23 Best Eggplant Appetizers (+ Easy Recipes)

Turn any gathering into a party with these eggplant appetizers!

From tasty dips to eggplant parm bites, they’ll convert any eggplant naysayers with just one bite!

20+ Easy Eggplant Appetizer Recipes

Eggplant is one of the most underrated vegetables in the produce aisle. 

Sure, you may pass it by in favor of its flashier counterparts like kale or bell peppers. 

But let me tell you, eggplant is the ultimate team player. 

It can be roasted, grilled, stuffed, and fried into countless mouth-watering dishes. 

And these eggplant appetizers are proof!

1. Eggplant Roll-Up Appetizer

Imagine tender slices of eggplant wrapped around a creamy filling with tomatoes, mayo, garlic, and carrots. 

With every bite, the flavors combine into a sweet and savory symphony that will have your tastebuds singing. 

Trust me, these little bites are sure to impress any crowd, and they pair perfectly with a crisp white wine or a refreshing spritz.

2. Grilled Eggplant Appetizer

This dish boasts a rich and smoky flavor, thanks to the charred exterior of the eggplant. 

But that’s not all. 

When combined with a dollop of garlic-parmesan cream and topped with fresh herbs, this appetizer hits all the right notes. 

Serve it on a bed of greens or with a side of crusty bread for the perfect start to any meal.

3. Zaalouk

Zaalouk is a delicious Moroccan dish you have to try. 

The dish has a creamy texture with a smoky and slightly spicy taste. 

The flavors are complex but harmonious, with the sweetness of the tomatoes balancing the bitterness of the eggplant. 

The tangy and earthy flavors from the spices give it a unique taste that is hard to resist. 

4. Eggplant Bruschetta

If you’re looking for a flavorful and healthy appetizer, try making eggplant bruschetta. 

The recipe involves grilling sliced eggplant and topping it with a mixture of toppings and herbs. 

The savory and sweet flavors work harmoniously together, leaving a lasting impression. 

I love to sprinkle feta cheese or drizzle olive oil on top. 

Serve it on toasted bread, crackers, or a bed of lettuce for a refreshing dish.

5. Eggplant Caponata Crostini

This dish is a burst of tangy goodness with a satisfying crunch. 

The sweetness of the tomatoes and raisins balances the saltiness of the olives.

And the vinegar brings a subtle zing that ties everything together. 

Top it off with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of chopped basil. 

6. Eggplant Parmesan Bites with Marinara Sauce

The crispy, breaded eggplant bites are baked until golden brown.

Then, they’re topped with zesty marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. 

The combination of the eggplant’s earthy flavor with the tangy marinara sauce and creamy cheese creates an explosion of flavors.

Top them with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, or crushed red pepper flakes for added flair.

7. Roasted Marinated Eggplant Appetizer

This recipe starts with sliced eggplant marinated in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice to give it a savory and tangy flavor. 

After roasting in the oven and sprinkling with fresh herbs, the caramelized texture and rich flavor of the eggplant is undeniable. 

Serve it with a dollop of creamy goat cheese or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.

8. Baba Ganoush

Smoky, nutty, tangy, and savory flavors all come together in perfect harmony to create this mouthwatering treat. 

The smokiness and earthiness of the eggplant, combined with the nuttiness of the tahini is irresistible. 

Top it off with a sprinkle of paprika and parsley.

This delightful dip pairs beautifully with toasted pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crackers.

9. Eggplant Pizza

Looking for a delicious twist on pizza night? Try eggplant pizza! 

Slices of eggplant serve as the crust, topped off with tangy tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. 

The flavors of the eggplant, cheese, and sauce meld together perfectly for a satisfying and savory bite. 

10. Baked Eggplant Rollatini

The dish involves stuffing thin slices of eggplant with a mixture of ricotta, Parmesan, and herbs. 

Then, you roll them up and bake them in tomato sauce until they’re tender and flavorful. 

The eggplant has a subtle, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the ricotta and the tanginess of the tomato sauce. 

11. Crispy Baked Eggplant Fries

The tender eggplant is coated in a crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, with a touch of garlic and Italian seasoning for added flavor. 

These fries are a perfect balance of savory and crispy, with just enough richness from the melted parmesan. 

For an extra pop of flavor, try dipping them in a creamy garlic aioli.

12. Mini Eggplant Parmesan

The flavors of the dish are perfectly balanced. 

The sweetness of the eggplant complements the acidity of the tomato sauce and the richness of the cheese. 

For an extra kick of flavor, try topping these with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or some freshly chopped basil. 

Everyone will flip for these little bites!

13. Roasted Eggplant Dip

This roasted eggplant dip is a creamy and savory delight. 

Made with roasted eggplant, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice, it has a subtle nutty flavor with a hint of spice. 

The flavors combine beautifully, resulting in a delicious dip that will leave you wanting more. 

Serve it with pita chips, veggies, or bread for a perfect snack or starter. 

14. Greek Eggplant Dip

This Greek eggplant dip is sure to impress.

Roasted eggplant, garlic, and olive oil come together to make a creamy and flavorful spread. 

The smokiness of the eggplant is complemented by the earthy taste of parsley and olives.

Serve it with pita chips or veggies and top with a sprinkle of goat cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

15. Jamaican Jerk Grilled Eggplant

This is a flavor-packed recipe that will surprise even the most experienced palates.

The savory and spicy jerk seasoning perfectly combines with the smoky taste of the grilled eggplant, giving it an unbeatable island flare. 

This dish is not only delicious but also vegan-friendly.

It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for plant-based meals. 

16. Crispy Air Fryer Eggplant Bites

This recipe is made by coating eggplant slices in a crunchy topping and air frying them to perfection. 

The result is a crispy and savory bite that is sure to satisfy any craving. 

The combination of eggplant with the crunchy coating creates a delectable blend of textures. 

The flavors are enhanced by the use of fragrant spices that add depth and bite to the dish.

17. Ratatouille Pizza

This dish is a beautiful combination of roasted vegetables, tangy tomatoes, and melted cheese. 

The flavors of the ratatouille meld perfectly with the crispy crust, creating a delicious explosion of flavors in every bite. 

Making ratatouille is surprisingly simple, and it’s the perfect way to use up any extra summer vegetables you have on hand.

18. Eggplant Zucchini Bread

Eggplant zucchini bread is a savory twist on a classic. 

This recipe pairs the subtle sweetness of zucchini with the rich, earthy flavor of eggplant. 

The combination of these two ingredients results in a unique flavor profile that is satisfyingly complex.

19. Roasted Eggplant Soup

This warm and comforting soup is the perfect meal on a chilly day. 

The eggplant is roasted until it is tender and smoky, creating a medley of well-balanced and harmonious flavors.

The smokiness of the eggplant is balanced by the sweetness of the onion and the richness of the garlic.

20. Fried Eggplant

This is a dish that takes little time to cook but packs a punch of flavors. 

To make it, you slice the eggplant and dip it into a batter made of flour, egg, and spices before frying it until crispy. 

The result is a deliciously crispy and savory flavor that combines perfectly with the soft texture of the eggplant.

21. Eggplant Hummus

Eggplant hummus is a unique twist on the classic dip.

Roasted eggplant adds a smoky depth of flavor to the creamy chickpea base. 

Tahini and lemon juice balance out the richness while garlic brings a hint of pungency. 

The combination creates a harmonizing flavor that is irresistible. 

22. Eggplant Chips

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, try eggplant chips! 

This simple recipe involves slicing eggplants thinly, seasoning with your favorite spices, and baking until crispy. 

The result is a savory, crunchy snack that’s packed with flavor.

Top your eggplant chips with crumbled feta or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra zest. 

Serve them as a party appetizer or enjoy them as an afternoon snack. Yum!

23. Eggplant Caviar

Made with roasted eggplants, garlic, bell peppers, basil, and olive oil, the dip is creamy and savory with a hint of tanginess. 

The combination of smoky eggplant and umami flavors is truly irresistible.

To elevate the experience, top it off with freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or basil.

Then, serve it with crusty bread or crackers. Don’t miss out on this culinary gem!