Savory Mini Eggplant Pizzas with Cheesy Topping
These Savory Mini Eggplant Pizzas are a delightful, low-carb twist on traditional pizza that you'll love! Perfect as an appetizer or a light meal, these crispy eggplant slices are brushed with olive oil, seasoned to perfection, and topped with zesty pasta sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of flavors and textures, making them a fun dish to share with friends and family. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in, these pizzas are sure to impress both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Try them out for your next pizza night and enjoy a delicious alternative to dough!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
eggplant
1 (peeled and cut into 4 half-inch thick slices)
olive oil
4 teaspoons (for brushing)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
pasta sauce
1/4 cup (for topping)
part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2
Prepare the eggplant by peeling the skin and cutting it into 4 half-inch thick slices.
3
Using a brush, generously coat both sides of each eggplant slice with olive oil. Season with salt and ground black pepper, ensuring all surfaces are well covered.
4
Place the prepared eggplant slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
5
Bake the eggplant in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes, turning the slices once during cooking until they are browned and almost tender.
6
Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pasta sauce onto the top of each eggplant slice, spreading evenly.
7
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each slice, ensuring an even distribution.
8
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious mini eggplant pizzas hot!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary base for these mini pizzas?
The primary base for these mini pizzas is eggplant, specifically peeled and cut into 4 half-inch thick slices.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
You should preheat your oven or toaster oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
Should the eggplant be peeled?
Yes, the instructions specify to prepare the eggplant by peeling the skin before slicing.
How thick should the eggplant slices be?
The eggplant should be cut into half-inch thick slices.
What type of oil is recommended for this recipe?
Olive oil is used to generously coat both sides of each eggplant slice.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of olive oil.
What seasonings are used for the eggplant slices?
The slices are seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
You should line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
How long do the eggplant slices bake initially?
The eggplant slices should bake for 6 to 8 minutes in the preheated oven.
Do I need to flip the eggplant while it bakes?
Yes, you should turn the slices once during the initial cooking period until they are browned and almost tender.
What kind of sauce is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of pasta sauce for the pizza topping.
How much sauce should I put on each eggplant slice?
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of pasta sauce onto the top of each eggplant slice and spread it evenly.
What type of cheese is used for the pizzas?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
How much cheese goes on each eggplant pizza?
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each slice.
How long is the final baking time once the toppings are added?
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
How do I know when the pizzas are finished baking?
The pizzas are ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, these mini pizzas are described as a low-carb twist on traditional pizza.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe that avoids meat products.
Can I cook these in a toaster oven?
Yes, the instructions mention that either a regular oven or a toaster oven can be used.
How should I serve the eggplant pizzas?
Allow them to cool slightly after removing them from the oven and serve them hot.
What is the texture of the eggplant after the first bake?
The eggplant should be browned and almost tender after the initial 6 to 8 minutes of baking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: eggplant, olive oil, salt, ground black pepper, pasta sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
Are these pizzas good for parties?
Yes, they are ideal as appetizers for gatherings or as a fun dish to share with friends and family.
Is this recipe easy to follow?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and consists of simple preparation steps.
Can these be eaten as a light meal?
Yes, they are perfect as either an appetizer or a light meal.
Do I need to season both sides of the eggplant?
Yes, the instructions state to coat both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to ensure all surfaces are covered.
What is the main advantage of using eggplant instead of dough?
Using eggplant provides a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional dough-based pizza.
What kind of mozzarella should I buy?
The recipe recommends part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese.
How many mini pizzas does this recipe produce?
This recipe makes 4 mini eggplant pizzas based on the 4 slices cut from the eggplant.
Is there a specific way to apply the olive oil?
The recipe suggests using a brush to generously coat the eggplant slices with olive oil.