Toss that bread bun and try this Grilled Eggplant Bun Burger!!! Gluten free, low carb, delicious and perfect for summer!
It’s Monday! And I’m firing up the grill. . again.
But this time, for something different . .
If there’s one thing the blogging, being immersed in food and this Whole30 thing has taught me, it’s this.
Let’s celebrate and eat vegetables. Seasonal Vegetables!
This is my go-to guide for knowing what’s in season and when. And it’s a no brainer if you ask me. . because when fruits and veggies are in season, they are at their best as far as taste and freshness AND they are not as expensive. I love the summers when berries are in season and you can buy the best looking berries, peaches and vegetables and not break the bank! I heavy up on lots of eggplant and zucchini in the summer. And I look at veggies in a whole new light now.
And since I can’t eat bread. . this had to happen.
Pretty damn good you guys.
I grilled my eggplant because I love seeing the grill marks. But you can also bake them too.
And to make this burger even better. . I used Maille’s NEW Toasted Onion and Wild Thyme mustard.
You guys. . this is more than mustard. . this is an event. An event for your burger. It has slow cooked onions and wild thyme . . like there are bits of slow cooked onions in the mustard. It’s beyond delicious!
And there’s more!!!
Check out the entire new summer collection online here. “Bistros are back on the foodie agenda this year with a wave of Michelin-starred chefs recognizing the simple pleasures of bistro-style cooking. By harnessing and recombining authentic bistro flavors, Maille is refreshing classic French traditions. The result is an exciting trio of mustards to compliment the tastes of summer and the casual chic spirit of the South of France.”
This grilled eggplant bun burger would be perfect for any summer cookout, and it’s a great way to serve burgers if you or any of your guests eat gluten free! You need to try these! And enter for your chance to win them down below!
Looking for more great burger ideas for summer? Try my Classic Burger, or The Best Chickpea Burger Ever!
Grilled Eggplant Bun Burger
Ingredients
For the eggplant buns:
- 1 medium to large sized eggplant sliced into 3/4 inch thick rounds
- extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt and pepper
For the burger:
- 4 lean organic grass-fed ground beef patties, grilled or cooked
- sautéed mushrooms sliced
- lettuce
- tomatoes sliced
- dijon mustard
- ketchup
- any other condiments as desired
Instructions
For the eggplant buns:
- Heat up your grill. Brush each eggplant round with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Grill each eggplant round over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes or until grill marks appear and the eggplant is heated through and slightly softened. Repeat on opposite side but only grill for about 3 to 4 minutes.
For the burger:
- To assemble: Spread on dijon mustard on one eggplant round, top with the cooked beef patty, mushrooms, lettuce, tomatoes and add any other condiments as desired and top with another grilled eggplant "bun" round and serve.
Recipe inspired by the eggplant buns recipe in The Whole30 book.
The Giveaway!!
Giveaway open to residents within the United States only
Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. The products above were provided to me for recipe testing and sampling. The giveaway is sponsored by Maille US. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Auntiepatch says
June 29, 2015 at 1:12 amI will be at our annual 4th of July Block party!
Alison H. says
June 29, 2015 at 3:28 amWe are having a neighborhood cookout for the 4th!
THE HUNGRY MUM says
June 29, 2015 at 4:00 amEggplants rock my world! As does mustard 😉 I’m veggie so I would just ditch the patties and double the grilled eggplant #winner
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
June 29, 2015 at 5:12 amI love bunless burgers like this. Be usually use a portobello mushroom instead of the bun.
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
June 29, 2015 at 5:28 amLove this eggplant burger! Yum – great idea. So good and the perfect way to celebrate the seasonal veggies! 😀
Tori@Gringalicious.com says
June 29, 2015 at 5:36 amThese look great, Alice! I have never tried eggplant like this but it’s such a great idea!
Mir says
June 29, 2015 at 6:01 amHave you tried grilled eggplant pizza, Alice? Instead of crust, grilled eggplant! Little mini-pizza slices of heaven! Are you allowed dairy right now? If not, just wait until the 30 is over.
This looks great. I mean, how could it not? There’s a giant honking burger in the center. I love giant honking burgers. They make me super happy. And that mustard is wow. And I never thought I’d say that about mustard, but there ya go!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
June 29, 2015 at 6:31 amWow this is such a great idea, Alice! I really love eggplant but somehow it’s one of those veggies that I always pass up at the store. What a creative idea to use it as a bun on burgers! I will definitely have to try this!
Kelly says
June 29, 2015 at 6:36 amThese look mouthwatering! Love this idea, Alice! Grilled eggplant is one of my favorites and using it as a bun along with the toasted onion and wild thyme mustard sounds SO delicious!
Harriet Emily says
June 29, 2015 at 7:23 amThese look soooo delicious Alice! I can never get enough eggplant, and using them instead of bread buns is such a fantastic idea!! I love it! I will definitely have to try these 🙂
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
June 29, 2015 at 7:30 amAlice – I’m going to possibly be attending two picnics and I hope at least one of them has the grilled fired up! These burgers look insanely good. 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
June 29, 2015 at 7:34 amThis eggplant bun is seriously so genius girl!
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says
June 29, 2015 at 7:47 amI seriously JUST tried using grilled eggplant and fell in LOVE! That mustard is my favorite, so I am allll about this combo! Pinned!
Liz @ Floating Kitchen says
June 29, 2015 at 7:49 amThis is such a great idea, Alice! And I just love all the unique flavors that Maille offers. This 4th of July I’ve got friends coming to town, so we will most certainly be BBQing!
Jennie says
June 29, 2015 at 8:15 amWe will have our annual 4th of July party. Grilling, hanging out and swimming with friends!
David @ Spiced says
June 29, 2015 at 8:17 amNow that is just super creative! Eggplants as the buns? Love it! I’m impressed at all of your delicious creativity with the Whole30 thing, too. Now pass me one of those burgers!
My Inner Chick says
June 29, 2015 at 8:43 amI Love love love eggplant.
This burger is a Super Star! wowwwwwwwwww
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
June 29, 2015 at 8:49 amAlice – using grilled eggplants as buns is freakin brilliant! I love eggplants – I have eggplants and veggie burgers – I am so grilling some eggplant to go with my veggie burgers tonight! Thanks so much for the inspiration! As of right now, I plan on doing nothing on the 4th – but that could change…
Gayl Skibbs says
June 29, 2015 at 8:58 amWe’re grilling burger, of course! And these mustards look fabulous.
Allie | Baking a Moment says
June 29, 2015 at 9:14 amGirl this is such a fantastic idea! We’ve always got tons of eggplant from our garden so this will definitely be happening. 😉 PS- that mustard sounds fantastic! For this July 4th weekend, we’ll be at home (yay!) and I’m sure the grill will be fired up! Thanks for the giveaway!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
June 29, 2015 at 9:23 amAlice these burgers are totally where it is AT! With these I can get my burger grub on AND still fit into my bathing suit #winning! You are killing it with all these whole30 recipes! ♡ cheers, pretty lady!
manda says
June 29, 2015 at 9:53 amSpending time with the family.
christina says
June 29, 2015 at 9:56 amNo grilling this year, but we’re having prime rib per my grandpa’s request!
Danielle Newton says
June 29, 2015 at 10:15 amGrilling with the family is a MUST! We love to eat and have fellowship.
naomi says
June 29, 2015 at 10:17 amI’m so into this! Eggplant is one of my favs and this is looking awesome.
Zainab says
June 29, 2015 at 10:32 amI want this mustard and burger!!! I am definitely grilling this coming weekend 😉
Kathleen says
June 29, 2015 at 11:06 amWe will probably eat barbecue outside.
marcie says
June 29, 2015 at 11:07 amI’ll take grilled eggplant over a bun any day! This is such a great idea, Alice! 🙂
mira says
June 29, 2015 at 11:26 amYeah, egg plant bun, sounds like fun! Love this burger ! And Maille mustards are great!
Sandy Headtke says
June 29, 2015 at 11:32 amI will be taking my dog away for the weekend, away from the fireworks. In the summer grilling is a daily event, keeps the kitchen cleaner so I’m all for it
Marsha A. says
June 29, 2015 at 11:54 amWe will be at an outdoor concert having a picnic.
Manali@CookWithManali says
June 29, 2015 at 2:14 pmlove eggplant and with that grill and sauce it must have been outstanding!!
Ashley Bree Perez says
June 29, 2015 at 2:40 pmI am going to be grilling hot dogs and hamburgers. 🙂
Kelly D says
June 29, 2015 at 3:35 pmWe are going to my brother’s house for a BBQ.
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel says
June 29, 2015 at 4:47 pmThis is carbless perfection Alice! SO perfect, especially with that gorgeous mustard!
Madeline says
June 29, 2015 at 5:26 pmWe’re heading to my in-laws to grill, eat, and swim in their pool!
Jessica @ Sweetest Menu says
June 29, 2015 at 5:29 pmNow that is my kinda burger! YUM!!!
Kristina says
June 29, 2015 at 6:38 pmWe’re having a family party! It’ll probably be raining, so I don’t know if it’ll be outdoors or not.
Kristen D. says
June 29, 2015 at 6:42 pmWe are actually travelling to SE Asia on the 4th, but we’ll be grilling both before and after!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
June 29, 2015 at 6:59 pmThis is one brilliant burger! I happen to love grilled eggplant so this has my name all over it!
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
June 29, 2015 at 7:32 pmLove your eggplant burger and those sauces sound so good – I’m a big collector of condiments!
teri says
June 29, 2015 at 10:47 pmHaven’t made any plans yet… likely just making dinner at home.
Matt Robinson says
June 29, 2015 at 11:43 pmSuch an awesome idea, and those mustards sound incredible. LOVE the pics too Alice!
Laura | PetiteAllergyTreats says
June 30, 2015 at 12:07 amLove these gluten free egg plant buns! And that mustard really add something with the thyme flavor!
Annette says
June 30, 2015 at 4:04 amMy dad always BBQs on the fourth, so I’ll be enjoying some of that, followed by watching live fireworks.
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
June 30, 2015 at 7:45 amI need some of that mustard in my life! Along with a burger like this every.single.day. Holy YEE-UM! Grilled eggplant for the win!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
June 30, 2015 at 9:48 amWe love to grill eggplant! It’s one of my favorite veggies. I like the idea of using them as the bun for burgers. And those mustards sounds like the perfect condiment!
Sean says
June 30, 2015 at 11:01 amWe are having the family over for a bbq party and fireworks afterwards.
Beth G. says
June 30, 2015 at 12:13 pmI’ll spend the 4th with family and friends. No cooking on my part, though.
Alina says
June 30, 2015 at 12:26 pmWe are heading towards my in-laws abode for some great grilling and fireworks.
Amy | Club Narwhal says
June 30, 2015 at 2:13 pmAlice, I am LOVING all your clean eating recipes! I am pretty addicted to carbs right now and am hoping to transition to cleaner eating after I get this baby out of me (I know, I know, I should focus on clean eating now but sometimes I just have to have pizza. All the pizza :). This sounds like a great compromise, since I adore eggplant and hamburgers!
DJ says
June 30, 2015 at 2:22 pmI plan to grill out with my family and watch the fireworks in the evening.
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits says
June 30, 2015 at 2:30 pmOh, HECK YES. I’m definitely down for grilled eggplant as the burger bun! Can’t wait to try this when I’m on the Whole30!
Liz says
June 30, 2015 at 2:57 pmI love how creative this burger is! I don’t think I’d even miss the bun. And the mustard sounds incredible!! We’ll be grilling with a bunch of neighbors—can’t wait!
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says
June 30, 2015 at 3:47 pmI love the idea of an eggplant bun! I usually love bread but when it comes to burgers I find that sometimes it can be too much and I end up removing half of the bun. This is a great, and healthy alternative that adds some great flavor. Totally going to try this!
Renee @ Two in the Kitchen says
June 30, 2015 at 5:58 pmWE are grilling for the 4th!! I hope the weather is good! I love eggplant and I’m always looking for different ways to incorporate it in recipes. Love this idea of using eggplant as the bun!
Sandy Rees says
June 30, 2015 at 7:46 pmMy family is gathering here for a cookout and yard games
Libby Rouse says
June 30, 2015 at 9:14 pmWill be having a cook out at my house, all my children and grandchildren always love the 4th holiday!
Mariah @ Mariah's Pleasing Plates says
June 30, 2015 at 10:42 pmHow are you living without BREAD?!? Kuddos to you girlfriend! This burger looks so good! The grilled eggplant is such a great idea!
Emanuele @ guyslovecooking says
July 1, 2015 at 4:03 amI saw bread being replaced by eggplants a few times, and I know it works well. Good take on a burger. Well done!
Thanks for sharing
Juliedible says
July 1, 2015 at 6:49 amHeading to the lake for July 4th weekend with friends and fireworks. Great idea with the grilled eggplant as a burger bun. Can’t wait for them to begin coming as part of my CSA farm share.
Kim @ The Celebration Shoppe says
July 1, 2015 at 8:22 amLove eggplant and this looks amazing!
Crystal Conway says
July 1, 2015 at 6:14 pmI will be working on the 4th, so nether 🙁
Susan Christy says
July 3, 2015 at 10:06 pmI grilled today and am going to a BBQ tomorrow.
Michelle @ Vitamin Sunshine says
July 4, 2015 at 6:58 pmI love eggplant, and always order it in restaurants– even though I know at restaurants it’s most likely sopping with oil 🙂 When I try to make it at home, it often turns out chewy– looking at your cooking times, I must not be cooking it long enough. Grilling for 15 minutes is a long time! I’ll have to give these a go 🙂 Pinning and Yumming!
Blessie Nelson says
July 4, 2015 at 7:01 pmYes we did some cooking for a fabulous potluck today.
bonnie says
July 5, 2015 at 10:56 pmHi! I went to a friend’s for a barbecue – it was a Korean bbq feast. So good. 🙂
Starla says
July 7, 2015 at 6:04 pmThat burger looks absolutely perfect and the mustards sound so good! I actually did have a cook out for the 4th of July. It was so much fun with all of my family!
Margot C says
July 8, 2015 at 2:46 amI made Jerk Chicken on the grill on the 4th
Vineetha @ Mint and Mimosas says
July 8, 2015 at 12:25 pmAlice – This recipe is genius. I love this idea for a low-carb version of a delicious burger. Recently I made eggplant pizzas, but this sounds even better! Will definitely be making this for a weeknight dinner 🙂
hipfoodiemom says
July 8, 2015 at 12:57 pmThank you so much!!! yes, Vineetha, I hope you try the recipe!!
Danielle says
July 8, 2015 at 4:10 pmWe went camping and grilled over the fire. Yum!
cooking up says
July 29, 2017 at 6:07 pmI tired two ways cooking the eggplant and it came out mushy both ways. Yuck!
I checked the ingredients in the mustard and it has listed natural flavors which from what I have read is just another name for MSG. No thanks there either.