Eggplant pizza is a fun and tasty twist on traditional pizza, especially for those who want to cut back on carbs. Using slices of eggplant instead of bread creates a delightful crust that holds up under all your favorite toppings. You get the comfort of pizza, but with a healthy spin! Imagine crispy eggplant, gooey cheese, and all the savory toppings you love. What’s not to like? Not only does this dish allow for a flavorful experience, but it also helps sneak in more veggies into your meal. Whether you’re on a low-carb diet or just want to try something new, eggplant pizza is a fantastic choice. Let’s explore how to make this easy, satisfying dish together!

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What is Eggplant Pizza

Eggplant pizza is a delightful, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza that uses slices of eggplant as the base instead of bread. This innovative take on pizza is perfect for those looking to reduce carbohydrates in their diet while still enjoying the comfort and flavor of pizza. The eggplant serves as a sturdy and nutritious crust that can hold a variety of toppings, making it not only versatile but also a fun way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals.

Why You’ll Love This Eggplant Pizza

Healthy and Low-Carb: Perfect for those on a low-carb diet, this eggplant pizza swaps out bread for a nutrient-dense option.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of sautéed garlic, onion, and fresh ingredients creates a burst of flavor that will satisfy any pizza lover.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious homemade pizza ready in no time.
Customizable Toppings: Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to try something new, you can easily adjust the toppings to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

1 large eggplant
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1/2-1 cup no sugar added pizza sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 yellow onion, sliced
1 cup fresh baby spinach
Sea salt, to taste
Ground pepper, to taste
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
Crushed red pepper, optional

Preparing the Eggplant Pizza Crust

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating the oven to 400°F. This will ensure that your eggplant cooks evenly while it bakes.

Cut the Eggplant

Slice the eggplant lengthwise into 1/4-1/3 inch thick pieces. These slices will serve as your crust.

Brush with Olive Oil

Lightly brush or rub each side of the eggplant slices with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.

Season the Slices

Sprinkle the eggplant slices with sea salt and ground pepper to enhance their natural flavors.

Bake the Eggplant

Place the seasoned eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking stone. Bake in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes, or until the eggplant is hot and beginning to soften.

Sautéing the Toppings

Cook the Garlic and Onions

In a skillet, heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onions, sautéing until softened (approximately 3-4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.

Add Pizza Sauce and Spinach

Stir in the pizza sauce and fresh baby spinach into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the mixture is warmed through and the spinach has wilted.

Assembling the Eggplant Pizza

Top the Eggplant Slices

Remove the baked eggplant slices from the oven. Spoon the onion and spinach mixture over each slice, evenly distributing the topping.

Sprinkle Cheese and Oregano

Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh oregano on top of each eggplant slice.

Bake Again

Return the assembled eggplant pizzas to the oven, baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your eggplant pizza immediately with a sprinkle of fresh oregano and a dash of crushed red pepper for a little extra kick. Pair it with a side salad or enjoy it alongside your favorite dipping sauces for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Eggplant: Look for firm, shiny eggplants that feel heavy for their size. This indicates freshness and a better texture.
Don’t Skip the Salting: Salting the eggplant can draw out excess moisture, preventing your pizza from becoming soggy.
Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize your pizza with different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins to match your taste.

Variations

Vegan Option: Replace mozzarella cheese with your favorite dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the topping for a spicy version.
Mediterranean Flavor: Top with olives, artichokes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover eggplant pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating in the oven will help to regain some of the original crispiness.

Pairing Ideas

Pair your eggplant pizza with a crisp side salad, a glass of red wine, or a refreshing sparkling water infused with lemon for a complete meal experience.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze eggplant pizza?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled eggplant pizza before baking. To bake, simply thaw and heat in the oven until the cheese is melted.

2. Is eggplant pizza gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses eggplant instead of traditional crust.

3. How do I make the eggplant less bitter?
Salting the eggplant slices before cooking draws out moisture and bitterness, ensuring better flavor.

4. Can I use other vegetables for the crust?
While eggplant works wonderfully, zucchini or portobello mushrooms can also create delicious low-carb pizzas.

5. How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe typically yields about 2-4 servings, depending on the size of the eggplant and how many slices you use.

For anyone looking to indulge in a pizza night without the carbs, this eggplant pizza is the perfect solution. With its hearty texture and vibrant flavors, it not only satisfies cravings but also nourishes the body with wholesome ingredients. Enjoy the flexibility of customization, allowing you to explore a variety of toppings that cater to your palate. This eggplant pizza recipe stands as both a healthy option and a delicious meal that brings joy to your dining table.

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Eggplant Pizza

Print Recipe

Eggplant Pizza is a flavorful, low-carb alternative to traditional pizza, featuring a crispy eggplant crust loaded with delicious toppings. This easy dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal while sneaking in more veggies.

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2-4 servings 1x

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Slice the eggplant lengthwise into 1/4-1/3 inch thick pieces.
Brush each side of the eggplant slices with olive oil.
Sprinkle with sea salt and ground pepper.
Bake on a baking sheet for 7-10 minutes until soft.
Sauté garlic and onions in a skillet with olive oil.
Add pizza sauce and spinach, cooking until warm.
Top baked eggplant with the mixture, cheese, and oregano.
Bake again for 5 minutes until cheese is melted.

Notes

Choose firm, shiny eggplants for best results.
Salting the eggplant prevents sogginess.
Customize toppings to your taste preferences.

Author: Rachael
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Calories: 180
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 300
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 3
Unsaturated Fat: 7
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 5
Protein: 8
Cholesterol: 15

Eggplant Pizza

What is Eggplant Pizza

Why You’ll Love This Eggplant Pizza

Ingredients