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Here the Italian classic is redone, grill style! This grilled Eggplant Parmesan stars smoky breaded and grilled eggplant, doused in warm marinara sauce.
Looking for a tasty vegetarian grill recipe that makes a satisfying dinner? Try grilled Eggplant Parmesan! This meal was first made for us by Alex’s aunt and uncle on their patio, and we loved it so much we knew we had to make our own version.
Our grilled spin on the classic Eggplant Parmesan takes a little time to put together, but the end result is well worth it—it’s so hearty, savory, and full of bold flavor! It’s fancy enough to serve for a dinner party, but this crowd pleaser would work well for any family meal. Serve it with a glass of frose and a strawberry salad!
How to make grilled eggplant Parmesan
This grilled eggplant Parmesan is a fairly easy way to prepare eggplant to make it into a satisfying meal! Here the sliced eggplant dipped in egg whites, then dredged in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. You’ll then spray the slices with olive oil so that they stay together on the grill.
Then, grill the eggplant for about 5 minutes per side, melting some mozzarella cheese onto the top after flipping. That’s it! Top with warm marinara and it’s ready to eat. It’s a deconstructed version of eggplant Parmesan that infuses a smoky flavor into the eggplant, and it’s so incredibly delicious. Scroll down to the recipe below, and let us know what you think!
Dietary notes
This grilled eggplant Parmesan recipe is vegetarian.
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan
Here the Italian classic is redone, grill style! This grilled Eggplant Parmesan features smoky breaded and grilled eggplant, doused in warm marinara sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 3 medium eggplants (2 to 3 pounds total)
- 24-ounce jar marinara sauce, or Easy Marinara Sauce
- 3 eggs
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup bread crumbs
- Kosher salt
- Fresh ground pepper
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- 2 cups grated mozzarella, fontina, or Italian blend cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Heat a grill to medium-high heat.
- Slice the eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg whites.
- In a shallow pan, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs.
- Dip each eggplant slice in egg whites, and then dredge each side in bread crumb mixture. Place on a large baking sheet. Repeat for all slices. When finished, spray each side with olive oil or cooking spray and season liberally with kosher salt and pepper.
- On a grill, cook over direct medium high heat until the bottom is golden, about 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the eggplant rounds and top each piece with shredded cheese. Continue cooking with the top on until golden and the cheese is melted, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, warm the marinara sauce. When the eggplant is grilled, place several slices on a plate, top with marinara sauce, if desired a bit of olive oil and kosher salt, and basil leaves.
Notes
Adapted from Weber’s Time to Grill
More grilling ideas
Outside of this grilled Eggplant Parmesan, here are a few more grill recipes to try:
- Go for a Grilled Veggie Burger or a Grilled Buffalo Cauliflower Sandwich
- Make Grilled Cauliflower or an Italian Eggplant Sandwich
- Try Grilled Veggie Fajitas or Grilled Nachos
- Mix up Simple Grilled Paella or Grilled Cheese on the Grill
Oh goodness, this looks delicious!
I’m moving less than a mile away from my current apartment to another one and I’m not looking forward to it at all. I also need something to do with a couple eggplants I got. Perfect!
Out of all these comments, Sonja is the only one who actually made the dish? Haha!
(I’m not being a jerk, really)
I was looking for some input on this, since the usual sprinkling of salt and draining the eggplant was skipped on this dish. The reason for my concern is that I’ll be springing this dish on my in-laws this weekend…. probably. Mother in law is turning 75 and I dont want to spring any surprises on her. lol!
Thank you for sharing Sonja!
Hi there! Good question — the nice thing about this recipe is that there is no need to salt and drain the eggplant. We’ve had it a few times and it’s delicious — no need to salt!
Yummo! These look delicious (great pics btw) I have always wanted to try making these, might have to try your recipe and see how we go! I often make chicken Parmesan which is delish
What a tasty looking recipe. I love those recipes that just exude the feeling of comfort especially when something stressful like moving is going on. This is one of those recipes. Thanks for sharing.
I totally understand what you mean – we moved pretty much the same distance but it feels like a completely different world. I hope you’re settling in now and will get some quiet time to enjoy your new surroundings.
I love the idea of breading the eggplant in this so you get that nice crisp coating. Just too delicious!
Thank you, Kathryn! I hope you are settling in now too with your move? How is the new space?
Moving is really terrible! I think it’s intrinsic in all of us to want a home, to know there is a roof over our heads, and maybe we just all hate change! Who know?
You have totally inspired me to cook eggplant tonight.
Haha, yes! This whole process makes us realize how grounding our home really is. Let us know what you decide to make!
Ugh. I hate moving. It is so tiring and time consuming, but I do like getting organized and feeling put back together at the end! Good luck and hang in there!
Oh yeah, and this eggplant parmesan looks amazing! I would like it more the chicken version for sure!
Thanks, Tieghan! I must say I’ve never tried the chicken version, but the eggplant version is delish!
I find moving chaotic too…and I’m doing it again in two weeks! Hope everything settles down soon!
Ugh, I feel for you! Best of luck with the moving chaos!
Eggplant Parmesan is one of my favorite dishes. Unfortunately, my eggplant plants never produced any this year so I haven’t had the opportunity to make it as often as I would like. Thanks for sharing!
Wow! Never thought of grilling breaded eggplant, but can’t wait to try it. My son and I will have this for dinner very soon! Bet it would be great with any kind of summer squash (zucchini, etc). Only mention that because I way overbought squash at my farmer’s market Saturday!