Description
A cozy and flavorful pizza featuring a unique combination of creamy pumpkin puree, caramelized onions, and rich gouda cheese. This easy five-ingredient recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and savory notes on a crisp homemade or gluten-free pizza crust, baked to perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Caramelized Onions and Topping
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large (or 2 small-medium) yellow onion, peeled and sliced
- 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
For the Pizza
- 16 oz. fresh pizza dough, room temperature (or gluten free frozen pizza dough)
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 5 oz. freshly grated gouda cheese (about 1 1/4 cups)
- Optional: finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7 to 8 minutes until they become soft. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking or uneven browning, for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until they turn a blonde color. During the last 5 minutes, stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and if using, the crushed red pepper flakes to infuse flavor.
- Prepare Pizza: Position a rack in the center-top of the oven and preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet on the rack to heat. On a floured surface, sprinkle more flour and roll or stretch the dough into a 12 to 14 inch round. Transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper and prick the surface several times with a fork to prevent bubbles from forming during baking.
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly spread the pumpkin puree over the stretched dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edges. Scatter the caramelized onion and garlic mixture over the pumpkin layer, then top with the grated gouda cheese. Carefully transfer the dough with parchment onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the crust bottom turns crisp and the cheese melts completely. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Caramelizing onions is a slow process but adds deep flavor and sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the pumpkin.
- Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crisp crust but a baking sheet works well as an alternative.
- Pricking the dough prevents large air bubbles during baking for a more even crust.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute with your preferred gluten-free pizza dough.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright herbaceous note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin pizza, gouda cheese pizza, caramelized onion pizza, easy fall recipes, vegetarian pizza, homemade pizza, autumn pizza, pumpkin puree pizza
