Delicious Pizzaiola Aubergine Appetizer Recipes to Wow Your Guests

When it comes to appetizers, it’s always a good idea to have a variety of delicious options to please your guests. One dish that never fails to impress is the pizzaiola aubergine appetizer. With its rich flavor and satisfying texture, it is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Pizzaiola is a traditional Italian dish that typically features a tomato-based sauce with herbs and spices, commonly used as a topping for pizza. When combined with aubergines, also known as eggplants, it creates a mouthwatering appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more.

Here are a few delectable pizzaiola aubergine appetizer recipes that will surely wow your guests:

1. Classic Pizzaiola Aubergine Bruschetta:
To start, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Slice the aubergines into 1-inch thick rounds and brush both sides with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until tender. In the meantime, prepare the pizzaiola sauce by sautéing chopped tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in olive oil. Once the aubergines are ready, top each slice with the pizzaiola sauce and some shredded mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve on toasted baguette slices as a delightful bruschetta.

2. Pizzaiola Aubergine Roll-Ups:
For this recipe, thinly slice the aubergines lengthwise using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Brush each slice with olive oil, then grill or broil them for a couple of minutes on each side until lightly charred and pliable. In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, and salt. Spread this mixture onto each aubergine slice, then roll them up tightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed. Place the rolled-up aubergines in a baking dish and pour over the pizzaiola sauce. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 20-25 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.

3. Pizzaiola Aubergine Stacks:
Start by preparing the pizzaiola sauce as described earlier. Slice larger aubergines into ½ inch thick rounds and grill or broil them until cooked and slightly charred. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, and grated Parmesan. Assemble the stacks by placing a grilled aubergine slice on a plate, followed by a dollop of the ricotta mixture, a spoonful of pizzaiola sauce, and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with aubergine on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Allow the stacks to cool slightly before serving.

With these tantalizing pizzaiola aubergine appetizer recipes, you’ll have no trouble wowing your guests at your next gathering. The rich flavors, vibrant colors, and enticing aromas will undoubtedly make these dishes the star of the evening. So go ahead and give them a try, and trust us, your guests will be asking for the recipe!