Roasted Eggplant With Honey Glaze – Healthy, Oven Baked & Delicious!

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious veggie side dish, this roasted honey eggplant is the answer. It combines the natural earthiness of eggplant with the sweetness of honey and a dash of heat from red pepper. The result is a beautifully caramelized dish that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Roasted Honey Eggplant

• The combination of sweet honey and spicy red pepper makes this dish uniquely flavorful. The tender eggplant absorbs all the delicious flavors, making each bite irresistible.
• It’s a healthy option, using only a small amount of oil and honey, making it a guilt-free side dish or snack.
• This recipe is incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare a restaurant-quality dish in no time.
• The versatility of this roasted eggplant makes it a great addition to various meals, from salads to main dishes.
• It’s perfect for meal prepping. You can roast a batch and enjoy it throughout the week in different ways!

Ingredients For Roasted Honey Eggplant

• Eggplant – The star of the dish, it becomes tender and absorbs the flavors beautifully when roasted.
• Olive oil – Adds richness and helps the eggplant caramelize in the oven.
• Salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the eggplant.
• Red pepper – Adds a touch of heat to balance the sweetness of the honey.
• Honey – Drizzled on top for a sweet and delightful finish that pairs perfectly with the eggplant.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Roasted Honey Eggplant

• Baking sheet – For roasting the eggplant slices evenly in the oven.
• Knife – Slice the eggplant into rounds.
• Brush – Spread the olive oil and honey evenly on the eggplant slices.
• Measuring spoons – For measuring the olive oil and honey.
• Small bowl – To hold the olive oil for brushing.

How To Make Roasted Honey Eggplant

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Slice the washed eggplant into round pieces. There’s no need to peel it unless you prefer.
• Lay the eggplant slices on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Brush the tops of the eggplant slices with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and red pepper.
• Roast the eggplant in the oven for about 30 minutes or until tender.
• Once the eggplant is roasted, drizzle honey over the slices and spread it evenly with a brush.
• Return the eggplant to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize the honey.
• Serve and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the roasted honey eggplant as a side dish alongside grilled pork or fish for a balanced meal.
• Add the roasted eggplant to a salad with leafy greens, goat cheese, and walnuts for a flavorful and healthy lunch.
• Use it as a topping for your favorite grain bowl, such as quinoa or couscous, for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
• Pair it with pita bread and hummus for a simple and tasty appetizer.
• Serve it as a snack with a yogurt dip for a light and satisfying bite.

Tips For Success

• Choose a firm eggplant: When selecting an eggplant, look for one that feels firm with smooth, shiny skin. A firm eggplant will hold its shape better during roasting and absorb flavors more evenly.
• Cut uniform slices: For even cooking, make sure to slice the eggplant into rounds of the same thickness, about ½ inch thick. Thicker slices will take longer to roast, while thinner slices may burn.
• Don’t skip the oil: Brushing the eggplant slices with olive oil ensures they roast properly and develop a golden-brown caramelized exterior. You don’t need a lot—just enough to lightly coat each slice.
• Add honey at the end: To prevent the honey from burning, drizzle it on the eggplant slices after they’ve roasted for most of the cooking time. This will allow the honey to caramelize slightly without getting too dark.
• Customize the spice level: If you prefer more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, reduce the amount of red pepper or omit it altogether.

Variations And Substitutions

• Change up the spices: While red pepper adds a nice kick, you can experiment with other seasonings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cumin. Each spice will give the dish a new flavor profile that complements the sweetness of the honey.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey: For a vegan-friendly option, swap honey with maple syrup. It provides a similar sweetness and caramelizes beautifully on the eggplant.
• Try different oils: Olive oil is classic, but you could also use avocado oil or coconut oil for a slightly different flavor. Coconut oil, in particular, will add a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the honey.
• Add fresh herbs: After roasting, sprinkle the eggplant with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
• Turn it into a main dish: To make this recipe heartier, serve the roasted eggplant over cooked grains like quinoa or rice. You can also top it with crumbled feta cheese or a dollop of yogurt for added richness and protein.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover roasted honey eggplant in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the eggplant slices on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This will help maintain the texture and keep them from becoming soggy.
• Freezing: While fresh is best, you can freeze roasted eggplant. Place the cooled slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and slightly crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I peel the eggplant for this recipe?

Yes, you can peel the eggplant if you prefer. However, the skin is edible and becomes tender when roasted, so peeling is not necessary. Some people prefer to keep the skin on for added texture and nutrients.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the honey for maple syrup, and you’ll have a completely vegan-friendly version of this recipe. The maple syrup will give the eggplant the same delicious sweetness.

How can I prevent my eggplant from becoming soggy?

To avoid soggy eggplant, make sure to slice the eggplant into uniform rounds, and don’t use too much oil. Additionally, roasting at a high temperature (425°F) helps the eggplant caramelize on the outside while keeping it tender on the inside.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the roasted honey eggplant in advance. After roasting, allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F to restore its texture.

What can I serve with roasted honey eggplant?

Roasted honey eggplant pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it as a side to grilled meats, toss it into a salad, or add it to a grain bowl. It also works great as an appetizer with pita bread and a yogurt dip

Other Easy Eggplant Recipes

Healthy Air Fryer Chinese Eggplant Recipe: Tender Chinese eggplant is air-fried to perfection with minimal oil, making this dish a healthy and flavorful side.

Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan – Quick and Tasty: This air fryer eggplant parmesan delivers crispy, cheesy layers in a fraction of the time, with a golden finish and satisfying crunch.

Roasted Eggplant and Tomato Salad with Balsamic Dressing: A deliciously light and flavorful salad made with roasted eggplant, fresh tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic dressing.

Easy Air Fryer Eggplant Pizza Snacks: These crispy eggplant slices are topped with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, creating a quick and healthy snack in the air fryer.

Other Easy Honey Recipes

Air Fryer Crispy Honey Chicken Tenders from Frozen: These crispy chicken tenders, cooked straight from frozen in the air fryer, are coated in a delicious honey glaze for the perfect sweet and savory bite.

Sweet Honey Brioche Toast: Thick slices of brioche are toasted to golden perfection and drizzled with honey for a quick, sweet breakfast or snack.

Honey Butter Pan-Fried Chicken Recipe: Tender chicken pieces are fried to golden crispiness and coated in a rich honey butter glaze that melts in your mouth.

More Oven Baked Recipes

• Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Wings – Simple and Flavorful
• Pineapple Casserole Bake with Brown Sugar Crumble
• Oven Baked Catfish Nuggets – Simple and Crispy