This Easy Low-Carb Eggplant Pizza transforms traditional pizza into a nutritious gluten-free alternative made with roasted eggplant slices, melted cheese and your favorite toppings.
Perfect for an easy weeknight meal or make it for meal prep. We will explore the benefits of eggplant, show you how to make it and give you some tasty variations.
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Pizza is one of my favorite things and I have learned to make many different low carb versions. You might want to check out some of these low carb pizza or pizza inspired recipes:
What is eggplant pizza?
A spin on pizza where slices of eggplant are used as the crust to top with all your favorite pizza toppings.
It's a healthier version of pizza without the carbs and for health-conscious people looking for a gluten-free option.
Why use eggplant instead of dough?
- Healthy Pizza: high in antioxidants, low in calories and rich in fiber.
- Diet Friendly: great for low-carb, keto, vegetarian and gluten-free diets.
- Mild Flavor: The milder flavor of eggplant is a good carrier for various toppings and sauces.
Ingredients Needed
This eggplant pizza uses simple ingredients so that you can make it in a pinch.
- Eggplant: the star of the show with its mild and earthy flavor. Select a firm, heavy eggplant that is smooth and shiny.
- Marinara Sauce: use a low carb or no sugar added sauce
- Cheese: top the pizza with mozzarella or your favorite cheese.
- Pepperoni (optional): the traditional ingredient but really be creative and top it with your favorites, or simply enjoy a vegetarian cheese eggplant pizza.
- Salt: we salt the eggplant first to remove some of the moisture.
- Olive Oil: use a good quality olive oil.
* See the recipe card for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
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Step by step instructions
How to make eggplant pizza at home?
STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
STEP 2: Slice the eggplant into ½-inch rounds, place them on the parchment-lined baking sheet, and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to remove moisture.
STEP 3: Pat the eggplant dry with a paper towel, then brush both sides with olive oil and a sprinkle of black pepper.
STEP 4: Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.
STEP 5: Add sauce, cheese, and toppings, then broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
STEP 6: Cool slightly and serve.
* See the recipe card for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
Pizza Topping Ideas
- Marinara or pesto sauce
- Shredded mozzarella, provolone, or feta
- Sliced pepperoni or cooked sausage
- Cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Caramelized onions
- Kalamata olives
- Baby spinach or arugula
- Roasted red peppers
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil or oregano
- Drizzle of balsamic glaze or garlic oil
Recipe Tips
- To prevent soggy bottoms, allow the eggplant pizzas to rest on a cooling rack.
- Do not oversalt the eggplant slices and it can make the final dish too salty since you may be adding additional salty toppings
- The cheese can go from bubbly to burnt in seconds. Watch it closely while broiling.
Recipe Variations
- Vegan Eggplant Pizza: Use vegan cheese alternatives and a variety of plant-based toppings like zucchini slices, mushrooms and olives.
- Pesto Eggplant Pizza: Instead of a tomato-based sauce, use basil pesto and top with provolone cheese and shredded chicken.
- Mediterranean Pizza: top with a layer of olive tapenade and crumbled feta cheese.
- Caprese Eggplant Pizza: top with fresh mozzarella, slices of cherry tomatoes and add some fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic or olive oil.
What to serve with this pizza
- Fresh Salads: serve it with this tasty Cauliflower Rice or Creamy Keto Greek Salad.
- Hearty Sides: This Air Fryer Broccoli Parmesan is a great side to go with this recipe.
- Extras: these Citrus Marinated Olives and Marinated Mozzarella Balls make a great accompaniment for this dish.
Nutritional Information
Eggplant pizza offers a balanced meal with lower carbs and higher fiber compared to traditional pizza. This nutritional information is for an eggplant pizza with cheese topping only.
Per serving:
- Calories: 161
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 7g
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving — it can make the eggplant soggy.
❄️ Freezing
- Let the slices cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid (about 1 hour).
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store for up to 2 months.
- Reheat from frozen in a 375°F oven for 12–15 minutes, or until hot and cheese is bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avoid overbaking and ensure slices are not too thin. Salting beforehand helps maintain firmness.
Apart from marinara, consider pesto, white garlic sauce, or even a spicy arrabbiata for added flavor.
Tried this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating.
Recipe Card
Easy Eggplant Pizza (Low Carb)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 medium eggplant sliced into ½-inch rounds
- ½ teaspoon salt for drawing out moisture
- 1½ tablespoon olive oil for brushing
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ cup marinara or pizza sauce low carb or no sugar added
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese or cheese of choice
- Optional toppings: sliced pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, cherry tomatoes, basil, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the eggplant into ½-inch rounds and arrange on the baking sheet. Lightly sprinkle with salt and let sit for 30 minutes to release moisture.
- Pat slices dry with a paper towel. Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.
- Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.
- Top each slice with sauce, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Cool slightly before serving. For best texture, place on a cooling rack to prevent sogginess.
Important Information
For more information, tips and variations please review the recipe video and content above and below the recipe card.
Updates and Revisions
If the video and recipe card differ, follow the recipe card for the latest ingredients and instructions.
Nutritional Information
Nutrition info is estimated and varies by ingredients, measurements, and portions.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooked food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more food guidelines
Oscar Chimenti says
This eggplant pizza was easy to make and surprisingly satisfying. The roasted eggplant base held up well, and the toppings made it feel like real pizza. Definitely a regular rotation.