Eggplant, Tomato, and Cheese Stacks

Elevate your taste buds with our Eggplant, Tomato, and Cheese Stacks – a harmonious blend of smoky, grilled eggplant layered with juicy tomatoes and rich, melted cheese. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, combining the earthiness of eggplant, the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, and the creamy indulgence of melted cheese. Experience a medley of textures and tastes that captivate your palate, creating a deliciously satisfying dish.

Ingredients

1 large eggplant

2 large tomatoes

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

Olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

Cook details

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Slice the Eggplant and Tomatoes:

Slice the eggplant into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
Prepare the Eggplant:

Lay the eggplant slices on a baking sheet or a large plate. Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This helps to remove excess moisture and bitterness. After 10 minutes, pat them dry with paper towels.
Grill the Eggplant:

Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil. Heat a grill pan or a regular skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the eggplant slices for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are tender and have grill marks. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Stacks:

On a baking sheet, layer the stacks by placing a grilled eggplant slice, followed by a tomato slice, a sprinkle of minced garlic, some fresh basil leaves, and a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat this process to create multiple stacks, depending on the number of servings you desire.
Bake:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the stacks are heated through.

Serve

Carefully transfer the eggplant, tomato, and cheese stacks to serving plates. Season with freshly ground black pepper. If desired, drizzle with a balsamic glaze for added flavor. Serve your Eggplant, Tomato, and Cheese Stacks as a delightful appetizer, side dish, or a light and healthy main course. This dish combines the rich, earthy flavors of grilled eggplant with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the creaminess of melted cheese. It's a delicious and visually appealing dish that's perfect for showcasing the flavors of summer. Enjoy!