Turn roasted eggplant into a creamy, smoky dip that’s perfect for parties or healthy snacking. With simple ingredients like tahini, yogurt, and garlic, this versatile recipe doubles as a spread or topping. It’s a game-changer for eggplant skeptics!
I’ve never been a huge fan of eggplant. I’ve talked about this in length in other posts where I find a recipe where I enjoy it. It’s not that I dislike eggplant, it’s just that it would never be the vegetable I pick out at the store or grow in my garden.
That said, when I first created this eggplant dip recipe, my thoughts changed. Usually I need to air fry it to crispy oblivion or stuff it full of cheese and chicken to really get into it, but it turns out when you roast it and then puree it into a dip, things change completely.
See, it’s not the flavor of eggplant that bothers me, it’s the texture. It’s spongey and mushy if you don’t prepare it right and turning it into a dip resolves that issue completely.
I first made this eggplant dip years ago for a New Year’s eve party where I proceeded to eat about 25 pita bread triangles shoveling it into my mouth. That probably negated any and all health benefits of the recipe, but oh well.
I also love that it doesn’t have to just be enjoyed as a dip. The flavor of this eggplant dip makes it incredibly versatile. You can top roasted veggies with or use it in a chicken salad as a binder — two ways I also like enjoying this roasted red pepper dip recipe. It’s also great as a sandwich or wrap spread.
You’ll Love This Recipe Because…
- Incredible Flavor – The roasted eggplant and garlic give this dip a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Healthy Ingredients – Made with yogurt, tahini and eggplant, it’s both nourishing and satisfying.
- Smooth & Creamy – The texture is perfectly creamy, thanks to the yogurt and blended eggplant.
- Versatile – This dip isn’t just for chips! Use it as a sandwich spread or a topping for roasted and grilled veggies.
- Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make this for any occassion.
Eggplant Dip Ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients, full amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
- Eggplant – Roasted until soft and smoky, the eggplant forms the creamy base of the dip.
- Garlic – Roasted garlic adds a mellow, savory depth. It’s such a great addition to so many dips like this white bean dip and this whipped goat cheese dip.
- Greek Yogurt – Adds creaminess and a slight tangy flavor.
- Lemon Juice – A splash of lemon juice brings a fresh, tangy note that brightens the savory flavor of the eggplant and garlic.
- Tahini – Smooth sesame paste adds a nutty richness. This is the secret ingredient that really makes this eggplant dip recipe stand out.
- Parsley — The brightness of the fresh herb balances out all the other flavors in the dip.
- Olive Oil – A drizzle while blending creates a smooth, silky texture.
- Salt & Pepper
How to Make the Best Roasted Eggplant Dip
This recipe takes 45 minutes, but the majority of that time is spent roasting the eggplant. It’s a pretty hands off process otherwise. Here’s a run down of how to make it.
Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet. Poke the eggplant with a knife all over the surface, then place it on the baking sheet. Wrap garlic cloves in foil (like you would to make air fryer roasted garlic) and add them alongside the eggplant.
Roast the Eggplant and Garlic
Roast until the eggplant becomes soft and browned, flipping halfway through. This step brings out a rich, smoky flavor in the vegetable that carries over to the finished dip.
Mash and Blend
Once cooled, scoop out the eggplant flesh and squeeze the roasted garlic from its skin. Add both to a food processor bowl along with the yogurt, lemon juice, tahini and parsley. Process until smooth, then drizzle olive oil as you blend.
Final Touches
Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve as desired but it’s perfect with some pita chips or veggies.
Recipe Variations
- Add a dash of paprika or red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Try topping with slivered almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
- Dairy free option – replace the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative for a vegan-friendly dip.
- Swap lemon juice for a splash of red wine vinegar if you’re in a pinch.
- Serve this Greek eggplant dip with gluten-free crackers or veggies instead of pita bread.
Recipe Tips
- Roast Carefully – Make sure the eggplant is fork-tender before removing it from the oven for the best creamy texture.
- Mashing Matters – Use a fork to mash any larger chunks for a smooth dip if needed after blending.
- Use It as a Spread – Eggplant dip makes a fantastic sandwich spread and adds a savory twist to wraps.
What’s the difference between eggplant dip and baba ganoush?
Baba ganoush traditionally includes smoked eggplant and less yogurt, giving it a slightly different flavor.
Should I soak the eggplants before roasting?
No need to soak! Roasting the eggplant whole ensures a creamy, rich dip.
Can I serve this eggplant dip cold?
Yes, this dip tastes great when chilled! Store it in the refrigerator for a refreshing, cool option.
Can I freeze this roasted eggplant dip recipe?
You can freeze it, but store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
More Tasty Ways To Enjoy Eggplant:
Curry roasted eggplant hummus burgers make for a uniquely delicious take on a veggie burger. No fake meat needed.
If you love savory snacks, Mediterranean eggplant chips are a great recipe to try out. They’re crispy, crunchy and healthy!
Tomato basil eggplant noodles are a fun way to do eggplant. Since you can make noodles of just about anything these days, why not eggplant? This isa summertime favorite when eggplant is in season and a really simple and light meal.
Eggplant fries go perfectly with some marinara sauce on the side for dipping. They’re sort of reminiscent of zucchini fries you’d find at an Italian restaurant except healthier.
Eggplant Dip
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt & pepper to taste
- toasted pine nuts, or pepitas, parsley and olive oil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Wash eggplant and poke holes with a knife all around the exterior. Place on a baking sheet.
- Wrap garlic cloves in aluminum foil and place on the sheet with the eggplant.
- Roast both the eggplant and garlic for 35-40 minutes until the eggplant is browned and soft. Flip once in the middle of roasting.
- Remove eggplant from oven and slice in half lengthwise. Scoop flesh out of the skin and place in a food processor.
- Squeeze the roasted garlic out of its skin and into the food processor as well.
- Add the remaining ingredients except olive oil to the food processor and process for about 30 seconds until combined.
- Drizzle olive oil into the food processor while running and process for about another minute until smooth.
- Season to taste with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer to serving dish and garnish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
my mom makes something similar and i always loved it. i will be making this tonight and loved the idea of roasting garlic along with the eggplants :) so delicious and love your photos
Totally making this soon! I can even bet that when I serve it at a football party, they guys won’t know it is healthy!
We love eggplant in our house… never thought to transform it into dip!
This sounds like a very delicious way to start the new year!
Gina, this looks absolutely, heartbreakingly, gorgeous!
how you manage to include a dog licking story in a food post… i’ll never know but you often amaze me with those things ;)
hehe, I try my best to be completely random ;)
Love love love eggplant! I will make this dip and then serve it with baked eggplant “chips” – lol! A double whammy of eggplant sounds delicious to me!
ps- Travis is taking great offense to the comments above and is currently sulking in the corner of his crate.
;)