If you have never grilled eggplant well then you sure are in for a treat, you defiantly need to try this. This super easy, healthy recipe for Grilled Eggplant Caprese takes almost no effort yet people will call it restaurant quality. Friends and family go crazy for this grilled recipe!

Grilled Eggplant Caprese with pesto and garlic oil.

Warm weather is all about grilling right? I consider myself a girl who grills. Something about the flavor, fun and creativity of grilled food has me hooked.

I especially enjoy it when my husband and I grill together. It used to be I'd prep and he would grill, now I typically take the lead on the grill since my husband had become smitten with cooking on his Blackstone (and I am not complaining). That griddle saves me tons of cleanup and work.

Table of Contents

Why you will enjoy this Grilled Eggplant recipe

Grilled eggplant is delicious, i personally feel its the best way to enjoy it.
This is quick prep and cook. You can have this as a side, a salad or as your main meal.
Paired with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, this eggplant recipe shines!
The key to this simple eggplant and tomato recipe is the seasoned garlic oil.

Ingredients

fresh garlic or garlic paste
avocado / olive oil
salt and pepper
eggplant
large tomatoes
mozzarella
pesto
basil leaves

Variations

Use heirloom tomatoes for different flavor, texture and colors.
Add some jumbo lump crabmeat for an extra special meal or salad.
If you enjoy balsamic glaze, drizzle some of that overtop for a pop of flavor.

How to Grill Eggplant

The first step is to make your garlic oil, THIS is key as it imparts so much flavor. Simply mince fresh garlic add it to your avocado or olive oil, season the oil well with salt and pepper and allow it to sit for 30 minutes to a few hours before use.
When ready to eat, get your grill going and then slice your eggplant into rounds about a ½ inch to ¾ of an inch thick. Brush them well with the oil on both sides and season with a bit of additional S&P.
Next slice your tomatoes about ½ inch thick (the better the tomatoes, the better the dish!). Brush those with the garlic oil as well.
Slice your mozzarella ¼ inch or so thick (its OK if your mozzarella slice is smaller than the tomato, add an extra half slice if you want to even it out).
Get your store pesto ready and if using a handful of fresh basil leaves.
Place eggplant slices on the hot grill and grill 4 minutes, flip. Place tomato slices directly on the grill for about 45 seconds a side. I close the lid in-between flipping those. Then place the tomatoes atop the eggplant and place the mozzarella atop the tomatoes. Close the lid and continue cooking 2-3 minutes more. Remove from grill when done to your liking.
It comes down to how hot your grill is and how thick and firm your eggplant is. I personally don't want my mozzarella gooey. I want it warmed, so that slice after slice I get all three components on my fork like you see pictured. BUT like I always say...You do you!
Remove stacks from the grill and place them on a cutting board or platter, transfer to plates, spoon pesto over-top, swirling it with the back of a spoon and top with a basil leaf. If you have extra garlic oil a smll drizzle of that can't hurt either. Y-U-M!

Tips

Always start with a brushed and oiled grill.
If you are in a rush, you can accelerate the flavor of the garlic oil by mashing the garlic into the oil with the back of a spoon, shake it up in a mason jar.
In place of minced fresh garlic you can use garlic paste.
If your eggplant seems to be cooking quickly, lower the heat or transfer it to indirect heat.
You can "finish" the stacks (where the cheese is warming after assembly) with your grill turned off and the lid closed. There should be enough residual heat to do the job.
I LOVE balsamic glaze almost too much, I personally don't feel this dish needs any however again, you do you!!

I hope you love, love, love this meatless side or meal as much as I do! Meanwhile can someone help me get my husband to at least try this?? He never has. I would need to add a layer of steak or bacon for him, lol!

Grilled Eggplant recipe Grilled Eggplant Caprese

Grilling recipes to try

Enjoy! XO - Colleen

Since I am not a nutritionist or registered dietitian, I use a plug-in to approximate the nutritional information. Originally posted June 202, updated March 2024 with new images and info.