Caramelized Onion Pizza is a savory delight that elevates your pizza night to a whole new level. The star of this dish is the sweet and rich caramelized onions, which bring a deep, complex flavor that pairs beautifully with gooey melted cheese and a crispy crust. This pizza is not only simple to make but also offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and savoriness, making it perfect for casual dinners, gatherings, or even as a gourmet appetizer. Top it off with fresh herbs or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an extra touch of flavor and sophistication!
Ingredients:
- For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Toppings:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish (optional)
- Balsamic reduction (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms. Knead for about 5-7 minutes on a floured surface until smooth. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Caramelize the Onions: While the dough is rising, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring frequently, for about 25-30 minutes or until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
- Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer the rolled-out dough to a baking sheet or a pizza peel if using a stone.
- Assemble the Pizza: Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the dough. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top and add crumbled goat cheese if using.
- Bake: Place the pizza in the preheated oven (or on the pizza stone) and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with fresh herbs and drizzle with balsamic reduction if desired. Slice and serve warm!
This Caramelized Onion Pizza is a delicious and sophisticated twist on traditional pizza, making it a perfect choice for both casual and special occasions!
