upon making them into tempura magic. And we are grateful. Bonus: the tempura is made with chickpea flour, so the recipe is gluten-free!

Sicilian Pizza with Eggplant

"Everything you ever wanted in a sheet pan," says NoshOn.It - and we agree! Eggplant gets the deep-dish treatment in this incredible Sicilian-style pizza.

Roasted Eggplant Dip

This creamy dip is reminiscent of classic baba ghanoush, but it's made with a tangy twist -- yogurt! Running To the Kitchen brings us this addicting appetizer. We love the hint of green thanks to the handful of fresh parsley thrown into the mix.

Lightened-Up Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

Yearning for a good Eggplant Parmesan but dreading the heaviness? Look no further! These summertime stacks are a fresh -- and healthier! -- take on the classic.

Grilled Eggplant and Chickpea Sephardic Salad

What Jew Wanna Eat brings us charred eggplant, fresh mint, juicy tomatoes, and Middle Eastern spices -- all tossed with chickpeas and served up with pita chips. Perfection in a bowl.

Baked Eggplant Penne Pasta

Comfort food, eggplant style. Diethood brings you this creamy and cheesy eggplant pasta dish complete with more summer standbys like basil and tomatoes. Dig in!

Turkish Stuffed Eggplant

Allspice, cardamom, and fresh herbs elevate this stuffed eggplant from The View From Great Island to new heights. Oh, and it's topped with pistachios, too. Yes, please.

Grilled Ratatouille Tartine

Traditional ratatouille veggies -- summer squash, zucchini, tomatoes, and of course, eggplant -- grilled and then spilled onto an open-faced sandwich? We think this is utter summer brilliance from Taste, Love, and Nourish.

Eggplant Noodles

You've heard of zucchini noodles, no doubt, but what about noodles made with eggplant? It's a thing -- a delicious one! Know Your Produce shows you how.

Roasted Eggplant & White Bean Soup

Roasted eggplant pureed with cannellini beans along with onion, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Sometimes a nice, warm bowl of soup -- such as this one from Dishing Up the Dirt -- is in order, even in the midst of summer.

Panko-Crusted Baked Eggplant Fries with Curried Cashew Aioli

Fast food, aubergine style! Okay, so this isn't really fast food, but because they're fries, you can pretend. These are certainly perfect for dipping and snacking -- plus, they're vegan, too!

Eggplant Rollatini Quinoa Casserole

This casserole from Cookie Monster Cooking has got it all. Quinoa? Check. Eggplant (duh)? Check. Cheese? Check, check, and check.

Miso-Glazed Eggplant

Roasted eggplant brushed generously with a miso glaze, and then broiled until caramelized? Count us in. Busy In Brooklyn has the scoop.

Eggplant, Chard & Tomato Quinoa Gratin

Packed with veggies, this gratin from Cafe Johnsonia makes quick work of summer veggies. A hit of protein thanks to quinoa makes it the perfect one-dish dinner -- plus, it's vegan and gluten-free, to boot.

Grilled Pizza with Eggplant, Pomegranate, and Feta

This Greek-inspired pizza from Hello Natural pairs eggplant with feta, mint, and scarlet pomegranate seeds. We adore this combo of fresh flavors.

Eggplant Burgers with Honey Beer-Glazed Caramelized Shallots

Toothsome eggplant is a refreshing change from legumes in veggie burgers -- and this version from Eats Well With Others is no exception. Plus, those boozy caramelized shallots?! Swoon-worthy.

Caramelized Onion & Eggplant Puff Pastry Tart

So much tastiness in one tart! Caramelized onions, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers -- and, of course, incredible roasted eggplant. And it's piled on golden, butter puff pastry, too.