Savory Pumpkin Pizza with Havarti and Caramelized Onions Recipe

Introduction

This savory pumpkin pizza combines creamy pumpkin puree with sweet caramelized onions and rich Havarti cheese for a unique fall-inspired dish. Topped with fresh arugula and a sprinkle of parmesan, it’s a delicious twist on a classic favorite that’s perfect for cozy nights.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a pizza stone inside to warm if you have one available.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook half of the diced onion in olive oil until softened and fragrant. Sprinkle with sugar halfway through and continue cooking until translucent and caramelized.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, minced garlic, diced shallot, chopped thyme, and the remaining half of the diced onions. Stir in the parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Prepare the pizza dough as directed on the package and flatten it into a circular shape.
5. Step 5: Transfer the dough onto the preheated pizza stone. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the dough, then top with the caramelized onions and arugula. Sprinkle the grated Havarti cheese over the top and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
6. Step 6: Bake the pizza according to the dough package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, or longer (20-25 minutes) if you prefer a crisper crust and more melted cheese.
7. Step 7: Remove from oven and enjoy your homemade savory pumpkin pizza while warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a pizza stone for a crispier crust but a baking sheet works fine if you don’t have one.
• Substitute goat cheese or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving enhances the sweet and savory balance.
• For added texture, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top after baking.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to keep the crust crisp and cheese melty. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this pizza?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is a convenient option. Just ensure it’s plain pumpkin puree without added spices or sweeteners.

How do I get the onions nicely caramelized?

Cook the onions slowly over medium-low heat with a bit of sugar and olive oil, stirring occasionally. Patience is key to develop sweetness and deep flavor without burning.

Savory Pumpkin Pizza with Havarti and Caramelized Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

This Savory Pumpkin Pizza features a delightful blend of creamy pumpkin puree, caramelized onions, and melted Havarti cheese atop a perfectly baked pizza crust. Enhanced with the aromatic notes of thyme and the fresh bite of arugula, this unique pizza offers a cozy, autumn-inspired twist that balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 1 large pizza (serves 2-4) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Fusion / Contemporary

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pizza Base

• 1 ready-to-bake pizza dough

Pumpkin Mixture

• 1.5 cups pumpkin puree
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, diced
• ½ tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Remaining half of the diced sweet onion (from 1 sweet onion, divided)

Caramelized Onions

• ½ of the diced sweet onion
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Extra virgin olive oil (for cooking onions)

Toppings

• 2 cups freshly grated Havarti cheese
• 1 cup arugula
• Extra salt and pepper (optional, for seasoning)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to warm up as this will help create a crispier crust.
2. Cook Onions: In a pan over medium-low heat, add some olive oil and cook half of the diced sweet onion until softened and fragrant. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar over the onions halfway through cooking; continue until the onions become translucent and caramelized.
3. Mix Pumpkin Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, minced garlic, diced shallot, chopped fresh thyme, the remaining half of the diced onion, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Season this mixture generously with salt and pepper, then stir well to blend all the flavors together.
4. Prepare Pizza Dough: Follow the package instructions for your ready-to-bake pizza dough. Flatten it into a circular shape suitable for pizza.
5. Assemble Pizza: Transfer the flattened dough onto the heated pizza stone. Evenly spread the pumpkin mixture over the dough as the sauce. Then, top with caramelized onions and arugula. Finally, sprinkle 2 cups of freshly grated Havarti cheese evenly over the top. Optionally, season with extra salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake Pizza: Bake the pizza according to the dough package instructions, usually for 10-12 minutes. If you prefer a crispier crust and more melted cheese, extend baking to 20-25 minutes as needed, watching carefully to avoid burning.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the pizza from the oven once baked to your liking. Let it cool slightly, then slice and serve your delicious savory pumpkin pizza fresh and warm.

Notes

• Using a pizza stone helps achieve a crispier crust but is optional.
• Adjust baking time based on your oven and preferred crust crispness.
• Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, using about 1½ teaspoons dried.
• Arugula adds a peppery freshness; you can omit or substitute with baby spinach if desired.
• For a spicier kick, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before baking.

Keywords: Pumpkin pizza, savory pumpkin recipe, caramelized onions pizza, Havarti cheese pizza, autumn pizza recipe, homemade pizza, pumpkin puree, arugula pizza