As a Lebanese woman, eggplant is kind of an obsession of mine. Growing up, I ate Baba ganoush at an almost alarming rate and fell in love with the versatile ingredient. However, alongside dishes like baked eggplant fries and stuffed makdous, sometimes I like to take things back to the basics – like with these oven roasted eggplant slices. I’ve already shared a post on how to cook eggplant, which includes options for baked, broiled, air fryer, and grilled eggplant (eggplant cubes, slices, or whole), but these oven baked eggplant slices deserve a post of their own. Especially as they’re one of my favorite meal-prep veggies. Looking for more ways to cook eggplant? You might enjoy this simple eggplant stir-fry, stuffed eggplant recipe, eggplant tomato dip (zaalouk), or a healthy eggplant salad!
The Roasted Eggplant Ingredients
Just four ingredients are all you need for the simplest version of this delicious roasted eggplant recipe.
Eggplant: To pick a ripe eggplant, choose one that’s firm with a slight give, with smooth, glossy skin (wrinkles and dullness are bad signs), and a green stem (not dried or brown looking), as this indicates ripeness and usually means less bitterness. I also recommend using smaller eggplants with a more even size when making roasted eggplant recipes.
Olive oil: Or another neutral cooking oil. For a richer flavor, use a combination of oil and melted butter. Salt & Black pepper: Season to taste. I recommend using sea salt or kosher salt.
How to Roast Eggplant Slices in the Oven
This is the best way to cook eggplant slices with just a handful of steps and minimal effort.
How to Cut an Eggplant into Slices
Here is how to prepare eggplant for roasting. First, rinse the eggplant, then use a sharp knife to slice across it widthwise into ½-inch slices. Remove the stem only after cutting the slices, as you can hold on to it while slicing.
How to Season Eggplant Slices
To season the slices, brush each one with the oil and then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Chef’s Tip: There are plenty of ways to flavor baked eggplant recipes with seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, etc), marinades, and sauces. Check the Recipe Card below for suggestions.
How Long to Roast Eggplant Slices
Preheat the oven to 480ºF/250ºC (I do this while preparing the eggplant slices). Transfer the eggplant to a single layer on a large parchment paper-lined baking pan (or multiple trays). Roast the eggplant slices for 25-30 minutes, flipping or tossing them halfway. They’re ready when tender in the middle, golden-brown, and slightly crisp outside. And this is how long to bake sliced eggplant.
Can You Roast Frozen Eggplant?
Not only can you roast frozen eggplant, but it doesn’t even need thawing first. Just note that this method results in more tender slices. Preheat the oven. Then toss the eggplant with the oil and seasonings just before spreading them across the baking tray. Roast the slices at the same temperature above, adding more time (try 5-8 minutes extra). Flip the pieces halfway.
Can I Freeze Roasted Eggplant Slices?
Absolutely, and as a bonus, cooked eggplant freezes better than raw (though it will still become softer than freshly roasted eggplant slices). Allow them to cool, spread them across a tray, not touching, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a Ziplock and store for between 8-10 months.
How to Reheat Roasted Eggplant Slices
You can either reheat the slices in the oven or an air fryer for several minutes, or you can add them directly to your dish (when making stews, etc.).
What to Serve with Roasted Eggplant Slices
Once the baked eggplant slices are ready, there are dozens of ways to enjoy this simple side dish in or alongside dishes. That is if you manage not to eat them all right from the oven as I do.
In pasta dishes – like pasta alla norma (with eggplant in tomato sauce), eggplant parmesan, lasagna, and even with gnocchi. Mixed into meat-free curries. Add them to wraps and sandwiches – like in this eggplant halloumi wrap or in hummus and roasted veggie sandwich. Add to buddha bowls and salad bowls. Use as a pizza topping alongside marinara sauce. With your protein of choice – like baked oven baked chicken breast, oven baked salmon, baked tofu, etc. Use it as a stand-in for meat in burgers.
Tell me how you like to serve the bake eggplant slices in the comments!
More Roasted Vegetables
Oven Roasted Asparagus Roasted New Red Potatoes Oven Roasted Green Beans Roasted Cabbage Steaks
If you try this easy oven roasted eggplant slices recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
