I’ve been making this creamy and smoky baba ganoush recipe since I first fell in love with it years ago while traveling in the Middle East. I’ll show you the tricks I learned to make this authentic dip – it’s irresistible!

And it’s not just my family and I who love this dip. Over 30 readers have given it 5-star ratings. One commenter, Marg, writes, “This was my first time making baba ganoush and I can’t believe how good it turned out. All my guests raved about it. Thank you for making me look like a kitchen star! ★★★★★”

A bowl of baba ganoush from our favorite baba ganoush recipe, topped with olive oil and herbs, served with pita chips, cucumber slices, and bell pepper on a white plate. - 1

If you want to taste an authentic baba ganoush, this is it. It’s a richly complex, slightly earthy, and irresistible dip with nutty undertones – you’ll want to put it on everything from crackers to carrot sticks.

This is the best baba ganoush recipe! It’s super easy to make and perfect for lunch, snacks, or to bring to a party. You can enjoy it year-round: grill the eggplants on your BBQ in summer or roast them in your oven in winter!

Key ingredients needed

What is in a baba ganoush dip? Less than 10 simple, familiar ingredients! This is what you need:

  • Eggplants : Globe eggplants make the creamy base of this dip.
  • Tahini : The taste of the tahini comes through, so make sure to use a brand you really love. Let it come to room temperature so it’s slightly runny.
  • Other ingredients: Lemon juice, sea salt, garlic cloves, olive oil, sesame seeds, and minced parsley.

What is baba ganoush?

Baba ganoush is a traditional Middle Eastern dip. It’s made by roasting or grilling eggplant. Traditionally, cooked eggplants are mashed together with tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon, salt, and other seasonings to make a creamy, smoky dip. I use a food processor instead of mashing, so the machine does the heavy work. It’s often served with pita bread, crackers, fresh vegetables, or as a spread. So, about the name… What is a baba ganoush? Fun fact – it refers to a father being pampered, so while its exact origin isn’t specific, it’s thought that perhaps a sultan was spoiled with delicious baba ganoush. I believe this is the best way to spoil someone, too!

What does baba ganoush taste like?

Baba ganoush has a rich and complex flavor. Roasting the eggplant brings out smoky, earthy flavors, and the tahini adds a creamy, nutty note. Garlic adds savory depth, and a squeeze of lemon juice brightens it up. The result is a balanced dip that blends earthy sweetness with creamy nuttiness and a hint of tang.

Some people might compare it to hummus because both contain tahini. However, hummus’s main ingredient is chickpeas, while baba ganoush’s main ingredient is roasted eggplant. You’ll find the same creamy earthiness in both dips, but the end flavor is very different.

A bowl of baba ganoush garnished with olive oil, herbs, and sesame seeds, served with sliced cucumbers, pita chips, and bell peppers on a white plate. - 2 A hand dips a pita chip into creamy baba ganoush, made from a classic baba ganoush recipe, surrounded by sliced cucumbers and more pita chips on a white plate. - 3

What to eat with this baba ghanoush recipe

The better question is, what can’t you serve with baba ganoush? It tastes great in sandwiches, on a cheese board, as a dip, or on top of roasted meats. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this dip:

  • Dip: The most simple way of enjoying baba ganoush is as a dip! Make some homemade pita chips to scoop up that smoky goodness, or serve it with raw vegetable sticks on the side.
  • Spread : Slather some baba ganoush on a sandwich, in a wrap, or in a pita pocket. This works well with some grilled halloumi or falafel, some slices of grilled eggplant, and fresh herbs or leafy greens.
  • With protein: Dollop some on top of roasted lamb or chicken to impart some smoky eggplant flavor to your dish.
  • Platter : Scoop some into a ramekin and place it on a big mezze or tapas platter. Add some hummus, falafel, feta cheese, and olives.

Storing and freezing

How long does baba ganoush last in the fridge? Baba ganoush will keep for up to one week in the refrigerator in a sealed container, making it an easy option to make ahead of a gathering.

Can you freeze baba ganoush? Unfortunately, no, I don’t recommend freezing your baba ganoush. The good news is that it’s so tasty you’ll likely eat it all within a week.

Watch how to make baba ganoush

Subscribe to my channel to watch more cooking videos!

A bowl of baba ganoush from our favorite baba ganoush recipe, topped with olive oil and herbs, served with pita chips, cucumber slices, and bell pepper on a white plate. - 4 A bowl of baba ganoush from our favorite baba ganoush recipe, topped with olive oil and herbs, served with pita chips, cucumber slices, and bell pepper on a white plate. - 5

Baba Ganoush Recipe (just like I enjoyed in the Middle East!)

  • Pin
Baba Ganoush Recipe (just like I enjoyed in the Middle East!) - 6

Ingredients

  • ▢ 2 medium globe eggplants
  • ▢ 3 tablespoons tahini (see notes)
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best!)
  • ▢ 1-2 teaspoon sea salt
  • ▢ 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • ▢ Olive oil, sesame seeds, and minced parsley (for toppings)

Instructions

  • Roast the eggplants in your oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Pierce the eggplants a few times with a fork or knife. Place the eggplants on a baking dish and roast in your oven for 30-45 minutes, turning halfway through. The eggplants are cooked when they are very soft, the skin is dark, and they have caved in. Roast the eggplants on your BBQ: Preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat. Pierce the eggplants a few times with a fork or knife. Place the eggplants on your BBQ and let them cook for 30 minutes, turning halfway through. 2 medium globe eggplants
  • Set a strainer over a bowl and place the eggplants into the strainer. Use a knife to open them up a little (so they cool faster), and then set them aside to cool completely.
  • Once the eggplants are cool, peel them and discard the skin. Save the juice that collected in the bowl.
  • Place the creamy insides into your food processor, add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of salt, and pulse until mostly smooth. Taste and add more salt, if needed. For a smokier tasting baba ganoush, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved juice. 3 tablespoons tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1-2 teaspoon sea salt, 2 cloves garlic
  • For the best flavor, let the baba ganoush rest in your fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving then top with any or all of the toppings. Olive oil, sesame seeds, and minced parsley

Video

Notes

Nutrition

We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .

A bowl of baba ganoush from our favorite baba ganoush recipe, topped with olive oil and herbs, served with pita chips, cucumber slices, and bell pepper on a white plate. - 7 A bowl of baba ganoush from our favorite baba ganoush recipe, topped with olive oil and herbs, served with pita chips, cucumber slices, and bell pepper on a white plate. - 8

Did you make this?

We love to see what you made! Tag @theendlessmeal or hashtag #theendlessmeal !

More dip recipes

Creamy Cauliflower Hummus

Roasted Caramelized Onion Dip

White Bean Dip with Olives

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip

A bowl of baba ganoush from our favorite baba ganoush recipe, topped with olive oil and herbs, served with pita chips, cucumber slices, and bell pepper on a white plate. - 9

Baba Ganoush Recipe (just like I enjoyed in the Middle East!)

Ingredients

  • 2 medium globe eggplants
  • 3 tablespoons tahini , see notes
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice , fresh is best!
  • 1-2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 cloves garlic , finely minced
  • Olive oil, sesame seeds, and minced parsley , for toppings

Instructions

  • Roast the eggplants in your oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Pierce the eggplants a few times with a fork or knife. Place the eggplants on a baking dish and roast in your oven for 30-45 minutes, turning halfway through. The eggplants are cooked when they are very soft, the skin is dark, and they have caved in. Roast the eggplants on your BBQ: Preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat. Pierce the eggplants a few times with a fork or knife. Place the eggplants on your BBQ and let them cook for 30 minutes, turning halfway through. 2 medium globe eggplants
  • Set a strainer over a bowl and place the eggplants into the strainer. Use a knife to open them up a little (so they cool faster), and then set them aside to cool completely.
  • Once the eggplants are cool, peel them and discard the skin. Save the juice that collected in the bowl.
  • Place the creamy insides into your food processor, add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of salt, and pulse until mostly smooth. Taste and add more salt, if needed. For a smokier tasting baba ganoush, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved juice. 3 tablespoons tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1-2 teaspoon sea salt, 2 cloves garlic
  • For the best flavor, let the baba ganoush rest in your fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving then top with any or all of the toppings. Olive oil, sesame seeds, and minced parsley

Notes

https://www.theendlessmeal.com/homemade-baba-ganoush/

I’ve been making this creamy and smoky baba ganoush recipe since I first fell in love with it years ago while traveling in the Middle East. I’ll show you the tricks I learned to make this authentic dip – it’s irresistible!

And it’s not just my family and I who love this dip. Over 30 readers have given it 5-star ratings. One commenter, Marg, writes, “This was my first time making baba ganoush and I can’t believe how good it turned out. All my guests raved about it. Thank you for making me look like a kitchen star! ★★★★★”

A bowl of baba ganoush from our favorite baba ganoush recipe, topped with olive oil and herbs, served with pita chips, cucumber slices, and bell pepper on a white plate. - 10

If you want to taste an authentic baba ganoush, this is it. It’s a richly complex, slightly earthy, and irresistible dip with nutty undertones – you’ll want to put it on everything from crackers to carrot sticks.

This is the best baba ganoush recipe! It’s super easy to make and perfect for lunch, snacks, or to bring to a party. You can enjoy it year-round: grill the eggplants on your BBQ in summer or roast them in your oven in winter!

Key ingredients needed

What is in a baba ganoush dip? Less than 10 simple, familiar ingredients! This is what you need:

  • Eggplants : Globe eggplants make the creamy base of this dip.
  • Tahini : The taste of the tahini comes through, so make sure to use a brand you really love. Let it come to room temperature so it’s slightly runny.
  • Other ingredients: Lemon juice, sea salt, garlic cloves, olive oil, sesame seeds, and minced parsley.

What is baba ganoush?

Baba ganoush is a traditional Middle Eastern dip. It’s made by roasting or grilling eggplant. Traditionally, cooked eggplants are mashed together with tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon, salt, and other seasonings to make a creamy, smoky dip. I use a food processor instead of mashing, so the machine does the heavy work. It’s often served with pita bread, crackers, fresh vegetables, or as a spread. So, about the name… What is a baba ganoush? Fun fact – it refers to a father being pampered, so while its exact origin isn’t specific, it’s thought that perhaps a sultan was spoiled with delicious baba ganoush. I believe this is the best way to spoil someone, too!

What does baba ganoush taste like?

Baba ganoush has a rich and complex flavor. Roasting the eggplant brings out smoky, earthy flavors, and the tahini adds a creamy, nutty note. Garlic adds savory depth, and a squeeze of lemon juice brightens it up. The result is a balanced dip that blends earthy sweetness with creamy nuttiness and a hint of tang.

Some people might compare it to hummus because both contain tahini. However, hummus’s main ingredient is chickpeas, while baba ganoush’s main ingredient is roasted eggplant. You’ll find the same creamy earthiness in both dips, but the end flavor is very different.

A bowl of baba ganoush garnished with olive oil, herbs, and sesame seeds, served with sliced cucumbers, pita chips, and bell peppers on a white plate. - 11 A hand dips a pita chip into creamy baba ganoush, made from a classic baba ganoush recipe, surrounded by sliced cucumbers and more pita chips on a white plate. - 12

What to eat with this baba ghanoush recipe

The better question is, what can’t you serve with baba ganoush? It tastes great in sandwiches, on a cheese board, as a dip, or on top of roasted meats. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this dip:

  • Dip: The most simple way of enjoying baba ganoush is as a dip! Make some homemade pita chips to scoop up that smoky goodness, or serve it with raw vegetable sticks on the side.
  • Spread : Slather some baba ganoush on a sandwich, in a wrap, or in a pita pocket. This works well with some grilled halloumi or falafel, some slices of grilled eggplant, and fresh herbs or leafy greens.
  • With protein: Dollop some on top of roasted lamb or chicken to impart some smoky eggplant flavor to your dish.
  • Platter : Scoop some into a ramekin and place it on a big mezze or tapas platter. Add some hummus, falafel, feta cheese, and olives.

Storing and freezing

How long does baba ganoush last in the fridge? Baba ganoush will keep for up to one week in the refrigerator in a sealed container, making it an easy option to make ahead of a gathering.

Can you freeze baba ganoush? Unfortunately, no, I don’t recommend freezing your baba ganoush. The good news is that it’s so tasty you’ll likely eat it all within a week.

Watch how to make baba ganoush

Subscribe to my channel to watch more cooking videos!

A bowl of baba ganoush from our favorite baba ganoush recipe, topped with olive oil and herbs, served with pita chips, cucumber slices, and bell pepper on a white plate. - 13

Baba Ganoush Recipe (just like I enjoyed in the Middle East!)

  • Pin
Baba Ganoush Recipe (just like I enjoyed in the Middle East!) - 14

Ingredients

  • ▢ 2 medium globe eggplants
  • ▢ 3 tablespoons tahini (see notes)
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best!)
  • ▢ 1-2 teaspoon sea salt
  • ▢ 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
  • ▢ Olive oil, sesame seeds, and minced parsley (for toppings)

Instructions

  • Roast the eggplants in your oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Pierce the eggplants a few times with a fork or knife. Place the eggplants on a baking dish and roast in your oven for 30-45 minutes, turning halfway through. The eggplants are cooked when they are very soft, the skin is dark, and they have caved in. Roast the eggplants on your BBQ: Preheat your BBQ to medium-high heat. Pierce the eggplants a few times with a fork or knife. Place the eggplants on your BBQ and let them cook for 30 minutes, turning halfway through. 2 medium globe eggplants
  • Set a strainer over a bowl and place the eggplants into the strainer. Use a knife to open them up a little (so they cool faster), and then set them aside to cool completely.
  • Once the eggplants are cool, peel them and discard the skin. Save the juice that collected in the bowl.
  • Place the creamy insides into your food processor, add the tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and 1 teaspoon of salt, and pulse until mostly smooth. Taste and add more salt, if needed. For a smokier tasting baba ganoush, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved juice. 3 tablespoons tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1-2 teaspoon sea salt, 2 cloves garlic
  • For the best flavor, let the baba ganoush rest in your fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving then top with any or all of the toppings. Olive oil, sesame seeds, and minced parsley

Video

Notes

Nutrition

We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here .

A bowl of baba ganoush from our favorite baba ganoush recipe, topped with olive oil and herbs, served with pita chips, cucumber slices, and bell pepper on a white plate. - 15

Did you make this?

We love to see what you made! Tag @theendlessmeal or hashtag #theendlessmeal !

More dip recipes

Creamy Cauliflower Hummus

Roasted Caramelized Onion Dip

White Bean Dip with Olives

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip