Pesto Havarti Grilled Eggplant Burgers
Elevate your veggie burger game with these irresistible Pesto Havarti Grilled Eggplant Burgers, a perfect blend of smoky, creamy, and fresh flavors! Thick slices of grilled eggplant are tender and charred to perfection, then layered with melty Havarti cheese, a generous slather of aromatic pesto, and vibrant toppings like peppery arugula, juicy tomato, and tangy red onion. Nestled in a toasted brioche bun and finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, these burgers are simple yet gourmet, making them an ideal choice for backyard barbecues, Meatless Mondays, or a satisfying weeknight dinner. With just 30 minutes of prep and cook time, these mouthwatering vegetarian burgers are as quick to make as they are to devour. Perfect for anyone seeking a creative twist on plant-based grilling!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized eggplant
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices Havarti cheese
- 0.5 cup pesto
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 1 cup (packed) arugula
- 1 large tomato
- 0.25 red onion
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- optional toppings (e.g., avocado or mayo)
Instructions
Slice the eggplants into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Lightly sprinkle both sides with salt and set aside for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel.
Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the eggplant slices for 4-5 minutes per side, or until tender and lightly charred.
While the eggplant is grilling, slice the tomato, red onion, and prepare any optional toppings you’d like to use.
Toast the brioche buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until warm and lightly crisped.
Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of pesto onto the bottom half of each bun.
Layer the grilled eggplant slices on top of the pesto, adding 1 slice of Havarti cheese to each burger.
Top the cheese with a handful of arugula, a slice of tomato, and a few pieces of red onion. Drizzle with a touch of balsamic vinegar for added flavor.
If desired, add optional toppings such as avocado slices or a dollop of mayo.
Place the top bun over the assembled ingredients and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2813 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 186.9 g | 240% | |
| Saturated Fat | 63.6 g | 318% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 270 mg | 90% | |
| Sodium | 8104 mg | 352% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 213.8 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 40.4 g | 144% | |
| Total Sugars | 73.6 g | ||
| Protein | 75.4 g | 151% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1470 mg | 113% | |
| Iron | 14.6 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 3516 mg | 75% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
