(Night)Shade in the Summer: Eggplant Parm + More
![](http://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/editorial/contributors/erin-cassin/FN_editorial-profile-pic-erin-cassin_s800x800.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.91.91.suffix/1535745132666.jpeg)
![EGGPLANT_PARMIGIANA Eggplant Parmigiana](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/fullset/2013/1/16/0/GE0303H_eggplant-parmigiana_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1386783425708.jpeg)
Eggplant is the season’s secret weapon for amping up a casual party spread. This late-summer star shines with possibility, ready to be used in main dishes, sides and salads. Master these eggplant-centric recipes and you’ll have it made in the (night)shade.
Slay the crowd with this extra-cheesy classic (pictured above) that blankets fried eggplant in bright tomato sauce and bubbling layers of Parmesan, provolone and mozz.
![spicy-hoisin-glazed-eggplant-recipe,SPICY_HOISIN_GLAZED_EGGPLANT_H.jpg Spicy Hoisin Glazed Eggplant](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/fullset/2012/9/16/0/GL0804_Spicy_Hoisin_Glazed_Eggplant.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1397238648468.jpeg)
Matt Armendariz, 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Get props at the grill by adding char and chile-flecked glaze to the versatile vegetable.
![Eggplant and Pasta Incaciata Recipe](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/fullset/2012/12/10/0/CCUTG307_pasta-Incaciata-2-recipe_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1396980508916.jpeg)
Matt Armendariz, 2014, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved.
Surprise ’em with this cake-like creation that’s actually a saucy mound of pasta enveloped in fried eggplant.
![Grilled Eggplant and Goat Cheese Salad](http://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2011/6/6/0/EI0920_Grilled-Eggplant-and-Goat-Cheese-Salad_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1371597665866.jpeg)
Tara Donne
Channel summertime flavors with this vibrant eggplant salad pumped up with toasted pine nuts, crumbled goat cheese and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Up your eggplant game with this guide and more go-to recipes.