Pizza, Pumpkin, Fall Recipes, Dinner
As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, fall beckons us to embrace its bounty, particularly in our cooking. What better dish to celebrate the flavors of the season than a delightful Pumpkin Pizza? This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, providing a unique twist on a classic favorite. The combination of savory pumpkin puree, caramelized onions, aromatic thyme, and melty cheeses will have you savoring every bite.
Why make this recipe
Pumpkin is not just for lattes and pies; it’s a versatile ingredient that’s packed with nutrients and flavor. This Pumpkin Pizza embraces the essence of fall, making it a perfect centerpiece for your dinner gatherings. It’s not only delicious; it’s also a great way to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals. Furthermore, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining, which makes it a win-win!
How to make Pumpkin Pizza
Ingredients:
- 1 ready-to-bake pizza dough
- 1.5 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 sweet onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, diced
- ½ tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups freshly grated havarti cheese
- 1 cup arugula
- Extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and place a pizza stone in the oven to warm up if you have one.
- Cook half of the diced onion in olive oil over medium-low heat until softened and fragrant. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sugar halfway through and continue cooking until translucent.
- In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, garlic, shallot, thyme, and the remaining half of the onions. Stir in parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the pizza dough according to package instructions and flatten into a circular shape.
- Transfer the dough to the heated pizza stone, spread the pumpkin mixture evenly on top, add caramelized onions and arugula, then sprinkle with grated Havarti cheese. Season with extra salt and pepper if desired.
- Bake according to the dough package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, or longer if desired for a crispier finish (20-25 minutes).
- Enjoy your homemade pizza!
How to serve Pumpkin Pizza
Serve your Pumpkin Pizza hot from the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness. Pair it with a fresh salad or a warm bowl of soup for a complete fall meal. This pizza can also make a fantastic appetizer at your next gathering, just cut it into smaller slices!
How to store Pumpkin Pizza
If you have leftovers (which is unlikely, given how delicious this pizza is!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through for the best texture. Avoid microwaving, as that can make the crust soggy.
Tips to make Pumpkin Pizza
- For added depth of flavor, try roasting the garlic before mixing it with the pumpkin puree.
- If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños to the pumpkin mixture.
- Don’t skip the caramelization of the onions; it adds a wonderful sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
Variation
Feel free to switch things up! Add cooked sausage or bacon for a meatier version, or go vegetarian with a medley of seasonal veggies like spinach or roasted bell peppers. Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for additional flavor profiles.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh roasted pumpkin; just ensure it is well-pureed before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Is this pizza suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared pizza before baking. Just assemble it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, remove it from the freezer and add extra baking time.
Can I make the dough from scratch?
Absolutely! If you’re up for it, homemade pizza dough can elevate your pizza. Follow your favorite dough recipe or use a simple no-yeast dough for a quick alternative.
Pumpkin Pizza
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 piece ready-to-bake pizza dough
Pumpkin Topping
- 1.5 cups pumpkin puree Can use fresh pumpkin if well-pureed.
- 1 piece sweet onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon sugar For caramelizing onions.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Roasted garlic can enhance flavor.
- 1 piece shallot, diced
- 0.5 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped Add extra for garnish if desired.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to your preference.
- 0.5 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups freshly grated havarti cheese Can substitute with other cheeses.
- 1 cup arugula Add fresh for garnish.
- to taste Extra virgin olive oil For cooking and drizzling.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F and place a pizza stone in the oven to warm up if you have one.
- Cook half of the diced onion in olive oil over medium-low heat until softened and fragrant. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sugar halfway through and continue cooking until translucent.
- In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, garlic, shallot, thyme, and the remaining half of the onions. Stir in parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the pizza dough according to package instructions and flatten into a circular shape.
Baking
- Transfer the dough to the heated pizza stone, spread the pumpkin mixture evenly on top, add caramelized onions and arugula, then sprinkle with grated Havarti cheese. Season with extra salt and pepper if desired.
- Bake according to the dough package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, or longer if desired for a crispier finish (20-25 minutes).
Serving
- Serve your Pumpkin Pizza hot from the oven, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness.
