Grilled Eggplant and Heirloom Tomato Towers with Buffalo Mozzarella
Brighten up your summer dining with this delightful fusion of flavors! Our Grilled Eggplant and Heirloom Tomato Towers are a symphony of ingredients that come together to create a savory masterpiece. Thick slices of heirloom tomatoes, roasted to perfection, alternate with tender grilled eggplant and luscious buffalo mozzarella, topped with a fragrant herb oil that ties everything together. Perfect for a summer party or an elegant appetizer, this dish showcases the best of seasonal produce and will leave your guests asking for seconds. Whether you choose to grill or roast, the simple yet delicious combination of flavors will make you dream of warm, sunny days. Serve these towers as a stunning centerpiece or individual plates to impress at your next gathering!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (used to make the herb oil)
fresh thyme
2 teaspoons (chopped)
fresh marjoram
1 teaspoon (chopped)
lemon zest
1 teaspoon (finely grated)
red pepper flakes
1 pinch (optional)
kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground for seasoning)
heirloom tomatoes
12 slices (1/4 inch thick)
eggplant
8 slices (1/4 inch thick, from a medium-sized eggplant)
buffalo mozzarella
2 balls (5 to 7 ounces each) (cut into 8 slices)
Instructions
1
Preheat your gas grill to medium-high or prepare a medium-hot charcoal grill.
2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, chopped thyme, marjoram, finely grated lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season the mixture with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
3
Brush each slice of heirloom tomato and eggplant generously with 1 tablespoon of the prepared herb oil. Season them with another 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Allow the mozzarella slices to marinate in any remaining herb oil.
4
Place the eggplant slices on the grill and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely charred and tender. Remove from the grill.
5
On a serving plate, start stacking your towers: Begin with a slice of heirloom tomato, then layer on a slice of grilled eggplant, a slice of buffalo mozzarella, and repeat the layers one more time, finishing with a tomato slice on top.
6
Drizzle any leftover herb oil over the assembled towers, and serve them immediately as an elegant starter or side dish.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
9g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Grilled Eggplant and Heirloom Tomato Towers?
They are a savory summer masterpiece featuring alternating layers of roasted heirloom tomatoes, tender grilled eggplant, and buffalo mozzarella, finished with a fragrant herb oil.
What type of grill should be used for this recipe?
You can use either a gas grill set to medium-high heat or a charcoal grill prepared to a medium-hot temperature.
What ingredients are in the herb oil?
The herb oil consists of extra-virgin olive oil, chopped fresh thyme, chopped fresh marjoram, finely grated lemon zest, and optional red pepper flakes.
How should the tomatoes be sliced?
The heirloom tomatoes should be cut into slices that are approximately 1/4 inch thick.
How many tomato slices are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 slices of heirloom tomatoes.
How thick should the eggplant slices be?
The eggplant should be sliced into pieces 1/4 inch thick from a medium-sized eggplant.
How many eggplant slices are needed?
You will need 8 slices of eggplant.
What kind of cheese is used in these towers?
The recipe uses buffalo mozzarella, specifically two balls weighing 5 to 7 ounces each, cut into 8 total slices.
How long do you grill the eggplant?
Grill the eggplant slices for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are charred and tender.
What is the stacking order for the towers?
Start with a tomato slice, then layer grilled eggplant and buffalo mozzarella, repeat those layers, and finish with a tomato slice on top.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish featuring vegetables and cheese.
What are the nutritional calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 16 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
The dish contains 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the Grilled Eggplant and Heirloom Tomato Towers?
There are 8 grams of protein per serving.
How should the herb oil be seasoned?
Whisk the oil with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Should the mozzarella be marinated?
Yes, allow the mozzarella slices to marinate in any herb oil that remains after brushing the vegetables.
When should the towers be served?
The towers should be served immediately after assembly to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Can I use red pepper flakes?
Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb oil if you prefer a bit of spice.
What herbs are used in the oil?
Fresh thyme and fresh marjoram are the primary herbs used.
Is the lemon zest a required ingredient?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest is used to add brightness to the herb oil.
What is the first step of assembly?
The first step is placing a slice of heirloom tomato on a serving plate.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this dish.
What should I do with leftover herb oil?
Drizzle any leftover herb oil over the assembled towers just before serving.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, it works beautifully as either an elegant starter or a side dish.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra-virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor in the herb oil mixture.
Do I season the vegetables before grilling?
Yes, brush them with herb oil and season with salt and pepper before they hit the grill.
Is the eggplant roasted or grilled?
The instructions specify grilling the eggplant for a charred flavor, though the description notes the tomatoes are roasted to perfection.
How many mozzarella balls do I need?
You need 2 balls of buffalo mozzarella, each between 5 to 7 ounces.
What makes this a good party food?
Its stunning visual presentation as a centerpiece and the use of fresh seasonal produce make it ideal for summer gatherings.