Baked Eggplant Caprese Appetizer

On April 19, 2020, Updated October 04, 2024

Baked eggplant caprese appetizer is an Italian dish called Melanzane al forno. I also like to call it pizza slices because they are eggplant rounds with pizza sauce and cheese. Regardless, these eggplant appetizer bites are the perfect low-cab alternative, so basically no guilt and packed with flavor!

The cheese used in this eggplant recipe is scamorza cheese which is an Italian cow's mik cheese from the South of Italy. It's usually white in color like mozzarella but this one is the smoked version known as Scamorza Affumicata (smoked scarmorza cheese).

The eggplant slices are earthy, the marinara sauce is warm and rich, and the cheese on top is divine.

In short, smoked scarmorza on a rich tomato based oven baked eggplant is pure luxury in every bite!

If you love crispy eggplant, then you will love this recipe!

You can use homemade pizza sauce or fresh tomatoes (ripe tomatoes) or your own marinara sauce. A good quality store-bought marinara sauce in a jar can also be used.

Another thing we love about this recipe is that it is very easy to make and can be made ahead of time. Your guests will be impressed and so will you 🙂

Ingredient Breakdown For Baked Eggplant Caprese Appetizer

• Eggplant: As the main ingredient of this recipe, choose a firm eggplant with smooth skin. A good pick will give the dish a soft, melt-in-your-mouth velvety texture bite.

• Make sure to cut thick slices for the best result. The thicker rounds may take 5 minutes longer to cook. The thinner rounds cook quicker, are crispier but can burn very quick so watch them!

• TIP: If you are making them thinner, use less toppings.

• The sides of the eggplant will brown and create a crispy eggplant texture, which pairs well with the cheese and sauce.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh grape tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes will add a burst of tangy sweetness to the caprese dish. You can also use beefsteak tomatoes for this recipe.

• Smoked scamorza cheese or mozzarella: Mozzarella cheese has a subtle sweet, and delicate flavor. Mozzarella slice or fresh mozzarella gives a nice melted cheese effect. Smoked scamorza can be substituted with mozzarella cheese.

• Marinara sauce: You can either use store-bought or homemade sauce for a personal spin on the dish.

• Salt: Kosher salt for seasoning the eggplant pieces since they can be very bland.

• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives a mild peppery kick.

• Extra virgin olive oil: Drizzle the eggplant slices with a little olive oil or garlic oil to help them brown and cook properly. It also enhances flavor.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic or garlic powder adds aromatic garlicky spiciness to the eggplant caprese (optional)

• Herb seasoning: Herb seasoning makes the dish herby and aromatic. Add chopped basil, chopped fresh parsley or a basil leaf on top of the caprese stacks.

• Fresh basil: Fresh basil leaves gives the entire dish a hint of sweetness and spiciness.

How to Make Oven Baked Eggplant Pizza Rounds

You can find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Prep: Rinse and slice the eggplant into rounds.

Season: Season with salt, pepper and drizzle extra virgin olive oil.

Bake: Bake until tender and cooked through.

Toppings: Remove from the oven, add your toppings and return to the oven to bake finished till the cheese has melted and the tops are golden brown. You can also turn on your grill (broiler) for 4-5 minutes just to get the tops all nice and crispy.

How to Choose The Right Eggplant?

Expert Tips

For a less seedy eggplant, look at the end bit of the eggplant (also known as the flower the bottom end or the naval of the eggplant. You will notice that some eggplants have a round brown bit on the end and some have a slightly elongated brown bit to distinguish male and female. The round end is less bitter and has less seeds (male) while the elongated brown bit is the female version of the eggplant and has more seeds. It makes so much sense when you understand it like that and helps you choose the right eggplant!

How do I know this? We eat A LOT of eggplants, my husband grew up distinguishing everything as male and female! Yep.

• Eggplant cutting size: Cut the slice of eggplant into 1.5-inch-thick rounds.

• Shred or cut your cheese: Mozzarella cheese always tastes fresh and delicious when shredded right before use.

• Make Ahead: Compile the dish ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container for easy reheating in a preheated oven. Bake in a preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and the eggplant slices turn golden brown.

Substitutions and Variations

• Olive oil substitute: Avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, a generous drizzle of olive oil for a nutty flavor is great. I say generous because eggplants inhale the oil!

• Tomato-based sauces: Substitutes include pizza sauce or pasta sauce. For a creative twist, use Romesco sauce.

• For acid, balsamic vinegar drizzle at the end adds a flavorful punch. Try it one first if you've had it this way!

• Cheese selection: Aside from smoked scamorza or mozzarella, you can add parmesan cheese for extra flavor or mini burrata balls. Mozzarella slices can also be used as a fresh mozzarella option.

• Herb seasoning Substitute: Add oregano or thyme instead of the herb mix. Thyme adds a slight tang.

• Add Balsamic vinegar or glaze: Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar for an umami flavor.

• Squeeze of lime or lemon: Add a side of lime or lemon for guests to squeeze over their caprese dish. This adds brightness but can be intense, so serve it on the side.

• Brown sugar: Add a dash of brown sugar to balance out the tanginess of the ingredients.

• Breading: For an eggplant parmigiana-type flavor, use breaded eggplant. It will add a different dimension to this dish.

How to Store Baked Eggplant Caprese Appetizer?

Refrigerate: You can store this baked eggplant caprese appetizer in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. It obviously won't be as great but once reheated, it's delicious all over again!

How to Reheat: Place in a preheated oven 200 degrees C / 400 degrees F and bake until everything is nice and hot. About 8 to 10 minutes.

Alternatively, reheat them in a large skillet with a little oil for crispiness. The best way is to use the oven to maintain the crispy texture of the grilled eggplant. If using an outdoor grill, reheat over medium heat for added smokiness.

How to Serve Eggplants

This roasted eggplant caprese is the perfect summer recipe. Pair it with veggie options or even add pine nuts for a twist.

It can be served as a side dish or as a main course with your favorite garden vegetables.

For those on a low-calorie diet or watching their daily values, this dish is an excellent choice, packed with flavor and made with farmer's market fresh ingredients.

It's great for those looking for healthy eggplant recipes, or if you love eggplant parmesan, give this a try!

For full nutrition information and a printable recipe card, scroll below.

Stay in touch!

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