Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pizza Recipe

Introduction

Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pizza is a delightful combination of creamy tangy cheese and sweet, rich onions atop a crispy crust. This gourmet-style pizza offers a perfect balance of flavors, enhanced by fresh thyme and peppery arugula. It’s an easy recipe that turns any meal into a special 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 your oven to 475°F (245°C) and prepare a pizza stone or baking sheet.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until the onions are caramelized and soft.
3. Step 3: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to the prepared pizza stone or baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Spread a thin layer of olive oil over the dough. Evenly distribute the caramelized onions on top.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, and fresh thyme leaves evenly over the onions.
6. Step 6: Drizzle balsamic vinegar and honey (if using) over the pizza, then add freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Bake the pizza for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and top with fresh arugula and a drizzle of olive oil. Slice and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For deeper caramelization, cook the onions slowly over low heat and be patient.
• Substitute fresh thyme with rosemary or oregano for a different herbal note.
• Add roasted mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use gluten-free pizza dough to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly sweet drizzle.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to retain crispiness, or use a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?

Yes, you can caramelize the onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Warm them slightly before spreading on the pizza to help the flavors meld during baking.

What type of pizza dough works best?

Both store-bought and homemade dough work well. For a crispier crust, use a thin rolled dough and bake on a preheated pizza stone or baking sheet.

Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pizza Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 114 reviews

Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pizza offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors with creamy goat cheese, rich caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and peppery arugula atop a crispy pizza crust. This gourmet pizza is ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, delivering luxurious taste with simple, fresh ingredients.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Base

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

Caramelized Onions

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

Cheese 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Prepare a pizza stone or baking sheet for baking to ensure a crisp crust.
2. Caramelize Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add thinly sliced onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes until onions are soft, golden, and caramelized.
3. Prepare Dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer it to your prepared pizza stone or baking sheet.
4. Assemble Pizza: Spread a thin layer of olive oil over the dough. Evenly distribute the caramelized onions on top, then sprinkle crumbled goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, and fresh thyme leaves. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and honey over the toppings if using. Season with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
5. Bake: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese bubbles and lightly browns.
6. Add Final Touches: Remove the pizza from the oven and top it with fresh arugula and a light drizzle of olive oil.
7. Serve: Slice the pizza and enjoy warm for the best flavor experience.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pizza dough with gluten-free dough.
• Caramelizing onions slowly is key for deep flavor; avoid high heat to prevent burning.
• Honey is optional, but it enhances the sweet and tangy balance with balsamic vinegar.
• Fresh thyme can be substituted with rosemary or oregano for a different herb flavor.
• Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but a baking sheet works well too.
• Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: goat cheese pizza, caramelized onion pizza, gourmet pizza, vegetarian pizza, homemade pizza, easy dinner, caramelized onions, arugula pizza