Eggplant Pizza

Eggplant pizza is one of those magical dishes that can make anyone fall in love with veggies. Seriously, even those who claim they don’t like eggplant will be saying, “Wow, I didn’t know it could taste this good!” The creamy, roasted eggplant mingles with gooey cheese and a homemade marinara sauce to create a pizza experience that’s both satisfying and unique. Plus, if you’re looking for a healthier spin on pizza night, this recipe is totally up your alley. It’s packed with flavor and a bit of nutrition, too!

Imagine the savory aroma filling your kitchen as you roast the eggplant and bake the pizza to perfection. Now, throw in some friends or family, and you’ve got the makings of a beautiful evening. Whether you’re enjoying it alone on a lazy evening or serving it up at your next gathering, this eggplant pizza will surely impress. Let’s take a closer look at why you’ll fall in love with this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Eggplant Pizza

One of the first reasons is how easy it is to make. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients. Just wholesome, fresh produce and a few pantry staples come together to create a pizza that feels gourmet. The best part? It’s customizable! Want to go meatless? Perfect! Craving something spicy? Just throw on some jalapeños! It’s all about what you love.

Moreover, eggplant is a remarkable vegetable. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it a smart ingredient for anyone watching their intake but eager to enjoy delicious meals. Plus, the various textures—the juicy eggplant, melted cheese, and crunchy crust—make each bite an exciting adventure. And if you love entertaining, this dish serves as a great conversation starter with its unexpected yet delightful flavors.

What is Eggplant Pizza?

Eggplant pizza turns the traditional concept of pizza on its head. Instead of a standard crust, it features roasted eggplant slices as the base. This method is not only a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet but also introduces a unique flavor profile. The eggplant is often pre-baked, allowing it to become tender while also drawing out its natural sweetness.

The beauty of eggplant pizza lies in its versatility. You can play around with sauces, toppings, and even the types of cheese used. It’s a pizza that caters to everyone—vegetarians, cheese lovers, and health-conscious eaters alike. So, while pizza night may usually mean ordering takeout, consider bringing this easy yet impressive eggplant pizza to the table!

Ingredients for Eggplant Pizza

Here’s everything you need to create your delicious eggplant pizza:

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small baby eggplant, thinly sliced into rounds
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Flour for dusting
• 1 pound pizza dough, whole-grain if desired, room temperature
• 3/4 cup prepared marinara or pizza sauce
• 6 ounces low-moisture mozzarella, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• Freshly chopped basil leaves for garnish

Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to creating something special!

Preheat the Oven

Position the Rack and Preheat

First things first, let’s get that oven ready. Position the rack in the center and preheat your oven to 500°F. This high temperature is essential for achieving the perfect crispy crust.

Bake the Eggplant

Prepare Eggplant for Baking

Next, it’s time to work your magic on the eggplant. Place the thinly sliced eggplant on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step makes cleanup so much easier! Drizzle the eggplant with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle it generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Bake the Eggplant

Now, pop that tray into the oven (make sure to keep an eye on it!). Bake until the eggplant is tender, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Letting it cool a bit helps to enhance the flavors and ease of handling later.

Roll Out the Pizza Dough

Prepare the Dough

While the eggplant is cooling, it’s time to give attention to the pizza dough. On a lightly floured surface, roll your dough into a 12-inch circle. A rolling pin will be your best friend for this!

Transfer the Dough

Now, transfer the rolled-out dough carefully onto a piece of parchment paper set on a pizza peel, cutting board, or flat cookie sheet. See how easy it is? To create a nice, thick crust, form a lip around the outer edge by pressing the dough outward with one hand while pushing inward to shape a 1-inch raised edge.

Assemble the Pizza

Spread the Sauce

Let’s make that pizza truly special! Begin by spreading your marinara or pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. This border ensures that every slice is evenly delicious.

Add Toppings

Next, sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Then, add the beautifully roasted eggplant slices on top, followed by a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. It’s like a work of art waiting to be cooked!

Bake the Pizza

Slide into Oven

Carefully slide the parchment with the pizza directly onto the oven rack. Bake this masterpiece until the edges are golden and the cheese is all melted, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes. The wait will be worth it when you catch that delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Serve the Pizza

Transfer and Garnish

Once your pizza is ready, transfer it to a cutting board for easy slicing. Cut it into pieces, and don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly chopped basil leaves on top before serving. This adds not only flavor but also a stunning pop of color!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side salad for a complete meal; a simple arugula salad works beautifully.
• Pair with a glass of red wine to elevate your dining experience!

Tips for Success

To make sure your eggplant pizza turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips:

• Ensure your eggplant slices are thin and uniform; this guarantees even cooking.
• Pre-baking the eggplant enhances its flavor and improves the overall texture of the pizza. Don’t skip this step!

Variations

Feel free to experiment! Here are a couple of ideas:

• Swap out the marinara for pesto or a creamy white sauce for a new twist.
• Try adding other vegetables, like bell peppers or mushrooms, to pack even more flavor into each bite. There are so many options to explore!

Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (though who could resist this deliciousness?), store any uneaten pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Pairing Ideas

For a refreshing side, consider pairing your eggplant pizza with a fresh arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. Alternatively, enjoy it alongside a light sparkling water or herbal tea for a delightful meal experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of eggplant?
   Yes, while baby eggplant is recommended for its tenderness, you can use any variety.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pizza dough.

3. How do I store leftovers?
   Simply store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. Can I freeze the pizza before baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled pizza; just bake it directly from frozen, though you may add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

5. What cheese works best?
   While mozzarella is a classic choice, feel free to mix things up with cheeses like goat cheese or fontina for a unique flavor.

Eggplant pizza is a stunning way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable while indulging in some pizza goodness. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also leaves room for creativity. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, or treat yourself to a cozy night in with a slice of this delicious eggplant pizza—it’s bound to be a hit!

More Easy Lunch & Dinner ideas Recipes:

• Cream Of Mushroom Chicken
• Slow Cooker Pork Chops and Potatoes
• Pioneer Woman Corned Beef Hash
• Breakfast Skillet

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Eggplant Pizza

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Eggplant Pizza redefines traditional pizza with tender roasted eggplant slices as the base. It’s a flavorful, healthy option that’s easy to customize for any occasion.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small baby eggplant, thinly sliced into rounds
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Flour for dusting
• 1 pound pizza dough, whole-grain if desired, room temperature
• 3/4 cup prepared marinara or pizza sauce
• 6 ounces low-moisture mozzarella, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• Freshly chopped basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 500°F and position the rack in the center.
• Place eggplant on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season, and bake for 8-10 minutes.
• Cool eggplant for 10 minutes.
• Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
• Transfer the dough onto parchment paper, forming a thick crust.
• Spread marinara sauce on the dough, leaving a border.
• Top with mozzarella, roasted eggplant, and parmesan cheese.
• Cook for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and cheese is melted.
• Transfer to a cutting board, slice, and garnish with basil before serving.

Notes

Ensure eggplant slices are thin for even cooking.
Pre-baking the eggplant improves flavor and texture.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3
• Sodium: 650
• Fat: 12
• Saturated Fat: 6
• Unsaturated Fat: 4
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 34
• Fiber: 4
• Protein: 12
• Cholesterol: 30