Trading carbs for veggie alternatives is a nutrition trend that isn’t going away anytime soon. If you’re a fan of zucchini or cauliflower pizza crust, there’s a new veggie to add to the mix — eggplant! Using eggplant slices in place of ordinary pizza dough not only reduces calories, but it’s also better for your smile.

The next time you’re craving pizza (but not the guilt), try this easy recipe for mini eggplant pizzas. They’re delicious and cute — so you can impress your taste buds and your friends. 

1. Preheat oven to 500° F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with olive oil.

2. Trim off ends of eggplant, then slice diagonally into ½-inch-thick rounds. Spray eggplant with olive oil and place onto prepared baking sheet.

3. Sprinkle eggplant rounds with half of your kosher salt, black pepper and garlic powder seasoning.

4. Bake rounds for 10 minutes. Remove from oven, flip over, spray with more olive oil, add the rest of the seasoning and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

5. Remove the baking sheet from oven and switch oven to broil. 

6. With a spoon, spread marinara sauce on each eggplant round. Top each round with a basil leaf and sprinkle with cheese.

7. Return baking sheet to oven. Broil for two to three minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

8. Let rest for five minutes before serving.

9.  Enjoy!