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Savory Pumpkin Pizza with Havarti and Caramelized Onions Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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