Sizzling Julia Child Eggplant Pizza Recipe: Homemade Magic!

Eggplant pizza marries rustic charm with unexpected culinary magic that elevates weeknight dining.

Tender medallions of roasted eggplant form a vibrant base bursting with Mediterranean flair.

Molten cheese cascades over golden-edged vegetable slices, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Zingy tomato sauce weaves through each mouthwatering layer, transforming a humble vegetable into a star performer.

Bold flavors collide in this ingenious recipe that breaks traditional pizza boundaries.

Seasonal ingredients merge seamlessly, promising a dish that delights both adventurous and classic palates.

Let this sensational recipe spark a delicious kitchen revolution.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 2

Julia Child’s Eggplant Pizza Ingredient Guide

• Eggplant: Choose firm, glossy purple eggplant without soft spots or wrinkles, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.

• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin olive oil for rich, robust flavor and smooth coating.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: Look for a blend with vibrant herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic taste.
• Salt: Use sea salt or kosher salt for better flavor distribution and subtle mineral notes.
• Black Pepper: Opt for freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall seasoning intensity.

• Tomato Sauce: Pick a smooth, rich marinara or pizza sauce with balanced acidity and sweetness.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Select bright green, crisp basil leaves without dark spots for maximum aroma.
• Parmesan Cheese: Choose aged, hard parmesan with nutty, sharp flavor profile.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Use fresh, low-moisture mozzarella for perfect melting and stretchy texture.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Select high-quality, vibrant red flakes for optional spicy kick.

Cooking Tools for Eggplant Pizza Success

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat metal pan for roasting eggplant slices evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface to prevent eggplant from sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Paper Towels: Used to absorb moisture and salt from eggplant slices.
• Pastry Brush: Perfect for evenly coating eggplant rounds with olive oil.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for trimming eggplant ends and slicing into rounds.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing eggplant slices.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning measurements.
• Broiler-Safe Baking Dish: Allows final cheese melting step under direct heat.
• Serving Plate: Attractive dish for presenting your eggplant pizzas.

How to Bake Julia Child’s Eggplant Pizza

Unleash Eggplant Pizza Magic

• Prep Eggplant Slices

Slice eggplant into hearty rounds and generously salt both sides. Let sit for half an hour to remove excess moisture and mellow bitterness. The salt trick helps create a perfect base for your mini pizzas.

• Season and Oil

Gently pat eggplant dry with towels. Arrange slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush each slice with olive oil and dust with Italian herbs, creating a flavor-packed canvas for your culinary creation.

• Roast to Perfection

Fire up the oven to 375°F. Roast eggplant rounds until edges turn golden and texture becomes wonderfully tender. This step transforms ordinary vegetables into a crispy, delectable foundation.

• Top and Transform

Spread a vibrant layer of tomato sauce across each roasted slice. Scatter fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness. Blanket generously with melty mozzarella and sharp parmesan cheese.

• Final Broil Blast

Switch oven to broil. Slide topped eggplant pizzas under intense heat for 6-7 minutes. Watch closely as cheese bubbles and turns a delightful golden brown. The result? Irresistible mini pizzas that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Serve and Savor

Transfer your eggplant pizza masterpieces to a serving plate. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for those craving an extra flavor punch. Enjoy immediately while crispy and piping hot.

Tips for Perfect Texture in Eggplant Pizza

• Boost Your Eggplant Pizza Game: Quick and Delicious Cooking Tips
• Moisture Removal Magic: Salt draws out bitter liquid from eggplant, creating perfect texture. Pat slices thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispiness during roasting.
• Customize Your Cheese Blend: Mix different cheeses like sharp cheddar or creamy goat cheese for unique flavor profiles. Experiment with regional cheese varieties to elevate your mini pizzas.
• Spice Up Your Creation: Add fresh herbs like oregano or thyme to enhance Mediterranean flavors. Sprinkle red pepper flakes or chili powder for extra heat and excitement.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Roast eggplant slices in advance and store in refrigerator for quick assembly later. Prebaked slices can last 3-4 days, making weeknight dinners super convenient.

How to Serve Eggplant Pizza Warm and Crispy

• Appetizer Adventure: Transform these eggplant rounds into delightful mini pizzas perfect for game nights, parties, or casual snacking with friends.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Layer multiple cheese varieties like mozzarella and parmesan to create rich, melty flavor profiles that complement the roasted eggplant base.
• Fresh Herb Explosion: Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley right before serving to add bright, aromatic freshness that elevates the entire dish.
• Spice It Up: Offer red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or sprinkle chili flakes for guests who enjoy an extra kick of heat and want to customize their mini pizzas.

Storage Advice for Leftover Eggplant Pizza

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store leftover eggplant pizzas in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Quick Reheat Strategy: Revive cold slices by placing them in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Toaster ovens work wonderfully for maintaining crispy edges and melty cheese texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare roasted eggplant slices in advance and store separately from toppings. This technique keeps base crisp and allows quick assembly when hunger strikes. Components stay fresh for up to 4 days refrigerated.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual unassembled roasted eggplant slices tightly in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before final preparation and topping.

Rustic Julia Child Eggplant Pizza Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Julia Child’s eggplant pizza blends French culinary techniques with Italian flavor inspiration. Creamy roasted eggplant, melted cheese, and crisp herbs create a delightful Mediterranean-style meal you’ll savor slice by slice.

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Ingredients

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• 1 globe eggplant (about 8 oz, 227 g, 9–10 inches long)
• 1 can (14.5 oz, 411 g) petite diced tomatoes, with liquid
• ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup finely grated mozzarella cheese
• 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 3 tsps extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp salt
• 10 large basil leaves, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tsps dried italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried italian seasoning blend
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Trim eggplant ends and slice into 3/4-inch rounds. Salt both surfaces and rest on paper towels for moisture extraction, approximately 30 minutes.
2. Roasting Preparation: Thoroughly pat eggplant dry with fresh paper towels. Arrange rounds on parchment-lined baking sheet without overlapping. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with Italian herb blend.
3. Initial Cooking: Activate oven to 375°F (190°C). Position baking sheet on center rack and roast eggplant for 25 minutes until edges turn golden and slices maintain structural integrity.
4. Topping Application: Transition oven to broil setting. Carefully spread tomato sauce across roasted eggplant, maintaining small perimeter border. Distribute fresh basil leaves and generously cover with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
5. Final Broiling: Position topped eggplant under broiler, monitoring closely for 4-6 minutes until cheese melts and achieves light golden-brown coloration. Remove from oven, allow brief cooling period, and optionally garnish with red pepper flakes. Serve immediately while crisp and warm.

Notes

• Dehydrate Eggplant: Salt drawing removes bitterness and excess moisture, guaranteeing crispy texture and preventing soggy pizza rounds.
• Oil Evenly: Drizzle olive oil carefully to ensure each slice gets balanced flavor and helps achieve golden, crispy edges during roasting.
• Watch Broiling Closely: Cheese can burn quickly under high heat, so monitor closely to achieve perfect golden-brown melting without charring.
• Temperature Precision: Use center oven rack for consistent roasting and broiling, ensuring even heat distribution and optimal cooking results.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1500mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 15mg