Flavorful Barefoot Contessa’s Eggplant Dip Recipe: Party Favorite

The aroma of roasted eggplant in this Barefoot Contessa eggplant dip recipe promises a Mediterranean-inspired delight that instantly transports you to sun-drenched coastal kitchens.

Silky smooth and packed with rich flavors, this appetizer speaks volumes about simple yet elegant cooking.

Each spoonful carries the warmth of garlic, the tang of lemon, and the deep, smoky essence of perfectly charred eggplant.

Ina Garten’s style shines through in this effortlessly chic dip that turns humble ingredients into something spectacular.

The creamy texture and robust flavor profile make this recipe a standout at any gathering.

Served with crisp pita chips or fresh vegetables, this dip transforms an ordinary moment into a gourmet experience.

Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that celebrates the magic of fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 6

Barefoot Contessa’s Eggplant Dip: What You’ll Need

• Eggplant: Choose firm, glossy purple eggplant with smooth skin and no blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
• Bell Pepper: Select vibrant, crisp peppers that feel heavy for their size to ensure maximum sweetness and juiciness.
• Onion: Pick firm, dry onions with tight, papery skins for a robust, caramelized roasted flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring deep, aromatic warmth to the roasted vegetable base.

• Tahini: Nutty sesame paste that adds rich, creamy texture and Middle Eastern-inspired depth to the dip.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, zesty citrus that balances flavors and prevents the dip from becoming too heavy.

• Parsley: Fresh, peppery herb that adds a pop of color and clean, herbal notes to the final dip.
• Olive Oil: High-quality oil helps vegetables roast evenly and contributes a smooth, Mediterranean touch.
• Cayenne Pepper: Adds a subtle, warming heat that enhances the overall complexity of the dip.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance all the roasted vegetable flavors.

Tools for Whipping Up Barefoot Contessa’s Eggplant Dip

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting vegetables evenly.
• Food Processor: Essential for blending ingredients smoothly with steel blade attachment.
• Large Bowl: For mixing vegetables with oil and seasonings before roasting.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to cube bell pepper, onion, and eggplant precisely.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helpful for stirring vegetables during roasting.
• Serving Bowl: To present and serve the finished eggplant dip.

Instructions for Making Ina Garten’s Eggplant Dip

Roasted Vegetable Bliss

• Oven Preheating Warmup

Set your oven to a toasty 400 degrees, creating the perfect environment for transforming ordinary vegetables into a flavor-packed sensation.

• Veggie Chopping Adventure

Slice bell peppers, onions, and eggplant into chunky cubes, tossing them with aromatic garlic, smooth olive oil, a hint of cayenne, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

• Roasting Magic

Spread the seasoned vegetables on a baking sheet and let them transform in the oven for about 45 minutes. Watch as they turn golden and develop deep, rich flavors.

• Creamy Blend

Transfer the roasted vegetables to a food processor, introducing velvety tahini and bright lemon juice. Pulse gently to create a luscious, rustic dip.

• Final Flourish

Season with additional salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal freshness. Serve and enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece.

Tips & Tweaks for the Eggplant Dip Recipe

• Ensure even browning by cutting all vegetables into uniform 1-inch cubes and spreading them out on the baking sheet without overcrowding.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your spice preference – reduce for mild flavor or increase for a bold, fiery kick.
• Pulse food processor carefully to control dip consistency – fewer pulses create a chunkier spread, while more pulses make a smoother, creamier texture.
• Serve this Mediterranean-inspired dip with warm pita bread, crisp vegetable sticks, or as a flavorful spread on sandwiches and wraps for added excitement.
• Prepare dip a day ahead to allow flavors to meld, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for optimal taste and enjoyment.

How to Serve Eggplant Dip by Ina Garten

• Serve with Warm Pita Bread: Slice warm pita bread into triangles and toast lightly to create a perfect crispy companion for this creamy eggplant dip.
• Create a Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange the dip in the center surrounded by olives, cucumber slices, feta cheese, and fresh cut vegetables for a stunning appetizer spread.
• Elevate Your Sandwich Spread: Use this rich, smoky dip as a flavorful alternative to traditional condiments on sandwiches, wraps, or grilled vegetable platters.
• Enjoy as a Healthy Snack Dip: Pair with raw carrots, celery sticks, or homemade vegetable chips for a nutritious and delicious afternoon snack that's packed with Mediterranean flavors.

Keeping It Fresh: Ina’s Eggplant Dip Storage Guide

• Maximize Freshness: Store the eggplant dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring peak flavor and texture.
• Prep Ahead: Whip up this dip in advance for stress-free entertaining, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight in the fridge.
• Freeze with Ease: Seal the dip in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future snacking or unexpected guests.
• Serving Smart: Bring the chilled dip to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its creamy consistency and vibrant taste.

Silky Barefoot Contessa Eggplant Dip Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean roasted eggplant dip by Barefoot Contessa offers a creamy, smoky blend of Mediterranean flavors. Garlic, tahini, and olive oil create a luscious spread perfect for gatherings or quiet moments of culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 eggplants (medium, peeled)
• 1 bell pepper (red, seeded)
• 1 onion (red, peeled)
• 3 tbsps olive oil (good quality)
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 2 tbsps tahini
• 3 tbsps parsley (chopped, plus extra for garnish)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 ½ tsps kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Calibrate oven to 400°F with center rack positioning, ensuring optimal roasting environment.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Cube bell pepper, onion, and eggplant into uniform 1-inch pieces, promoting consistent texture and cooking performance.
3. Seasoning Technique: Whisk garlic, olive oil, cayenne, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly coating vegetable cubes for maximum flavor absorption.
4. Roasting Process: Distribute seasoned vegetables across a rimmed baking sheet, maintaining minimal overlap to facilitate precise caramelization and even browning.
5. Oven Transformation: Roast vegetables for 45 minutes, intermittently stirring to guarantee comprehensive color development and flavor concentration.
6. Cooling and Processing: Allow roasted vegetables to rest momentarily, then transfer to food processor with tahini and lemon juice, creating a harmonious, textured spread.
7. Flavor Refinement: Pulse mixture to achieve rustic consistency, preserving subtle vegetable integrity while blending components seamlessly.
8. Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, then transfer to serving vessel and garnish with fresh parsley for visual and flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Roast with Care: Spread vegetables in a single layer to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming, which ensures a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
• Temperature Matters: Use a center oven rack and maintain 400°F for optimal vegetable roasting, creating a beautifully caramelized exterior and tender interior.
• Texture is Key: Pulse food processor carefully to maintain a rustic, chunky consistency that highlights the roasted vegetables’ natural texture and prevents a mushy result.
• Seasoning Secret: Taste and adjust seasonings progressively, allowing the roasted vegetables’ natural sweetness to shine while balancing salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg