Grilled Eggplant Sandwich Recipes: Elevate Your Lunch Game

Eggplant sandwiches are a fantastic vegetarian or vegan meal option, bursting with flavor and texture. They can be customized to suit your preferences, from simple grilled eggplant with pesto to more elaborate creations featuring roasted red peppers, creamy cheeses, and flavorful sauces. This article explores various delicious eggplant sandwich recipes, complete with detailed instructions to help you create the perfect sandwich every time.

## Why Eggplant Sandwiches?

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that absorbs flavors beautifully. When grilled, roasted, or pan-fried, it develops a delicious smoky or slightly sweet taste and a tender, almost creamy texture. It’s also relatively low in calories and a good source of fiber, making it a healthy addition to your diet. Eggplant sandwiches are:

* **Vegetarian/Vegan-Friendly:** A great alternative to meat-based sandwiches.
* **Flavorful:** Eggplant soaks up flavors from marinades, sauces, and other ingredients.
* **Versatile:** Can be customized with various toppings and breads.
* **Healthy:** Relatively low in calories and high in fiber.
* **Satisfying:** Provides a hearty and filling meal.

## Essential Ingredients for Eggplant Sandwiches

Before diving into specific recipes, let’s discuss the key ingredients you’ll need to create amazing eggplant sandwiches:

* **Eggplant:** Choose firm, heavy eggplants with smooth, shiny skin. Smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter.
* **Bread:** The bread is crucial. Opt for sturdy breads that can hold the filling without falling apart. Sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, and rustic Italian bread are excellent choices.
* **Oil:** Olive oil is ideal for grilling, roasting, or pan-frying eggplant. It adds flavor and helps prevent sticking.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Essential for seasoning the eggplant and other ingredients.
* **Marinade/Sauce:** Marinades or sauces enhance the flavor of the eggplant. Options include balsamic vinaigrette, pesto, marinara sauce, or a simple garlic-herb oil.
* **Cheese (Optional):** If you’re not vegan, cheese can add a creamy and savory element. Mozzarella, provolone, feta, and goat cheese are popular choices.
* **Vegetables:** Roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, arugula, onions, and tomatoes are all great additions.
* **Herbs:** Fresh basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme can add brightness and flavor.
* **Spreads:** Hummus, tapenades, and flavored mayonnaise can add moisture and flavor to the sandwich.

## Preparing Eggplant for Sandwiches

Properly preparing the eggplant is essential for achieving the best results. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. **Wash and Slice:** Rinse the eggplant under cold water and pat it dry. Trim off the stem end. Slice the eggplant into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick rounds or lengthwise slices, depending on the size of the eggplant and your preference.

2. **Salt (Optional):** Salting eggplant helps draw out excess moisture and reduce bitterness. Place the eggplant slices in a colander, sprinkle generously with salt, and let them sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Rinse the eggplant thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.

3. **Marinate (Optional):** Marinating eggplant infuses it with flavor. Whisk together your desired marinade ingredients (e.g., olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, herbs) and pour over the eggplant slices. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours, in the refrigerator.

4. **Cook the Eggplant:**

* **Grilling:** Preheat your grill to medium heat. Brush the grates with oil. Grill the eggplant slices for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have grill marks.
* **Roasting:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the eggplant slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
* **Pan-Frying:** Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices for 3-5 minutes per side, or until they are tender and golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.

## Eggplant Sandwich Recipes

Here are several delicious eggplant sandwich recipes to inspire you:

### 1. Classic Grilled Eggplant Sandwich with Pesto and Mozzarella

This simple yet satisfying sandwich is a crowd-pleaser.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 large eggplant, sliced
* Olive oil
* Salt and pepper
* 4 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or ciabatta recommended)
* 4 tablespoons pesto
* 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
* Optional: Roasted red peppers, fresh basil leaves

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the eggplant: Wash, slice, and salt (optional) the eggplant. Marinate in olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 15 minutes.
2. Grill the eggplant: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the eggplant slices for 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
3. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread pesto on two slices of bread. Top with grilled eggplant, mozzarella slices, and roasted red peppers (if using). Add fresh basil leaves (if using).
4. Top with the remaining bread slices and serve immediately.

### 2. Roasted Eggplant and Goat Cheese Sandwich with Balsamic Glaze

This sandwich offers a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 large eggplant, sliced
* Olive oil
* Salt and pepper
* 4 slices of your favorite bread (focaccia or rustic Italian bread recommended)
* 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
* 1 red bell pepper, roasted and sliced
* 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
* Optional: Arugula, sun-dried tomatoes

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the eggplant: Wash, slice, and salt (optional) the eggplant. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast the eggplant: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
3. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread goat cheese on two slices of bread. Top with roasted eggplant, roasted red pepper slices, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Add arugula (if using).
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze. Top with the remaining bread slices and serve immediately.

### 3. Pan-Fried Eggplant Sandwich with Marinara and Provolone

This sandwich is a comforting and hearty option, reminiscent of eggplant parmesan.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 large eggplant, sliced
* Olive oil
* Salt and pepper
* 1 cup marinara sauce
* 8 slices of your favorite bread (ciabatta or Italian bread recommended)
* 8 slices provolone cheese
* Optional: Fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the eggplant: Wash, slice, and salt (optional) the eggplant. Pat dry.
2. Pan-fry the eggplant: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the eggplant slices for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and tender. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread marinara sauce on four slices of bread. Top with pan-fried eggplant, provolone cheese slices, and fresh basil leaves (if using).
4. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Top with the remaining bread slices.
5. You can either serve the sandwiches as is, or for a more melted cheese experience, place the assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can also use a panini press.

### 4. Vegan Eggplant Sandwich with Hummus and Roasted Vegetables

This vegan option is packed with flavor and nutrients.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 large eggplant, sliced
* Olive oil
* Salt and pepper
* 4 slices of your favorite bread (whole wheat or multigrain recommended)
* 1/2 cup hummus
* 1 red bell pepper, roasted and sliced
* 1 zucchini, roasted and sliced
* Arugula or spinach
* Optional: Red onion slices, balsamic vinaigrette

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the eggplant: Wash, slice, and salt (optional) the eggplant. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast the eggplant: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned. Roast the bell pepper and zucchini separately, or alongside the eggplant.
3. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread hummus on two slices of bread. Top with roasted eggplant, roasted bell pepper, roasted zucchini, arugula or spinach, and red onion slices (if using).
4. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette (if using). Top with the remaining bread slices and serve immediately.

### 5. Spicy Eggplant Sandwich with Sriracha Mayo and Pickled Vegetables

This sandwich offers a kick of heat and a tangy crunch.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 large eggplant, sliced
* Olive oil
* Salt and pepper
* 4 slices of your favorite bread (brioche or toasted sesame buns recommended)
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (or more, to taste)
* 1/2 cup pickled vegetables (carrots, daikon radish, cucumbers)
* Optional: Cilantro, jalapeno slices

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the eggplant: Wash, slice, and salt (optional) the eggplant. Marinate in olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 15 minutes.
2. Grill the eggplant: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the eggplant slices for 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
3. Prepare the Sriracha mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and Sriracha sauce. Adjust the amount of Sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.
4. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread Sriracha mayo on both slices of bread. Top with grilled eggplant, pickled vegetables, cilantro (if using), and jalapeno slices (if using).
5. Top with the remaining bread slice and serve immediately.

### 6. Mediterranean Eggplant Sandwich with Feta and Olive Tapenade

This sandwich brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your plate.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 large eggplant, sliced
* Olive oil
* Salt and pepper
* 4 slices of your favorite bread (ciabatta or pita bread recommended)
* 1/4 cup olive tapenade
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
* 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
* Optional: Red onion slices, fresh mint leaves

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the eggplant: Wash, slice, and salt (optional) the eggplant. Marinate in olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 15 minutes.
2. Grill or Pan-fry the Eggplant: Preheat your grill to medium heat or use a pan with olive oil. Grill or pan-fry the eggplant slices for 3-5 minutes per side, or until tender and slightly charred.
3. Assemble the sandwiches: Spread olive tapenade on both slices of bread. Top with grilled eggplant, feta cheese, sliced cucumbers, and chopped tomatoes. Add red onion slices and fresh mint leaves (if using).
4. Top with the remaining bread slice and serve immediately.

## Tips for Making the Best Eggplant Sandwiches

* **Choose the right eggplant:** Look for firm, heavy eggplants with smooth, shiny skin. Smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter.
* **Salt the eggplant:** Salting the eggplant helps draw out excess moisture and reduce bitterness. This step is optional, but it can improve the texture and flavor of the eggplant.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pan:** When pan-frying eggplant, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding lowers the temperature of the oil and can result in soggy eggplant.
* **Use good quality bread:** The bread is an important component of the sandwich. Choose a sturdy bread that can hold the filling without falling apart. Sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, and rustic Italian bread are excellent choices.
* **Don’t be afraid to experiment:** These recipes are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different toppings, sauces, and cheeses to create your own unique eggplant sandwich.
* **Press the sandwich:** If you like a more compact sandwich, you can press it in a panini press or under a heavy skillet for a few minutes.
* **Toast the bread:** Toasting the bread before assembling the sandwich can add a nice crunch and prevent the bread from getting soggy.
* **Serve immediately:** Eggplant sandwiches are best served immediately after they are assembled. This will ensure that the eggplant is still warm and the bread is fresh.
* **Consider making a big batch of roasted vegetables:** Roasting a large batch of bell peppers, zucchini, and other vegetables at the beginning of the week will make it easier to assemble eggplant sandwiches for lunch or dinner.
* **Add some acidity:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can add brightness and balance to the flavors of the sandwich.

## Variations and Additions

* **Spicy kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Smoked paprika:** Use smoked paprika in the marinade or seasoning for a smoky flavor.
* **Different cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Havarti.
* **Different spreads:** Try using different spreads, such as pesto mayo, roasted garlic aioli, or chimichurri.
* **Add avocado:** Sliced avocado can add a creamy and healthy element to the sandwich.
* **Grilled halloumi:** Add grilled halloumi cheese for a salty and squeaky texture.
* **Caramelized onions:** Caramelized onions add a sweet and savory flavor.

## Conclusion

Eggplant sandwiches are a versatile and delicious meal option that can be enjoyed by vegetarians, vegans, and meat-eaters alike. With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can create a sandwich that is both satisfying and flavorful. So, get in the kitchen and start experimenting with these recipes – you might just discover your new favorite sandwich!