Eggplant, Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe

Indulge in a flavorsome feast with this Eggplant Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza recipe. A perfect blend of roasted eggplant and tangy goat cheese, topped with fragrant pesto, it is sure to become a favorite. Whether you are a pizza lover, vegetarian, or just a food enthusiast, this recipe will definitely take your pizza experience to a whole new level.

Photos of Eggplant, Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe

While most of the ingredients for this recipe are common kitchen staples, there are a few you might want to check before you start. The star ingredients, eggplant, goat cheese, and pesto might not be readily available in your pantry. Eggplant is the main vegetable in this recipe, so choose ones that are firm with smooth, shiny skin. Goat cheese adds a distinct tangy flavor which perfectly complements the robustness of the eggplant. Pesto, an aromatic mixture of basil, pine nuts, and parmesan, is readily available in most supermarkets but can also be homemade for a fresh, authentic flavor.

Ingredients for Eggplant Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza

Olive oil: Used for frying the eggplant and helps in bringing out its natural flavors.

Eggplant: The main vegetable in this recipe, roasting it brings out a unique, rich flavor.

Salt: Enhances the flavor of the eggplant and other ingredients.

Pizza dough: The base of the pizza, can be store-bought or homemade.

Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor to the pizza.

Black pepper: Gives a touch of heat to the pizza.

Goat cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy texture to the pizza.

Parmesan: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty flavor.

Pesto: Brushed onto the pizza for a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

One reader, Bryana Reinhart says:

This eggplant pesto and goat cheese pizza recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The creamy goat cheese and the earthy eggplant with the zesty pesto create a mouthwatering experience. It's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their pizza game.

Bryana Reinhart

Key Techniques for Crafting the Perfect Pizza

How to fry eggplant: Heat olive oil in a nonstick frying pan, season the eggplant with salt, and fry in batches until golden, about 10 minutes per batch.

How to arrange pizza dough: Oil a pizza pan or baking sheet, then press the pizza dough onto the pan in an approximately 14-inch round or 9-by-13-inch rectangle.

How to bake the pizza: Bake the pizza with the arranged eggplant slices, garlic, and pepper for 12 minutes at 450°F. Then, add the goat cheese, parmesan, and pesto, and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese begins to turn golden.

How to find pizza dough: Look for pizza dough in the refrigerator section of most supermarkets. Alternatively, consider asking for it at your favorite pizza restaurant, as many places are willing to sell it by the pound.

How To Make Eggplant, Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza

A medley of rich Italian flavors makes up this goat cheese pizza! Enjoy bites of earthy pesto, tender eggplant, and sharp Parmesan all in one filling plate.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 37 minutes

Total: 52 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

7½tbspolive oil
2lbseggplant
¾tspsalt
1lbpizza dough
3garlic cloves
½tspfresh ground black pepper
6ozmild goat cheese
½cupparmesan,grated
½cuppesto

Instructions

Heat the oven to 450 degrees F.
In a large nonstick frying pan, heat 2½ tablespoons of the oil over moderately high heat.
Season the eggplant with the salt. Fry ⅓ of the eggplant, turning, for about 10 minutes, until golden.
Remove. Repeat in two more batches with the remaining oil, using more if needed, and the eggplant.
Oil a 14-inch pizza pan or large baking sheet. Press the pizza dough onto the pan in an approximately 14-inch round or 9×13-inch rectangle.
Arrange the eggplant slices on the pizza crust. Sprinkle the garlic and pepper over the top.
Bake for 12 minutes
Put the slices of goat cheese on the pizza, sprinkle with the Parmesan, and then dot with the pesto.
Bake for about 15 minutes until the cheese begins to turn golden.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 508.71kcal
Fat: 30.96g
Saturated Fat: 8.70g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.07g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.71g
Carbohydrates: 42.45g
Fiber: 6.04g
Sugar: 5.21g
Protein: 16.34g
Cholesterol: 19.93mg
Sodium: 852.34mg
Calcium: 257.80mg
Potassium: 392.20mg
Iron: 3.37mg
Vitamin A: 93.32µg
Vitamin C: 3.25mg

Mastering the Art of Stretching Pizza Dough

When frying the eggplant, ensure to not overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding can cause the eggplant to steam rather than fry, resulting in a soggy texture. To achieve a golden and crispy texture, give each slice enough space to cook properly. Also, remember that eggplants are like sponges and can absorb a lot of oil. To prevent this, you can lightly salt the eggplant slices and let them sit for about 15 minutes before frying. The salt draws out moisture, making the eggplant less likely to absorb too much oil.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Homemade Pizza Dough

Prep ahead: Chop and season the eggplant in advance to save time on the day of cooking.

Store-bought dough: Use store-bought pizza dough to skip the time-consuming process of making it from scratch.

Multi-task: While the pizza is baking, prepare the toppings to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Batch cooking: Fry all the eggplant slices in one go to save time and minimize clean-up.

Organized workspace: Keep all ingredients and tools within reach to streamline the cooking process.

Efficient assembly: Arrange the toppings on the pizza dough in a systematic and organized manner to save time and ensure even distribution.

Substitute Ingredients For Eggplant, Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
eggplant - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a great alternative to eggplant in this pizza recipe.
pizza dough - Substitute with cauliflower crust: Cauliflower crust is a low-carb alternative to traditional pizza dough and adds a unique flavor to the pizza.
garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to garlic and can be a delicious alternative in this recipe.
goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese has a tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a great substitute for goat cheese in this pizza recipe.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino: Pecorino cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
pesto - Substitute with sun-dried tomato pesto: Sun-dried tomato pesto adds a rich and tangy flavor, which can be a delicious alternative to traditional pesto in this pizza recipe.

Presentation Tips for a Delightful Eggplant Pesto Pizza

Artful arrangement of eggplant slices: Carefully layer the fried eggplant slices in a visually appealing pattern on the pizza crust to create an eye-catching presentation.
Drizzle of pesto: Use a steady hand to drizzle the pesto in a zigzag pattern over the pizza, adding a pop of vibrant green color and a burst of flavor.
Garnish with fresh basil: Sprinkle freshly torn basil leaves over the finished pizza to add a touch of freshness and a delightful aroma.
Elevate with microgreens: Add a sprinkle of delicate microgreens on top of the pizza for a sophisticated and elegant touch.
Dollop of goat cheese: Place small dollops of goat cheese evenly across the pizza, creating a visually appealing contrast against the eggplant and pesto.
Use a pizza stone: For a professional touch, consider baking the pizza on a preheated pizza stone to achieve a perfectly crisp crust and even cooking.
Serving on a wooden board: Present the pizza on a rustic wooden board to add a touch of warmth and authenticity to the overall presentation.
Accompany with balsamic reduction: Serve the pizza with a drizzle of balsamic reduction on the side, allowing guests to customize their flavor experience.
Pair with a curated wine: Recommend a specific wine pairing, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, to elevate the dining experience and showcase your expertise in flavor combinations.
Personalized pizza cutter: Use a personalized or unique pizza cutter to slice the pizza at the table, adding a memorable and interactive element to the presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Homemade Pizza

Oven: You will need an oven to bake the pizza.
Nonstick frying pan: This will be used to fry the eggplant slices.
Pizza pan or large baking sheet: You will need this to press the pizza dough and bake the pizza.
Large spatula: A large spatula will be useful for transferring the pizza dough onto the pan and for removing the pizza from the oven.
Chef's knife: You will need a sharp chef's knife to slice the eggplant and garlic.
Cutting board: A cutting board will be essential for slicing the eggplant and garlic.
Measuring spoons: You will need measuring spoons to accurately measure the salt, pepper, and other ingredients.
Measuring cups: Measuring cups will be used to measure the olive oil, pesto, and other liquid ingredients.
Cheese grater: You will need a cheese grater to grate the parmesan cheese.
Oven mitts: Oven mitts will be necessary for handling the hot pizza pan and removing the pizza from the oven.
Pastry brush: A pastry brush will be useful for oiling the pizza pan or baking sheet.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Pizza for Later

Let the pizza cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the crust from getting soggy and the toppings from sliding off.
To store leftover pizza in the refrigerator, place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Properly stored, the pizza will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza:
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure there's no air trapped inside.
- Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Frozen pizza will maintain its best quality for about 1-2 months. However, it will remain safe beyond that time if stored at a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C).
To reheat refrigerated pizza, place the slices on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
For frozen pizza, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as mentioned above, or reheat it directly from frozen:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the frozen slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the pizza is heated through and the crust is crispy.
Note that the eggplant and pesto toppings may slightly change in texture after freezing and reheating, but the overall flavor should remain delicious.

How To Reheat Leftover Pizza Slices

Preheat your oven to 350°f (175°c). Place the leftover pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. This method helps restore the crispiness of the pizza crust while keeping the toppings warm and flavorful.
If you prefer a softer crust, place the pizza slices in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until the pizza is heated through. The damp paper towel helps prevent the pizza from drying out during reheating.
For a crispy crust without using an oven, heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Place the pizza slices in the pan and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom of the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method helps crisp up the bottom of the pizza while the lid traps heat to warm up the toppings evenly.
If you have a toaster oven, place the pizza slices directly on the toaster oven rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy. This method is quick and convenient, especially if you're only reheating a slice or two.
For a unique twist, transform your leftover pizza into a breakfast dish. Cut the pizza into bite-sized pieces and heat them in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil. Crack a few eggs over the pizza pieces and scramble them together. Cook until the eggs are set and serve hot. The combination of the savory pizza flavors and the creamy scrambled eggs creates a delicious and satisfying breakfast.

Interesting Trivia About Eggplant in Italian Cuisine

Eggplant pesto and goat cheese pizza is a delicious and unique combination of flavors. The mild goat cheese pairs perfectly with the rich and savory eggplant, while the pesto adds a burst of freshness. This pizza is a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a classic comfort food.

Budget-Friendly: Making Gourmet Pizza at Home

This eggplant pesto and goat cheese pizza recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The key ingredients, such as eggplant, goat cheese, and olive oil, are reasonably priced and widely available. The pizza dough can be store-bought or homemade, offering flexibility in cost. With an approximate cost of $20, this flavorful dish serves 4, making it a budget-friendly option at around $5 per serving. The rich flavors and versatility of the ingredients earn this recipe a solid 8/10 rating, making it a worthwhile and economical choice for a family meal.

Is This Pizza Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This eggplant pesto and goat cheese pizza recipe is a delicious combination of flavors, but it may not be the healthiest option. The recipe relies heavily on olive oil for frying the eggplant, which can add significant amounts of fat and calories to the dish. Additionally, the goat cheese and parmesan contribute to the overall fat content.

However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as eggplant, which is a good source of fiber and antioxidants, and pesto, which is made with basil, a nutrient-rich herb. The garlic also adds a boost of flavor and potential health benefits.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Grill or roast the eggplant instead of frying it to reduce the amount of oil used
Use a whole wheat or gluten-free pizza crust for added fiber and nutrients
Reduce the amount of goat cheese and parmesan, or opt for lower-fat alternatives
Increase the amount of vegetables on the pizza, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach
Make your own pesto using a lighter base, such as yogurt or avocado, and add more herbs and greens like spinach or kale

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of this eggplant pesto and goat cheese pizza while also making it a more well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Editor's Opinion: Why This Eggplant Pesto Pizza Is a Must-Try

The eggplant pesto and goat cheese pizza recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of eggplant adds a hearty and savory element, while the creamy goat cheese and aromatic pesto elevate the dish to a gourmet level. The cooking method for the eggplant ensures a golden and flavorful result, and the addition of garlic and parmesan enhances the overall taste profile. The wine recommendation is a thoughtful touch, providing a perfect pairing for this delectable pizza. Overall, this recipe offers a sophisticated twist on a classic pizza, making it a standout choice for a memorable meal.

Enhance Your Eggplant, Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection with a crispy garlic parmesan topping

Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots: Sweet and savory carrots glazed with a sticky honey balsamic sauce

Mango Avocado Salad: A refreshing and colorful salad featuring ripe mango and creamy avocado tossed in a zesty citrus dressing

Delicious Vegetarian Pizza Recipes to Try Next

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: This hearty and nutritious salad is packed with roasted vegetables, quinoa, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It's a perfect dish for a light lunch or a side for dinner.

Balsamic Glazed Salmon: This succulent salmon dish is marinated in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, then baked to perfection. It's a simple yet elegant meal that's sure to impress your dinner guests.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Indulge in this creamy and tropical chia pudding made with fresh mango, coconut milk, and a hint of vanilla. It's a healthy and delicious dessert or breakfast option.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Your Pizza

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these delectable stuffed mushrooms, filled with a savory mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil: Transport your taste buds to Italy with this classic bruschetta, featuring ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The ideal way to whet your appetite before the main course.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. This elegant dessert is perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.

Berry Tart: Create a stunning berry tart with a buttery crust, luscious pastry cream, and a colorful assortment of fresh berries. This beautiful dessert is sure to impress your guests and make a delightful ending to any meal.

Why trust this Eggplant, Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful culinary experience, as it features fresh and wholesome ingredients. The succulent eggplant is perfectly complemented by the rich flavors of pesto and creamy goat cheese. The use of high-quality olive oil and aromatic garlic ensures a tantalizing aroma and robust taste. With a perfect balance of parmesan and pepper, this recipe promises a harmonious blend of flavors. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, and savor the delightful combination of ingredients that will elevate your pizza experience.

Want to share your experience making this Eggplant, Pesto and Goat Cheese Pizza or discuss variations on the recipe? Join the conversation in the Recipe Sharing forum!

FAQ:

What type of eggplant should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of eggplant for this recipe, but I recommend using Italian or globe eggplants for their mild flavor and meaty texture.

Can I use store-bought pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, you can use store-bought pizza dough for convenience. Most supermarkets carry pizza dough in the refrigerator section, or you can inquire at your favorite pizza restaurant.

Can I substitute the goat cheese with another type of cheese?

While goat cheese adds a unique tangy flavor, you can substitute it with mozzarella, feta, or any cheese of your choice to suit your preference.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

To make this recipe vegetarian-friendly, simply ensure that the cheese and pesto you use are vegetarian. You can also add a variety of vegetables or plant-based protein toppings to customize the pizza to your liking.

Can I make the pizza dough from scratch?

Absolutely! If you prefer to make the pizza dough from scratch, there are many simple and delicious recipes available online. Homemade dough can add a personal touch to the pizza and allow you to control the ingredients.