Garlic-Infused Eggplant, Tomato & Basil Flatbread
This delightful Garlic-Infused Eggplant, Tomato & Basil Flatbread combines the earthy flavors of grilled eggplant with the freshness of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil. Taking inspiration from a time-honored recipe published in Bon Appetit, this dish has been tailored to maximize the savory notes of garlic and creamy goat cheese. Each crispy slice of the flatbread is topped with layers of melted mozzarella, delivering a mouthwatering experience perfect for lunch or a light snack. Feel free to adjust the quantity of garlic or eggplant to suit your palate, ensuring everyone can enjoy this deliciously customizable treat. Bon Appétit!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Japanese eggplant
1 medium (thinly sliced lengthwise)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons
Mozzarella cheese
1 cup (freshly grated)
Boboli thin pizza crust
1
Roma tomatoes
2 large (sliced)
Fresh goat cheese
3 ounces (crumbled)
Garlic cloves
2-3 large (very thinly sliced)
Fresh basil
1/2 cup (thinly sliced)
Fresh mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat the broiler to high.
2
Arrange the thinly sliced eggplant on a large baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Brush both sides with olive oil and season lightly with salt.
3
Broil the eggplant for 6-8 minutes, or until they start to brown. Flip the slices and broil for an additional 4-5 minutes until both sides are nicely browned. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
4
Reduce the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C).
5
Place the Boboli thin pizza crust on a large baking sheet or pizza stone.
6
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on the crust as the base layer.
7
Top the cheese with the broiled eggplant slices, sliced Roma tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, and very thinly sliced garlic.
8
Garnish generously with fresh basil and add a layer of sliced fresh mozzarella on top.
9
Bake the flatbread in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
10
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to stand for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Cut into wedges and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garlic-Infused Eggplant, Tomato & Basil Flatbread?
It is a savory dish combining grilled eggplant, fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and garlic with melted mozzarella and goat cheese on a thin pizza crust.
What type of eggplant is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one medium Japanese eggplant, which should be thinly sliced lengthwise.
What kind of crust should I use?
A single Boboli thin pizza crust is specified for this flatbread recipe.
How should I prepare the eggplant before baking the flatbread?
The eggplant should be thinly sliced, brushed with olive oil, seasoned with salt, and broiled on both sides until browned.
What temperature should the broiler be set to?
The broiler should be set to high to properly brown the eggplant slices.
How long do I broil the eggplant?
Broil the eggplant for 6-8 minutes on the first side and 4-5 minutes on the second side.
What is the oven temperature for baking the flatbread?
After broiling the eggplant, reduce the oven temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius).
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil to brush the eggplant slices.
What is the first ingredient placed on the pizza crust?
A base layer of shredded mozzarella cheese is sprinkled evenly on the crust first.
Which tomatoes are best for this flatbread?
The recipe recommends using two large Roma tomatoes, sliced.
Can I use fresh or dried basil?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of thinly sliced fresh basil for the best flavor.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The dish uses three types of cheese: shredded mozzarella, crumbled fresh goat cheese, and sliced fresh mozzarella.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The 2-3 large garlic cloves should be very thinly sliced before being added to the flatbread.
Is this Garlic-Infused Eggplant flatbread vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains only vegetables, cheeses, and bread.
How long does the flatbread need to bake?
The flatbread should bake for 12-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the edges are golden brown.
Why must the flatbread stand for 10 minutes after baking?
Allowing the flatbread to stand for 10 minutes helps the flavors meld together before serving.
Can I adjust the amount of garlic?
Yes, the recipe suggests you can customize the amount of garlic or eggplant to suit your personal palate.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a time-honored version published in Bon Appetit magazine.
Can I make this dish vegan?
While the recipe includes three types of cheese, you could attempt to use vegan cheese alternatives to make it vegan.
What are some serving suggestions?
This flatbread is perfect as a light lunch, a snack, or even a Mediterranean-style appetizer.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 large garlic cloves.
How should the Japanese eggplant be sliced?
It should be sliced thinly lengthwise to ensure even cooking and easy layering.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick snack?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as a snack and a lunch option.
How many Roma tomatoes are required?
The recipe requires 2 large Roma tomatoes.
What type of mozzarella is used as the topping?
Four ounces of sliced fresh mozzarella cheese are used as a final layer on top.
Can I use a pizza stone for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either a large baking sheet or a pizza stone to bake the flatbread.
Should I oil both sides of the eggplant?
Yes, you should brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil before broiling.
How do I know the flatbread is finished baking?
The flatbread is done when the cheese has melted and the crust edges have turned golden brown.
What category of cuisine does this flatbread fall into?
It is categorized as Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
Can the quantity of eggplant be changed?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of eggplant used to match your taste preferences.