Smoked Eggplant & Heirloom Tomato Stack with Goat Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Layers of roasted smoked eggplant, sweet heirloom tomatoes, and creamy local goat cheese, drizzled with a smoked paprika vinaigrette for a sophisticated vegetarian main. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 45 minutes pairs eggplant, heirloom tomatoes, local goat cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.6 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut eggplant into 1/4-inch thick rounds, toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, then arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  2. Step 2: Roast for 20 minutes until golden and tender, flipping halfway through, then let cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: Thinly slice heirloom tomatoes into 1/4-inch slices and arrange on a plate, seasoning with a pinch of salt and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika.
  4. Step 4: Whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp smoked paprika to make the vinaigrette, then set aside.
  5. Step 5: Layer roasted eggplant slices, tomato slices, and 4 oz goat cheese on a serving plate, drizzle with vinaigrette, and garnish with fresh basil, serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Eggplant & Heirloom Tomato Stack with Goat Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 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 Smoked Eggplant & Heirloom Tomato Stack with Goat Cheese?

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 eggplant from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Eggplant & Heirloom Tomato Stack with Goat Cheese?

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 Smoked Eggplant & Heirloom Tomato Stack with Goat Cheese 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.

Is Smoked Eggplant & Heirloom Tomato Stack with Goat Cheese vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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