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Crispy Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Stacks

crispy grilled eggplant parmesan stacks - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe featuring smoky grilled eggplant slices layered with marinara and melted cheeses, perfect for a comforting yet impressive meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large eggplant, sliced into ½-inch thick rounds
  • Salt, for sweating the eggplant
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin for brushing
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (fresh mozzarella slices also work)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • Fresh basil leaves, a handful, roughly torn for garnish
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
  • Optional: garlic powder
  • Optional: Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Slice the eggplant into ½-inch thick rounds. Lay them out and sprinkle both sides generously with salt. Let sit for 20-30 minutes to draw out moisture and bitterness. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
  2. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (around 400°F).
  3. Brush each eggplant slice lightly with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle garlic powder and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Grill eggplant slices for 4-5 minutes per side until tender with grill marks and slightly crispy edges.
  5. Assemble stacks on a baking sheet or platter: place one grilled eggplant slice, spoon about 1 tablespoon marinara sauce over it, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layering 2-3 times, finishing with cheese on top.
  6. Place stacks on grill or under broiler for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve warm.

Notes

Salt eggplant slices to reduce bitterness and moisture to prevent soggy stacks. Use medium-high heat to get a nice sear without burning. Rotate stacks when melting cheese to ensure even cooking. Avoid overloading stacks to keep them stable. Fresh basil added last keeps brightness and prevents wilting. Leftovers reheat best in skillet or broiler to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: eggplant parmesan, grilled eggplant, vegetarian, easy dinner, comfort food, quick recipe, gluten-free, cheesy stacks

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/crispy-grilled-eggplant-parmesan-stacks-recipe-easy-homemade-stacks-to-try-now/