Confession: If I was stranded on a desert island and could only have one food, it would be pizza. Seriously, is there anything better than a hot slice of cheesy, saucy warm goodness? Alas, a girl cannot live off of pizza alone and still fit into her jeans. With my new Crust free NY style quick & healthy Eggplant Pizza it might just be possible after all. Let me tell you how this dish came about and why you need it in your life. Thanks for joining me for Meatless Monday.
Crust Free NY Style Quick & Healthy Eggplant Pizza
I may have overdone it on the covid stress carbs early on in 2020. Realizing that my jeans were getting a little snug, I decided to cut back on the carbs a bit. That did not mean that I was going to give up eating my favorite foods. I set out to recreate some of my favorites in a lower carb version.
Why Eggplant Pizza?
Sure, I tried a few lower carb pizza crusts that I found in the freezer. Honestly, they were okay but many had lots of “stuff” in them that I didn’t need and of calories that I would rather eat elsewhere. Enter eggplant! One of the vegetables I consider to be quite versatile. If someone tells you they don’t like eggplant, it’s probably because they have not had it prepared the right way.
So instead of trying to concoct some sort of healthier pizza crust, I grabbed a nice big eggplant. Slicing the eggplant into 1/4 inch “planks” makes them the perfect canvas for my Crust Free Eggplant Pizza. They are hearty enough to hold up to all the sauce and cheese plus any other toppings you choose to pile on. I leave the skin on to give it texture and it makes a better “crust”. Did I mention that eggplant is full of Vitamin C, K and B-6 not to mention high fiber, low carb and low calorie?
How do I make this amazing Eggplant Pizza you are tempting me with?
First, and most importantly, you must sweat out your eggplant. Say what? After you slice your eggplant, sprinkle it with a little salt and allow it to “sweat” for about 15 minutes while your oven warms up. Drizzle it with a little EVOO, pepper, and garlic powder and pop it in the oven for about 15 minutes until the center is soft.
[Craving some pasta? You may also like Skillet Eggplant Al Forno]
Now your crust is ready for some saucy and cheesy goodness. Pile it high with your favorite toppings and pop it back into the oven to get all melty and delish. Ready to serve in about 30 minutes.
What toppings can I add to my Eggplant Pizza?
The possibilities are endless and anything goes. My favorite toppings are:
-Mozzarella, Parmesan, or Ricotta cheese
-Spinach and mushrooms
-Tomato and garlic
-Peppers and onions
-meatless pepperoni
-Regular pepperoni or any protein you have
-Chicken sausage
Crust Free NY Style Quick & Healthy Eggplant pizza
Everything you love about pizza in a healthier, crust free, low carb, low-calorie eggplant pizza. Fully customizable
Ingredients
- 1 large eggplant- sliced into 1/4 inch planks (about 100 g each)
- 1 C tomato sauce
- 1 C shredded low fat Mozzarella cheese
- optional pizza toppings
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- slice eggplant into 1/4" planks
- sprinkle with salt to "sweat them out" for 10 min
- transfer to foil lined baking sheet
- sprinkle with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano
- bake for 10 min
- remove from oven and build your pizza
- add tomato sauce and mozzarella
- add your favorite toppings
- bake for 10-12 min until cheese is melted and bubbly
- serve immediately for best results
Notes
Very customizable with your favorite toppings from: tomatoes, ricotta cheese, spinach, peppers, mushrooms, veg meat replacement etc anything goes!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 141Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 399mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 7g
My crust free NY style quick & healthy Eggplant Pizza makes a fantastic weeknight meal for the whole family. Everyone can choose their favorite toppings and create their own pizza. You will love the healthier gluten-free eggplant crust that is low carb and lower calorie. Let me know what your favorite toppings are. Grab a slice today.
Perfect!
Thanks I am kind of obsessed with it
I’m not an eggplant fan but I had to check out this recipe before sending it to a friend of mine that if gluten free. Thanks Deborah!
It might change your mind and thanks for passing it along 🙂
I’ve only tried eggplant once before – it was okay but I feel like I would like it a lot better this way. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
what? Only one time!? Wished you lived closer I would drop some off to you asap
Has anyone ever told you that you’re a genius? I have not had much experience with eggplant, mainly because most recipes didn’t look that appealing. This pizza, though, looks like a game changer!
Thanks it’s my new obsession
It makes me sad when people say they don’t like eggplant. They are missing out. Then again, more for me… 🙂
Your picture of this looks amazing! Too bad “anti-healthy” husbands might still reject it… or would they?!
I know eggplant is underrated! Maybe with the right toppings, you could win over your hubs
I don’t like eggplants so maybe making them in pizza could be the answer! They look delicious
It’s worth a try!
I’m such a fan of eggplant! I can’t wait to try this pizza. I bet it’s delicious!
Thanks so much hope you enjoy it
What a great way to use eggplant! So delish and creative and I love the toppings. I am trying this asap!
Fantastic I hope you really enjoy it
2 of my favorite foods – eggplant and pizza. Bookmarking this page. Thanks!
Thanks Laurie hope you all enjoy it
Trying these again, if there is anything to get my kids to eat eggplant it’s pizza!
I hope it does the trick
This is such a creative twist to pizza! Love the engaging and conversational tone you use in your writing!
Well thanks so much I really appreciate that!! Hope to see you around again soon
I’m not a pizza eater, but this looks like a great healthy alternative for those who love pizza but want to not feel guilty!
Definitely thanks
I really like this recipe. I always want SOMETHING more exciting to do with eggplants and this looks delicious!
Thanks so much really hope you enjoy
This is a great idea – I love eggplant and covered with tomato and cheese makes it perfect
Thanks so much it has become one of my favorites
Same Pizza is my favorite food,
And I love eggplant too. I need to make other than eggplant parm.
This could not be easier to make. I hope you enjoy it
This is genius!! I’ll be making this again and again!!!
I am loving too and make it often for my crew.