These Eggplant Pizzas are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic pizza! We’re swapping out the traditional dough for slices of tender eggplant, creating a lighter and lower-carb option that’s still packed with flavor. Topped with tangy marinara sauce, gooey mozzarella cheese, and savory pepperoni, these mini pizzas are perfect for a quick and satisfying snack, appetizer, or light lunch. Get ready to enjoy all the flavors of pizza with a healthy and delicious twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthy and Delicious: Eggplant is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making these pizzas a nutritious and satisfying option.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these pizzas are a breeze to assemble and bake.
Perfect for Snacking or Appetizers: Their mini size makes them ideal for parties, game day gatherings, or a light lunch.
Versatile: You can customize the toppings to your liking, adding your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or meats.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Eggplant Pizzas:

Eggplant: Sliced into thin rounds, it serves as the base for the pizzas.
Whole milk low moisture mozzarella cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and provides a classic pizza flavor.
Marinara sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
Sliced pepperoni: Adds a salty and savory kick.
Olive oil: Used for drizzling and roasting the eggplant.
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: To taste.
Fresh basil: For serving, it adds a fresh and fragrant touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Eggplant Pizzas

Step 1: Prepare the Eggplant

Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the eggplant slices on the prepared baking sheet and lightly salt them. Let them sit for 5 minutes to release excess moisture.
Pat the eggplant slices dry with a paper towel to remove the moisture.
Drizzle the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with black pepper.
Bake the eggplant for 12 minutes, or until the tops start to brown. Flip the slices and bake for another 5 minutes.

Step 2: Assemble and Bake the Pizzas

Remove the eggplant slices from the oven.
Dollop each slice with a tablespoon of marinara sauce.
Top with mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices. (Optional: Use a small biscuit cutter to create mini pepperoni rounds for a cute presentation.)
Bake the pizzas for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the pizzas from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Let the pizzas sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Salt the eggplant: Salting the eggplant helps draw out excess moisture, preventing the pizzas from becoming soggy.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Arrange the eggplant slices in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your pizzas.

How to Serve

As a snack: Enjoy these mini pizzas on their own for a healthy and satisfying snack.
As an appetizer: Serve them at parties or gatherings as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
As a light lunch: Pair them with a salad or soup for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover eggplant pizzas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating

Reheat the pizzas in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as provolone, Monterey Jack, or even vegan cheese.

Can I make these pizzas without pepperoni?

Absolutely! You can omit the pepperoni or substitute it with your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, or peppers.

Can I grill the eggplant instead of baking it?

Yes, you can grill the eggplant slices for a smoky flavor. Grill them over medium heat for a few minutes per side, or until tender.

Can I freeze these pizzas?

Yes, you can freeze baked eggplant pizzas. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy these healthy and delicious Eggplant Pizzas!