Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pizza Recipe

Introduction

This Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pizza offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. With creamy goat cheese, rich caramelized onions, and fresh arugula, it’s an elegant yet simple homemade pizza perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Fresh arugula, for topping
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently until the onions are soft and caramelized.
3. Step 3: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer the dough to the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Brush a thin layer of olive oil over the surface of the dough.
5. Step 5: Evenly spread the caramelized onions over the dough. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, and fresh thyme leaves on top.
6. Step 6: Drizzle balsamic vinegar and honey (if using) evenly over the pizza.
7. Step 7: Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
8. Step 8: Remove the pizza from the oven. Top with fresh arugula, a drizzle of olive oil, and freshly cracked black pepper.
9. Step 9: Slice and serve hot. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
• Substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or basil for a different herbal note.
• Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.
• Try swapping arugula for baby spinach or arugula mixed with shaved Parmesan.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to maintain a crisp crust and melty cheese. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of goat cheese?

Yes, you can substitute goat cheese with feta or ricotta for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, though the taste will vary slightly.

How do I know when the caramelized onions are ready?

The onions are ready when they are soft, richly browned, and have a sweet aroma. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.

Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pizza Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 97 reviews

This Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pizza is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Featuring a crispy crust topped with slow-cooked caramelized onions, creamy goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant thyme, finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, honey, and peppery fresh arugula. It’s a gourmet yet easy-to-make pizza perfect for a comforting meal.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Base

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil for drizzling and spreading

Caramelized Onions

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cheeses and Toppings

• 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Fresh arugula, for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and prepare a pizza stone or baking sheet to ensure a crisp crust.
2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft, deeply browned, and caramelized.
3. Prepare the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness. Transfer the rolled dough to the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.
4. Assemble the Pizza: Brush a thin layer of olive oil over the dough. Evenly spread the caramelized onions on top, followed by crumbled goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, and fresh thyme leaves. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and honey, if using. Season with freshly cracked black pepper.
5. Bake the Pizza: Place the pizza in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven. Top with fresh arugula and a drizzle of olive oil. Slice and serve immediately for the best flavor experience.

Notes

• For a crisper crust, use a pizza stone preheated in the oven.
• Adjust sweetness by adding or omitting the honey drizzle according to taste.
• Substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different herbaceous note.
• Make sure to slice onions thinly for even caramelization.
• Fresh arugula is added after baking to preserve its peppery flavor and texture.

Keywords: Goat cheese pizza, caramelized onion pizza, vegetarian pizza, homemade pizza, easy gourmet pizza, Italian pizza recipe