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Easy Caramelized Onion, Butternut Squash, and Crispy Kale Pizza. recipe photo

Caramelized Onion, Butternut Squash, and Crispy Kale Pizza.

This pizza is a delightful twist on comfort food! Sweet caramelized onions, earthy butternut squash, and crispy kale create a flavor explosion.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Comfort Food, Pizza, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Pizza:

  • 1/2 pound pizza dough homemade or store-bought
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons crème fraîche
  • 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Tuscan kale
  • 1 small butternut squash cut into ribbons using a vegetable peeler
  • 8 leaves fresh sage chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey plus more for serving
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • 8 ounces fresh buffalo mozzarella or mozzarella, torn
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Stepwise Instructions:

  • Step 1: Prepare the Pizza Dough. Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using store-bought dough, allow it to come to room temperature for easier stretching. If making homemade dough, follow your recipe and allow it to rise.
  • Step 2: Caramelize the Onions. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Once heated, add the thinly sliced yellow onion with a pinch of kosher salt. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are golden brown and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Step 3: Sauté the Kale. In the same skillet, add the shredded Tuscan kale. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes until wilted and slightly crispy. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the heat.
  • Step 4: Assemble the Pizza. On a floured surface, stretch or roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Spread the crème fraîche over the base, followed by the caramelized onions, sautéed kale, and butternut squash ribbons.
  • Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings. Sprinkle the shredded fontina cheese over the top, followed by torn buffalo mozzarella. Add the chopped fresh sage, crushed red pepper flakes, and drizzle the honey over the pizza for a touch of sweetness.
  • Step 6: Bake the Pizza. Place the pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
  • Step 7: Finish and Serve. Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a minute. Top with fresh pomegranate arils, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, and an additional drizzle of honey if desired.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet or pizza stone
  • Vegetable Peeler
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pizza crust or cauliflower crust.
  • Substitute goat cheese or vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
  • Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences or what’s in season.