Skip to main content

Grilled Bread with Eggplant & Basil

4.5

(5)

Image may contain Food Bread Toast French Toast and Plant
Grilled Bread with Eggplant & BasilRoland Bello

Making the eggplant spread ahead of time has a double upside: The flavors of the mixture will deepen as it sits, and you get to cross something off the list.

Ingredients

8 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon fresh marjoram or oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 large eggplant (about 1 pound), cut into 3/4" pieces
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
8 3/4"-thick slices country-style bread
1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves
1 ounce Parmesan, shaved

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat 4 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, marjoram, and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring often, until garlic is softened but not browned, about 2 minutes.

    Step 2

    Add eggplant to skillet and cook, tossing occasionally, until just starting to brown, 8–10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water; season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until eggplant is very soft, 10–15 minutes. Let cool slightly; mix in lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice, if desired.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, prepare grill for medium-high heat. Brush both sides of bread with remaining 4 tablespoons oil and grill until lightly charred, about 2 minutes per side.

    Step 4

    Spoon eggplant mixture on toast and top with basil and Parmesan; cut toast in half.

    Step 5

    Do ahead: Eggplant can be cooked 2 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.

Read More
Apple pie in doughnut hole form? We’re in love.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
From Italian wedding soup with escarole to green smoothies with kale.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
Our go-to banana bread recipe is moist, nutty, and incredibly easy to make.