Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Hoagies with Mozzarella and Basil
A twist on classic eggplant Parmesan served as hearty grilled sandwiches with layers of smoky eggplant, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil on toasted hoagie rolls. This italian-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 large (about 1 lb), sliced into 1/2-inch rounds eggplant
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 8 oz, sliced mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush 1 large eggplant sliced into 1/2-inch rounds with 3 tablespoons olive oil and season both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Grill eggplant slices for 4 minutes per side until tender and grill marks appear. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: Split 4 hoagie rolls lengthwise but not completely through. Spread 1/4 cup marinara sauce inside each roll.
- Step 4: Layer grilled eggplant slices evenly inside each hoagie, then top with 2 oz sliced mozzarella cheese and a generous handful of fresh basil leaves.
- Step 5: Place assembled hoagies on grill, close lid or cover with foil, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mozzarella melts and rolls are toasted.
- Step 6: Remove from grill and sprinkle 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each hoagie before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Hoagies with Mozzarella and Basil take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Hoagies with Mozzarella and Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Hoagies with Mozzarella and Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Hoagies with Mozzarella and Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled Eggplant Parmesan Hoagies with Mozzarella and Basil?
Italian sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.