Smoky Mozzarella-Stuffed Grilled Eggplant Bites

Grilled Eggplant Bites with Mozzarella Cheese

Description:

Grilled Eggplant Bites with Mozzarella Cheese is a delightful and healthy appetizer or snack that brings together the smoky flavor of grilled eggplant with the creamy, mild taste of mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a gathering with friends, these bites are sure to impress with their simple yet delicious combination of flavors. This recipe is sourced from Love with Recipes and promises to be a hit at your next meal or event.

Ingredients:

• Olive Oil: 1 1/2 tablespoons
• Lemon Juice: 1/2 tablespoon
• Dijon Mustard: 2 teaspoons
• Garlic: Minced, to taste
• Onion: Minced, to taste
• Basil: Fresh or dried, to taste
• Cracked Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt: To taste
• Eggplant: 1 large, cut into rounds
• Fat-Free Mozzarella Cheese: 6-8 sticks

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

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   • In a large glass mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil (or use a bottled vinaigrette if preferred), 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, minced garlic, minced onion, basil, and 1/2 teaspoon of cracked black pepper. Add salt to taste if desired.
   • Mix these ingredients well to create a flavorful marinade.

2. Marinate the Eggplant:

   • Add the eggplant rounds to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well coated with the marinade.
   • Allow the eggplant to marinate for at least one hour. This step can be done in advance to save time on the day of serving.

3. Grill the Eggplant:

   • Preheat your grill or broiler to a medium-high setting.
   • Remove the marinated eggplant rounds from the bowl and place them on the grill or under the broiler.
   • Grill or broil the eggplant rounds for about 5 minutes on one side. Then, turn them over and cook for an additional 1 minute on the other side. Watch carefully to avoid overcooking and ensure they are cooked through.

4. Cool the Eggplant:

   • Once the eggplant rounds are cooked, remove them from the heat and place them on paper towels to cool. This step helps to absorb any excess oil and moisture.

5. Assemble the Bites:

   • Wrap each cooled eggplant round around a stick of fat-free mozzarella cheese.
   • Secure each wrapped eggplant round with a toothpick to hold it together.
   • These bites can be served by themselves or accompanied by your favorite dip.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 412.8 kcal
• Fat Content: 40.8 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 5.6 g
• Cholesterol Content: 3.8 mg
• Sodium Content: 202.4 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 6.3 g
• Fiber Content: 2.9 g
• Sugar Content: 2.4 g
• Protein Content: 7.7 g

Tips for the Perfect Grilled Eggplant Bites:

1. Choosing the Eggplant:

   • Select firm and shiny eggplants with smooth skin and no blemishes. Smaller eggplants tend to be less bitter and have fewer seeds, making them ideal for this recipe.

2. Marination Time:

   • Allowing the eggplant to marinate for at least an hour ensures that it absorbs all the flavors of the marinade, making each bite more delicious. For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate the eggplant overnight in the refrigerator.

3. Grilling Tips:

   • If you are using a grill, make sure it is well-heated before placing the eggplant rounds on it. This helps to achieve those beautiful grill marks and prevents the eggplant from sticking to the grill.

4. Cheese Options:

   • While the recipe calls for fat-free mozzarella cheese, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as regular mozzarella, provolone, or even a soft cheese like goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

5. Serving Suggestions:

   • These eggplant bites can be served as appetizers at a party, as a side dish, or even as a healthy snack. Pair them with a variety of dips such as marinara sauce, pesto, or a yogurt-based dip for added flavor.

Variation Ideas:

1. Add Some Heat:

   • If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or sprinkling some over the assembled bites before serving.

2. Herb Infusion:

   • Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley can be added to the marinade for an extra burst of flavor. You can also garnish the finished bites with freshly chopped herbs for a vibrant and fresh presentation.

3. Vegan Option:

   • For a vegan version of this recipe, you can use vegan cheese sticks instead of mozzarella. There are many delicious plant-based cheese options available that melt well and have a similar texture to mozzarella.

4. Additional Vegetables:

   • You can add other vegetables to the mix for a more colorful and varied platter. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be marinated and grilled alongside the eggplant for a delightful vegetable medley.

Final Thoughts:

Grilled Eggplant Bites with Mozzarella Cheese is a versatile and delightful dish that brings together the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine in a simple and healthy way. Whether you’re preparing this for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these bites are sure to impress your guests with their rich flavors and appealing presentation. The recipe’s ease of preparation and the flexibility to modify ingredients according to personal preferences make it a go-to choice for any home cook. Enjoy the blend of smoky grilled eggplant and creamy mozzarella cheese, and don’t forget to experiment with different herbs, spices, and dips to make this dish uniquely yours.