Eggplant Pizza - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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Last updated: · Recipes developed by Vered DeLeeuw and nutritionally reviewed by Rachel Benight MS, RD · This website generates income via ads and uses cookies.

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Who needs a crust? In this delicious eggplant pizza, roasted eggplant, tomato sauce, and melted cheese unite to create a very flavorful experience.

It's easy to make, too: simply bake the eggplant slices, top them with sauce and cheese, then briefly return them to the oven to melt the cheese.

Eggplant Pizza - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

There's no need to give up pizza after transitioning to a low-carb diet! Luckily, there are plenty of tasty alternatives. 🍕

I have several pizza-inspired recipes on this website, including a few with a vegetable base such as cauliflower pizza crust and zucchini pizza.

They are all excellent, but eggplant pizza is one of my favorites, simply because I love eggplant and find its unique flavor and meaty texture especially pleasing.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Expert tip
  • Frequently asked questions
  • Variations
  • Serving suggestions
  • Storing leftovers
  • Related recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card
  • Let's Connect

Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this tasty pizza. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

  • Olive oil spray: I love cooking with this delicious oil. But if you'd rather use an oil with a higher smoke point, you can use avocado oil instead. Though admittedly, it won't be as flavorful.
  • Eggplant: In this recipe, it's best to use a large, firm eggplant. You want to be able to slice it into fairly big rounds.
  • Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, you should reduce the amount you use, or the pizza could end up too salty.
  • Garlic powder: I prefer it in this recipe to fresh minced garlic because it coats the eggplants more evenly.
  • Pizza sauce: Try to use a brand with no added sugar such as Rao's.
  • Shredded Mozzarella: Provolone is also very good. Or you could use a pre-shredded "Italian cheese mix."
  • Toppings: Those are optional. As you can see in the photos and in the video below, I sometimes use pepperoni. Olives are also excellent.

Instructions

Making eggplant pizza is easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. The basics instructions are:

You start by seasoning eggplant slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then you roast them in a hot oven.

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Next, you top each eggplant slice with marinara sauce, cheese, and a topping if you wish. Return the pan to the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese. That's it!

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Expert tip

It's important to use high heat when roasting the eggplant slices. This ensures that excess water is removed and they don't end up soggy. If you'd rather use parchment paper than foil, make sure it's marked as suitable for high-heat baking.

Frequently asked questions

Do you peel eggplant before cooking?

I don't peel it. It's edible and it's also very pretty! Some cooks feel that the skin has a slightly bitter taste so they prefer to remove it. I feel that the combination of oven-roasting and the flavors from the pizza toppings mask any bitterness.

What is a good low-carb substitute for pizza?

There are so many! I have an entire section dedicated to keto pizza recipes. My personal favorites in addition to this one are cauliflower pizza crust and meatzza. All of them utilize low-carb crusts and then top them with traditional pizza toppings.

Variations

Here are a few ways to vary the basic recipe:

  • Use different seasonings to season the eggplant rounds. Good options include dried oregano and dried thyme.
  • Replace the mozzarella with another melty cheese such as provolone.
  • Add toppings such as olives or pepperoni.
  • Sprinkle the finished pizza with red pepper flakes and/or dry-grated parmesan.

Serving suggestions

These tasty bites make a great appetizer, snack, or side dish. But they are so filling and satisfying, that I often serve them as an entree, with a simple side such as arugula salad, tomato salad, or steamed broccoli.

Storing leftovers

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently, in the microwave on 50% power.

They are surprisingly good cold, by the way. If you like leftover cold pizza, I think you will like leftover cold eggplant pizza!

Eggplant Pizza - Healthy Recipes Blog (4)
  • Eggplant Casserole
  • Zucchini Pizza Bites
  • Keto Eggplant Parmesan
  • Cauliflower Pizza Crust

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Recipe Card

Eggplant Pizza - Healthy Recipes Blog (9)

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Eggplant Pizza

Roasted eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese unite to create an amazing pizza-like experience.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time25 minutes mins

Rest time5 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 122kcal

Author: Vered DeLeeuw

Ingredients

  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 large eggplant unpeeled (1 ¼ lbs.)
  • ½ teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup marinara sauce (I use Rao's)
  • ½ cup Mozzarella part-skim shredded

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it with olive oil.

  • Slice the eggplant crosswise into ½-inch-thick rounds, yielding about 12 rounds. Place the eggplant rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Spray them with olive oil spray. Sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

  • Bake the eggplant rounds for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, turn them over, spray with more olive oil, and bake for 10 more minutes.

  • Remove the pan from the oven but leave the oven on. With a spoon, spread marinara sauce on each eggplant round. Top with shredded cheese. You can add more toppings at this point, such as pepperoni or olives.

  • Return the pan to the oven. Bake just until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Letrest for 5 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

You can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. Reheat them gently, in the microwave on 50% power.

They are surprisingly good cold, by the way. If you like leftover cold pizza, I think you will like leftover cold eggplant pizza!

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 3eggplant rounds | Calories: 122kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 295mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g

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Disclaimers

Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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More keto Pizza Recipes

  • Chicken Crust Pizza
  • Keto Breakfast Pizza
  • Crustless Pizza
  • Portobello Pizza

About the Author

Eggplant Pizza - Healthy Recipes Blog (20) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

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Eggplant Pizza - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest way to eat eggplant? ›

What are the healthiest cooking methods for eggplant? The healthiest cooking methods for eggplant include baking, grilling, or roasting. These methods require minimal added fats and help retain the vegetable's nutrients.

Is eggplant a carb or protein? ›

Eggplant is a non-starchy vegetable, which is low in carbohydrates. For instance, an entire 1 pound eggplant has only 137 calories, 0.986 grams of fat and 32.2 grams of carbohydrate (less than two slices of bread), 16.4 grams of fiber, and 5.37 grams of protein.

Can you freeze eggplant pizza? ›

TO STORE: You can store leftovers in air-tight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. TO FREEZE: Use freezer-safe airtight bags or containers to freeze eggplant pizza for up to 3 months. TO REHEAT: Always reheat the pizza in a preheated oven.

How many calories in a slice of eggplant pizza? ›

Calories in Eggplant Pizza
Calories307.2
Total Fat18.9 g
Saturated Fat7.7 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.2 g
Monounsaturated Fat6.9 g
8 more rows

What organ is eggplant good for? ›

Other studies have demonstrated that eggplants may have a protective effect on the heart. In one study , animals were fed raw or grilled eggplant for 30 days. Both types improved heart function and reduced heart attack severity.

Can too much eggplant be bad for you? ›

Eggplants contain oxalates, though they have fewer than most fruits and vegetables. Oxalates can contribute to kidney stone formation in some people who are more prone to absorbing oxalates. Without treatment, kidney stones can lead to acute kidney injury or kidney death.

Is eggplant OK for weight loss? ›

Besides, because it contains very little energy (only 25 Kcal in every 100 grams of eggplant), eggplant is also one of the reasonable foods in diets aimed at weight loss. Fiber in eggplant and other plants can help people control weight, prevent overweight and obesity.

Can I eat eggplant every day? ›

Excess intake of eggplants may cause vomiting, nausea, and drowsiness (29). Consuming eggplants in low-to-moderate levels may not cause any harm. However, consult a health care professional in case of any emergency. Eggplants contain oxalates, which may increase the risk of kidney stones in some people.

Does eggplant spike sugar? ›

No, eggplant does not spike insulin levels. In fact, eggplant is a low glycemic index food, meaning it has a minimal impact on blood sugar levels.

Can you just slice and freeze eggplant? ›

Luckily, it's actually really easy to freeze them. You can just slice them raw and throw them in your freezer, but they'll only last about 3 months that way (don't thaw before using if you do this). But it's not difficult to quickly prepare them so that they'll last up to 9 months in your freezer.

Can you refrigerate breaded eggplant before frying? ›

Place in the Refrigerator

Place the breaded slices of eggplant into the refrigerator for at least an hour to help set the bread crumbs before frying. I find that when I bread and fry immediately, I lose some of the breading, but if I let the breading set in the fridge, more of it sticks to whatever I'm frying.

How long will eggplant last in the refrigerator? ›

Eggplant will last between five and seven days in the refrigerator as long as the skin hasn't been removed or damaged. Cooked eggplant will last between three and five days in the refrigerator.

Is a slice of veggie pizza healthy? ›

More Rich in Nutrients

The first reason why vegetarian pizza is a healthier choice than a meat pizza is that vegetarian pizza is richer in nutrients. Vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to keep you feeling full and your body fueled and ready to go.

Why does eggplant parm have so many calories? ›

Eggplant parmigiana, or eggplant parmesan, is an Italian food made from layers of deep-fried slices of eggplant, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Although it's considered a vegetarian dish, eggplant parmesan is traditionally made with full-fat mozzarella and parmesan cheese, making it high in calories and fat.

Is eggplant a vegetable good pizza great pizza? ›

Eggplant is a Fruit ingredient unlocked in Chapter 1 as a gift from a special customer. It is the fourth topping available in the game.

Is eggplant healthier cooked or raw? ›

While the leaves and flowers can be toxic, the eggplant itself is safe to consume both raw and cooked, and the compound that some might be sensitive to, solanine, is only toxic when consumed in large quantities.

How do you remove toxins from eggplant? ›

However, eggplants also contain a substance, solanine, which is used to defend themselves against fungi and insects. It is precisely on this substance that the bitter taste of the eggplants depends. To eliminate it, the most common methods are soaking in water and vinegar and the salt technique.

How to cook eggplant without losing nutrients? ›

The best ways to cook in general to retain nutrients are : Boiling, Steaming, Broiling, Grilling, Sautéing. Grilling is my preference since I love most any vegetable grilled ! Cooking eggplant properly can help retain its nutrients while enhancing its flavor and texture.

Does eggplant lose nutrients when cooked? ›

Spinach, garlic, broccoli, brussels sprouts, leeks, and green beans fair somewhat better, maintaining 30-50% of their antioxidant capacity. Artichokes, onions, and eggplant fare very well, only losing 5-30% of their antioxidants. The best vegetable to boil? Asparagus.

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