I absolutely love how easy this delicious Giada Roasted Eggplant and Almond Dip is to make. It takes just 1 hour and 15 minutes—perfect for when I’m craving something creamy and smoky but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The smooth texture and the way the flavors of eggplant and almond butter come together are just irresistible. To make it extra special, I serve it with pita chips. It’s my go-to snack when I want to impress without any stress.

Recipe Ingredients

• 1 (1½-pound) globe eggplant
• 1 head garlic
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond butter
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley

How To Make Giada Roasted Eggplant and Almond Dip

Roast the Eggplant and Garlic

1. Wrap the Garlic: Cut off the top third of the head of garlic and place on a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to enclose it. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with ¼ of the teaspoon salt.
2. Bake Eggplant and Garlic: Place the garlic on a baking sheet with the eggplant and bake at 400°F for 45 minutes. Remove the garlic from the oven and bake the eggplant an additional 30 minutes or until very soft and slightly deflated.

Make the Dip

1. Scoop Out Eggplant Flesh: Cut the eggplant in half and use a large spoon to scrape out all of the flesh, leaving the skin behind. Add the flesh to a food processor.
2. Puree with Flavorings: Add the almond butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and remaining salt to the food processor. Puree on high for 2 minutes or until the mixture is smooth and silky.
3. Chill and Serve: Place the dip in an airtight container and chill completely. Serve cold, sprinkled with the parsley, with the pita chips or crudités for dipping.

Recipe Tips

• Roasting Perfection: To achieve the perfect smoky eggplant flavor, make sure to roast the eggplants at the right temperature and for the right amount of time, slowly cooking them until the skin is tender and blistered.
• Alternative Nuts: While almonds are a staple in Giada’s original recipe, you can experiment with other nuts like pine nuts, walnuts, or pistachios to add unique flavors and textures to your dip, creating exciting variations.
• Freshness is Key: To ensure the freshest flavor in your eggplant and almond dip, prepare the ingredients just before serving and avoid over-processing the eggplant, as this can result in an unappetizing color and texture.
• Spice it Up: Take your dip to the next level by incorporating additional spices and herbs like smoked paprika, cumin, or fresh parsley, adding a boost of flavor and aroma that will leave your guests craving more.
• Make it a Meal: Transform your eggplant and almond dip into a satisfying meal by serving it with crudités, pita chips, or whole grain crackers, paired with other tasty dips or spreads for a memorable snacking experience.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada Italian Egg Sandwich
• Giada Mussels, Clams, And Shrimp In Spicy Tomato Broth
• Giada De Laurentiis Ribollita