Best 9 Grilled Eggplant Pizza Sandwiches Recipes

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**Grilled Eggplant Pizza Sandwiches: A Flavorful Fusion of Mediterranean and Italian Cuisines**

Discover a delightful culinary creation that blends the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean and the rustic charm of Italian cooking: grilled eggplant pizza sandwiches. These sandwiches are a symphony of textures and tastes, featuring tender grilled eggplant, savory marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a medley of fresh toppings. Each bite offers a delightful balance of smoky eggplant, tangy sauce, and gooey cheese, complemented by the crispiness of toasted bread. Whether you're a vegetarian seeking a satisfying and flavorful meal or a meat-lover looking for a lighter alternative, these sandwiches are sure to tantalize your taste buds. With three variations – classic, pesto, and caprese – there's a perfect sandwich for every preference. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport you to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean and the rustic countryside of Italy.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

GRILLED EGGPLANT SANDWICH



Grilled Eggplant Sandwich image

Eggplant, tomatoes, and mozzarella fill up a hungry bunch without breaking the bank. Fresh basil is the perfect way to brighten up rich flavors.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Quick & Easy Recipes

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 8

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for grill
2 garlic cloves, minced
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 loaf crusty bread (10 ounces), such as ciabatta, sliced in half lengthwise
6 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
1 medium eggplant (8 ounces), cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices
2 medium tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices
14 fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high. Clean and lightly oil hot grill. In a small bowl, combine garlic with 1 tablespoon oil; season with salt and pepper. Brush garlic oil on cut sides of bread and grill until lightly toasted on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes. Top bottom half with cheese.
  • Brush eggplant with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until tender and lightly charred, 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once. Layer eggplant on cheese. Brush tomatoes with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until lightly charred, 2 to 3 minutes, flipping once. Layer tomatoes on eggplant, top with basil, and sandwich with top half of bread. Cut crosswise into 4 pieces and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 482 g, Fat 25 g, Fiber 7 g, Protein 18 g, SaturatedFat 9 g

GRILLED EGGPLANT PIZZA



Grilled Eggplant Pizza image

Provided by Michael Chiarello : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 eggplants, about 3 pounds total, sliced 3/4 inches thick
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing on vegetables, plus about 1/4 cup
2 large red or yellow bell peppers
1 recipe Piadine dough (or prepared pizza dough)
All-purpose flour, for dusting
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano leaves
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
About 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
About 1/2 pound buffalo mozzarella cheese or provolone, coarsely shredded
About 3 cups packed arugula
Balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  • Prepare the grill and let burn down to medium coals or heat gas grill on medium heat.
  • In a colander set over another bowl, salt the eggplant and let drain for 30 minutes then rinse and dry.
  • Brush the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with pepper. Toss the peppers with a little olive oil. Place both on the grill and cook the eggplant until browned on the first side, about 3 minutes. The slices should be browned between the grill marks when ready to turn. Move them away from direct heat and cook on the second side until tender, about 10 minutes total. Cut the grilled slices into 1/2-inch dice.
  • Cook the peppers, turning as necessary, until charred all over. Remove the peppers to a bowl. Cover and let the peppers steam to loosen the skins. When cool enough to handle, peel, seed, and tear into long, thin strips.
  • Divide the dough into 6 equal balls. Working on a surface free of flour, roll each ball under your palm. As it rolls, it will stick slightly to the surface, creating tension that helps form a tight, round ball. Dust the work surface lightly with flour, pat each ball down lightly, dust the tops with flour, cover with a towel, and let rise for about 15 minutes. With a rolling pin, roll out each ball into a circle 8 or 9 inches in diameter and about 1/8-inch thick.
  • Have the grill ready at medium heat. Have the 1/4 cup olive oil, eggplant, peppers, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, if using, olives, and cheese in bowls and ready by the side of the grill.
  • Brush each dough round with about 1 teaspoon of the olive oil. Place on the grill, oiled side up, and cook until browned on the underside, about 2 minutes. Turn and, working quickly, brush each round with another 1 teaspoon olive oil. Then scatter each with 1/6 each of the garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, if using, eggplant, bell peppers, olives, and cheese. Cover the grill and cook until the rounds are browned on the bottom and the cheese has softened, about 7 minutes. Transfer to plates and top each with an equal amount of the arugula. Spritz lightly with vinegar. Serve immediately.

GRILLED EGGPLANT PITA PIZZAS



Grilled Eggplant Pita Pizzas image

We grow eggplants and love to use them for our special pizza. Grilling adds robust flavor to the crust, veggies and garlic. Waiting for the eggplants to grow is the hardest part! -Judy Barrett, Chelsea, Alabama

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 4 pizzas.

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 small eggplants
1 teaspoon salt
1 large sweet red pepper, halved and sliced
1 medium onion, halved and sliced
12 garlic cloves, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 whole pita breads
1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
3/4 cup shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup pitted ripe olives, coarsely chopped
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1 cup loosely packed basil leaves, coarsely chopped

Steps:

  • Cut eggplants into 3/4-in. slices. Place in a colander over a plate; sprinkle with salt and toss. Let stand 30 minutes., Meanwhile, in a bowl, toss red pepper, onion and garlic with 1 tablespoon oil. Transfer to a grill wok or open grill basket; place on grill rack. Grill, uncovered, over medium-high heat 8-12 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender and slightly charred, stirring frequently., Rinse and drain eggplants; blot dry with paper towels. Brush eggplants with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle with pepper. Grill, covered, over medium heat 4-5 minutes on each side or until tender. Cut each slice into quarters., Brush both sides of pita breads with remaining oil. Grill, covered, over medium-low heat 1-2 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Remove from grill., Layer grilled sides of pitas with grilled vegetables, tomato, cheese and olives. If desired, sprinkle with pepper flakes. Return to grill; cook, covered, 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted. , Sprinkle with basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 428 calories, Fat 17g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 721mg sodium, Carbohydrate 59g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 12g fiber), Protein 14g protein.

GRILLED PIZZA SANDWICHES



Grilled Pizza Sandwiches image

"I've been fixing this jazzed-up grilled cheese sandwich for years," notes Janice Mitchell of Aurora, Colorado. "Kids of all ages think its pizza-like flavor is the best," she assures.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1/3 cup pizza sauce
8 slices Italian bread (1/2 inch thick)
4 slices salami
4 slices mozzarella cheese
1 small green pepper, thinly sliced
1/4 cup butter, melted

Steps:

  • Spread about 2 teaspoons pizza sauce on one side of each slice of bread. Top four slices with the salami, cheese and green pepper. Top with remaining bread; brush the outside of bread with butter. Grill sandwiches on a hot griddle or in a skillet over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts :

GRILLED EGGPLANT SANDWICHES



Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches image

Grill this eggplant, tomato and goat cheese sandwich to perfection...it makes a delicious meatless meal. -Jennifer Jaras, Corona, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 ciabatta rolls, split
4 slices eggplant (1/2 inch thick)
1 medium heirloom tomato, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened
6 fresh basil leaves

Steps:

  • Mix oil and garlic; brush onto cut sides of rolls and both sides of vegetables. Sprinkle vegetables with salt and pepper., Grill eggplant, covered, over medium heat until tender, 4-5 minutes per side. Grill tomato, covered, until lightly browned, 1-2 minutes per side. Grill rolls, cut side down, until toasted, 1-2 minutes., Spread roll bottoms with goat cheese. Top with basil, eggplant and tomato; close sandwiches.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 538 calories, Fat 21g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 19mg cholesterol, Sodium 958mg sodium, Carbohydrate 81g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 15g protein.

GRILLED PIZZA WITH GRILLED EGGPLANT AND CHERRY TOMATOES



Grilled Pizza With Grilled Eggplant and Cherry Tomatoes image

The grilled eggplant slices are equally good on their own, or use them instead of crusts for "eggplant pizzas" (see variation below). The slices have to be thick, so that you get a creamy interior with a charred exterior. If they're too thin, they'll just burn.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     pizza and calzones, main course

Time 40m

Yield 3 10-inch pizzas

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 large or 2 long Asian eggplants, cut into rounds 3/4¾ -inch thick rounds
Vinaigrette dressing
Extra virgin olive oil (about 3 tablespoons)
Salt
3 10-inch pizza crusts (1 recipe)
3/4¾ cup marinara sauce
1 box cherry tomatoes, cut in half along the equator
Hot red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves or dried oregano
3 ounces crumbled feta, 2 ounces freshly grated Parmesan, or 5 ounces mozzarella, shredded if fresh, sliced if low-moisture
1 bunch fresh basil, torn into pieces or cut into wide strips if the leaves are big

Steps:

  • Prepare a hot grill. If you wish, marinate the eggplant slices in a vinaigrette dressing for 15 minutes before grilling (this is an optional step). Oil the hot grill rack with olive oil, either by brushing with a grill brush or by dipping a folded wad of paper towels in olive oil and using tongs to rub the rack with it. Brush the eggplant slices lightly with olive oil and season with salt. Place on the hot grill, not quite directly over the hottest heat, and grill for about 5 minutes, until charred. Turn the pieces over and grill for another 5 minutes. If they are getting too black too quickly, move away from the direct heat. They need to cook long enough so that they're charred on the outside and creamy and soft in the middle. Remove from the heat and cut into bite-size wedges. Set aside.
  • Place a round of dough on a lightly dusted baker's peel or rimless baking sheet. Slide the pizza dough from the peel or baking sheet onto the grill rack. If the dough has just come from the freezer and is easy to handle, you can just place it on the rack without bothering with the peel. Close the lid of the grill - the vents should be closed --- and set the timer for 2 minutes.
  • Lift up the grill lid. The surface of the dough should display some big air bubbles. Using tongs, lift the dough to see if it is evenly browning on the bottom. Rotate the dough to assure even browning. Keep it on the grill, moving it around as necessary, until it is nicely browned, with grill marks. Watch closely so that it doesn't burn. When it is nicely browned on the bottom (it may be blackened in spots), use tongs or a spatula to slide the dough onto the baking sheet or peel, and remove from the grill. Cover the grill again.
  • Make sure that there is still some flour on the peel or baking sheet and flip the dough over so that the uncooked side is now on the bottom. Brush the top lightly with oil, then top with a thin layer of marinara sauce (no more than 1/4¼ cup). Arrange eggplant pieces and cherry tomatoes, cut side up or down, on top of the marinara sauce. Sprinkle with hot red pepper flakes and thyme or oregano. Season with salt and pepper if desired. Dot with feta or mozzarella or sprinkle with Parmesan. Drizzle on a little more olive oil.
  • Slide the pizza back onto the grill. If using a gas grill, reduce the heat to medium-high. Close the lid and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes, until the bottom is brown. Open the grill and check the pizza; the top should be hot. If you feel that it needs more time but the bottom is getting too dark, move the pizza to a cooler part of the grill and close the top. Use a spatula or tongs to remove the pizza to a cutting board. Cut into wedges and serve. Repeat with the other two crusts.

PIZZADILLA (GRILLED PIZZA SANDWICH)



Pizzadilla (Grilled Pizza Sandwich) image

I was watching TV the other day, and I saw a commercial for something called a Papadilla. What follows is my attempt to make one of these things. What this relatively fast and easy procedure allows you to do is make a single portion of what's very, very close to pizza in a pan on top of the stove in just a few minutes, without ever having to turn on the oven. Serve your pizzadilla with a side salad topped with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Sandwich Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

20 ounces prepared pizza dough
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided, or as needed
1 cup pizza sauce, divided
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup cooked Italian sausage, or to taste
½ cup cooked mushrooms, or to taste
½ cup cooked red onions, or to taste

Steps:

  • Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 1/8-inch thick circle on a lightly floured surface.
  • Heat a pan over medium-high heat and brush with oil. Add 1 piece of dough and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 2 minutes and flip. Spread 1/4 of the sauce over the dough. Sprinkle 1/4 of the mozzarella cheese and some sausage, mushrooms, and red onion on top, leaving about 1/2 inch of dough around the outside. Press gently into the middle of the dough with a spatula to make a crease; fold in half.
  • Brush crust with a little more olive oil and flip over. Repeat on the other side and continue cooking until both sides of the pizzadilla are as browned and crisp as you like.
  • Repeat with remaining pizza dough and toppings. Cut each pizzadilla in half and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 703.5 calories, Carbohydrate 78.3 g, Cholesterol 50.5 mg, Fat 27.7 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 32.6 g, SaturatedFat 9.1 g, Sodium 2022.4 mg, Sugar 11.8 g

GRILLED EGGPLANT SANDWICHES



Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches image

Introducing you to sandwiches that are hearty enough to satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike: Grilled Eggplant Sandwiches. These are built on toasty ciabatta, spread with hummus and layered with grilled eggplant and scallions. Next comes feta cheese, arugula, dill and basil for a fun vegetarian sandwich that's a great change of pace from the typical meat-centric sando.

Provided by Elena Besser

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 large eggplant, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large ciabatta loaf, split
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 bunch scallions, trimmed
1 clove garlic
1 cup hummus
One 4-ounce block feta cheese, sliced 1/8 inch thick
1 cup lightly packed arugula
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh dill fronds
1 lemon, halved

Steps:

  • Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat.
  • Season the eggplant with salt on both sides and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
  • Place the ciabatta on a rimmed baking sheet and brush the split sides with some of the olive oil and season with salt. Add the scallions and coat with some of the olive oil and season with salt.
  • Pat the eggplant dry and drizzle both sides with some of the olive oil. Grill the eggplant until softened and charred, 5 to 6 minutes per side.
  • Grill the scallions until softened and charred, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Cut the charred scallions into 1/4 inch pieces.
  • Grill the ciabatta split-side down until golden and crispy, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • To build the sandwich, rub the garlic on the split sides of the toasted ciabatta. Spread the hummus on the split sides. Add the eggplant and scallions to the bottom half of the ciabatta. Top with the feta, arugula, basil, and dill. Squeeze lemon over the arugula and herbs, then sprinkle with black pepper. Close the sandwich, slice, and enjoy!

GRILLED EGGPLANT PEPPER SANDWICHES



Grilled Eggplant Pepper Sandwiches image

I love eggplant! These savory, filling sandwiches give the vegetable new meaning. One bite, and you're hooked. Even my grandchildren love them. -Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

1/2 cup pitted ripe olives
2 to 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 teaspoon salt
Dash pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
SANDWICHES:
1/4 cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large eggplant, cut lengthwise into 1/2-inch slices
2 large sweet red peppers, quartered
8 slices firm white bread (1/2 inch thick)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Place the first five ingredients in a food processor; cover and process until pureed. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream; process until blended. Set aside., For sandwiches, in a small bowl, combine the oil, garlic, pepper and salt; brush over eggplant and red peppers. Prepare grill for indirect heat, using a drip pan. Arrange vegetables on a grilling grid; place on a grill rack over drip pan., Grill, covered, over indirect medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until tender. Remove and keep warm. Grill bread over medium heat 1-2 minutes on each side or until toasted., Spread olive mixture over toast. Top four slices with vegetables and basil; top with remaining toast.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 463 calories, Fat 31g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 844mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 8g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

Tips:

  • Choose firm, ripe eggplants for best results.
  • Grilling the eggplant slices gives them a smoky flavor and helps to reduce their bitterness.
  • Use a variety of toppings to create your own unique pizza sandwiches. Some popular options include mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, basil, and pesto.
  • If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the eggplant slices in a grill pan or in the oven.
  • Serve the pizza sandwiches immediately, while the eggplant is still warm and the cheese is melted.

Conclusion:

Grilled eggplant pizza sandwiches are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for summer. They are also a great way to use up leftover eggplant. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, give grilled eggplant pizza sandwiches a try. You won't be disappointed!

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