Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks is tender grilled eggplant layered with fresh mozzarella, marinara sauce and basil. It’s healthy eggplant parmesan!
Let’s just say the batch of the Homemade Marinara Sauce that I made a few weeks ago has been getting a good workout lately. I slathered in on some pizza one day, and these Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks were next. T
he other half of the batch is tucked away in the freezer for another round in the very near future. Whenever I need to throw a quick meal together, this sauce has my back. 🙂
Are you a fan of eggplant? I never knew I liked it until several years ago, mainly because I’d never had it cooked properly. If it’s not cooked properly, eggplant is one of the most disgusting things ever.
This grilled eggplant is tender and succulent with a velvety mouthfeel. Just the way eggplant should be!
The smoky flavor from the grill makes it even more inviting. 🙂
If you’re already an eggplant fanatic, you’ve probably experienced classic eggplant parmesan. If you’re Italian, you probably grew up eating your grandmother’s or your mother’s recipe handed down from generation to generation. Si?
My version of eggplant parmesan definitely isn’t your grandmother’s recipe — it’s a lightened up, much quicker recipe. There’s no frying involved in this grilled eggplant parmesan recipe, which I love.
Simply grill the eggplant with olive oil until tender.
And don’t be afraid to drizzle some balsamic glaze over these babies.
If you have the marinara sauce made already, you’ll have this meal complete in less than 30 minutes. If you don’t, it’ll be 30 minutes and some change, which is still a really quick meal.
You can always use store bought marinara to make this meal go even more quickly.
This may not be your grandmother’s eggplant parmesan recipe, but it’s got all the elements to give you those warm, cozy feelings that her version may have given you.
It doesn’t get better than tender, velvety eggplant layered with fresh mozzarella cheese, basil, and homemade marinara sauce. This is comfort food at it’s finest, and you’ll love it even more because you’ll be able to enjoy it faster than ever.
So heat up your grill and get your eggplant on!
Additional eggplant recipes:
- Instant pot ratatouille
- Ratatouille lasagna
- Eggplant Rollatini by Cookie Monster Cooking
- Pesto quinoa bowls
Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large eggplant sliced into 1/2″ rounds (about 10-12 slices)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups homemade marinara sauce
- 5-6 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese*
- 6 large fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan
- balsamic glaze and chopped basil for serving if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium for the eggplant, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees to bake the eggplant stacks.
- Brush the eggplant slices top and bottom generously with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender and grill marks form. If the eggplant seems dry, brush with a little more olive oil. Flip the eggplant, and repeat on the other side. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Place half of the eggplant slices on a foil lined baking sheet and top with some marinara. Place a slice of fresh mozzarella over the marinara, then place a basil leaf over the cheese. Top with another slice of eggplant, followed by more marinara sauce, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Remove from the oven and place on a serving platter, and garnish with freshly chopped basil, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- The marinara may be made in advance to make this a true 30 minute meal, or use your favorite store bought sauce.
- The eggplant may also be grilled in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the stacks.
- Grated mozzarella cheese may be substituted for the fresh mozzarella.
Nutrition
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
63 Comments on “Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks”
I love how you used your homemade sauce in this recipe, Marcie! I’ve seen eggplant stacks before, but none as pretty as these. I love how full of flavor this is! And even better that they’re grilled, too. Pinned!
Thank you for the sweet comment, Gayle! Eggplant is so delicious grilled, and it’s the easiest thing ever. 🙂
I always have trouble thinking of vegetarian things to grill — this is perfect! Sounds so tasty and I’m a big fan of eggplant parm, so I know I’ll love it.
I think eggplant is best on the grill — the smoky flavor is so great! Thanks, Kelly! 🙂
I started to love eggplant at the end of high school. My mom uses the eggplant in our garden to make eggplant parmesan and I adore it. These stacks look like a healthy alternative to eating the fried version. 😀
Oh, your mom’s eggplant parm must be wonderful! One day I’ll have to try making the classic. 🙂
I love eggplant! We just planted 2 different eggplant varieties in our garden this weekend. Can’t wait until they’re ready to be picked! Will be making this grilled eggplant stacks for sure : )
You’re going to have so much delicious eggplant! I could eat it several times a week — I really never get tired of it! 🙂
Marcie, I made the sauce a few days ago and we loved it! Just doing my shopping list and thought of eggplant! That ks for the idea! Pinned and will try it!
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the sauce, Mira — thanks so much for the feedback and for the pin! 🙂
Ok, so this is absolutely the most amazing idea ever! I love eggplant parm. It’s definitely one of my favorite dishes! This is such a fun spin on it, Marcie! Pinning!
You’re so sweet…thank you, Justine! I’ve never made the classic — this is pretty much the lazy girl way. haha 🙂
I do NOT get enough eggplant in my life -I need to change this!
I hope you get more in life very soon Gigi! 🙂
We are definitely on Team Eggplant, love it! Your dish looks so, mouth watering. It’s a winner flavor combination!
I’m glad we’re on the same team, and thank you so much! 🙂
I wasn’t a fan of eggplant when I was younger but I am definitely on team eggplant now! We are planting some for the first time in our garden this year so I’m so excited to see more recipes I can use them in 🙂 These eggplant stacks look so pretty and sound amazing with your homemade marinara sauce! I love that you grilled them and that they’re lightened up too!
Yay — another vote for Team Eggplant! How exciting to grow some in your garden — I see lots of grilled eggplant in your future! 🙂
Oh my gosh, it looks so fantastic with the balsamic drizzle! I used to hate eggplant but it’s like you said- when it’s cooked right it can be really tasty. These sound wonderful and light and perfect for warmer weather 😉
I loved these with the drizzle! Thanks, Allie! 🙂
I’ve only ever had roasted eggplant, and I’m pretty sure it fell into your category of ‘gross’. I like the flavor, but the texture was mushy….I bet by grilling them, the texture is much better! Love all the flavors you have in these stacks, they look so fresh and delicious!
It can get mushy if it cooks too long. On the grill, it still has some “give” if you will. 🙂 Thanks, Denise!
I’m kind of embarrassed to admit that I’ve never tried eggplant. But when it’s layered and looks like pizza, I think I’d devour it! Love this, it looks so delicious!
I went so long before I tried eggplant — I truly wouldn’t touch it when I was younger because it looked so strange! Eggplant parm would be a great place to start. 🙂 Thanks, Danielle!
I love eggplant … but have always had it fried! I sooooo love the idea of grilling it for a lighter dish!
Thank you, Jamie! The smoky flavor is really terrific! 🙂
Love how light and healthy and beautiful these stacks are Marcie! I love eggplant but never cook it. Need to change that soon!
Thank you, Christin! My kids balk at eggplant, so I don’t make it enough. I’m hoping that changes down the road! 🙂
Team eggplant ALL the way!! You are getting me seriously so excited for eggplant season with these gorgeous stacks, Marcie! Love that they’re grilled and that sauce looks perfect!
I’m glad we’re on the same team, and thank you for the nice comment, Sarah! 🙂
Marcie, I love eating eggplant this way!!! the marinara sauce and loads of fresh mozzarella cheese. . delicious!!!
Thank you, Alice! 🙂
This is a great idea and I am liking the fact they you can make them in indivisual portions and less cheese so healthier too!!
Thank you, Ami! It’s definitely much easier to customize them this way. 🙂
Oh I really love these stacks. My sister made something very similar last weekend and i couldnt get enough.
I couldn’t get enough of these, Kathy! Hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
I am definitely on team eggplant! I’ve always been a huge fan – probably because my grandma always made it! These stacks look absolutely fantastic! So fresh and yet comforting at the same time! And you are officially making me hungry for lunch!
Glad to have you on the team, Ashley! I knew you were already on it, though. 🙂 You’re so lucky you grew up with your grandma making it! I only grew up with the bad stuff. haha
Oooh that mozzarella! Amazing. I love grilling veggies, it gives them such a nice flavor. This recipe just reminded me I totally forgot to plant eggplants this year!! AHHH!! I need to get on that stat!
I love grilling veggies even more than I love roasting them! And I hope you get those eggplant plants planted soon! Thanks, Jess. 🙂
I don’t eat eggplant as much as I would like. These eggplant stacks make such a delicious, light lunch. I could eat them several times a week.
Thank you, Thao — and these were definitely nice and light. Two of them made a perfect meal for me. 🙂
Looks great Marcie, recently I’ve cooked with eggplant too, will have to try this version as well. Sounds delicious.
Thank you, Ella! 🙂
I have to admit, I don’t think I’ve ever had eggplant! But you’ve got me with the marinara and cheese — I might just get brave enough to try it!
Oh, I hope you get to try it soon, Ashley! This is definitely my favorite way to enjoy it! 🙂
These eggplant stacks are so pretty and look so yummy! I LOVE the balsamic drizzle!
Thank you, Mariah, and the balsamic drizzle made them extra delicious! 🙂
I have to admit that I am currently on Team Eggplant Hater. These stacks look so pretty and tasty I’ll have to give it another try. Then I’m sure I’ll want to join your team!
I know there are a lot on the other team, but maybe one day you’ll crossover, Rachelle! 🙂
oh my this looks so good! this reminds me of an eggplant pasta that I had in Vegas last year..it was so good! I need to try this! Beautiful pictures Marcie 🙂 Pinned!
You’re so sweet, Manali — thanks so much for the lovely comment, and for the pin! Hope you have a great weekend! 🙂
Thank you, Christina! 🙂
They really are a great alternative to pizza! Thanks, Dannii. 🙂
Thank you for the pin, my friend, and I wish I had that Italian grandmother too! haha
The Mr loves eggplant and now I have a new recipe to try for him!
I hope you love it, and have a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Marcie, this looks beautiful. I’m sure you’ve heard it multiple times but I was never a big fan of eggplant growing up. Papa would wait on the table with me until I finished and he always gave up. Now, it’s a different story. I love it but so allergic to it:(. I still enjoy once in a while. I will sure try this out..it’s perfect.
I loved veggies growing up, but I would’ve never touched eggplant — it just looked strange to me. I’m glad I got over it! I’m sorry you’re allergic to it, but at least you can have it every now and then. Thanks, Ash! 🙂
Dear Michelle, These eggplant stacks are right up my alley. They look wonderfully delicious. Pinning for later. xo, Catherine
Thank you for the pin, Catherine! 🙂
Excellent Recipe!Â
I’m glad you enjoyed it! 🙂