Delicious Winter Squash Pizza Recipe for Cozy Nights
Attention all food enthusiasts and pizza lovers, have you been searching for the perfect winter pizza recipe? Look no further than this Winter Squash, Onion, and Pine Nut Pizza recipe. As a culinary explorer, I have tested countless pizza recipes, but this one takes the cake – or should I say pizza crust?
This hearty and flavorful pizza is a delicious twist on the classic cheese pizza. The combination of roasted butternut squash, caramelized onions, savory rubbed sage, and toasted pine nuts creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will leave your taste buds thanking you for days.
Not only is this Winter Squash, Onion, and Pine Nut Pizza incredibly tasty, it’s also versatile and easy to customize to your liking. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust, extra cheese or less cheese, or even want to add extra toppings like goat cheese or red onions – this recipe has got you covered.
So roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions and tips for the perfect Winter Squash, Onion, and Pine Nut Pizza that will impress any dinner guests or satisfy your own cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all food lovers! If you’re looking for a pizza recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing and your belly satisfied, then look no further than this winter squash, onion, and pine nut pizza recipe.
This delicious pizza offers a unique flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more. The combination of savory caramelized onions, nutty pine nuts, and the smooth sweetness of roasted butternut squash creates a tantalizing blend of flavors that will make your mouth water.
But what really sets this pizza apart is the addition of aromatic sage leaves and grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese, which adds depth and complexity to the dish. And let’s not forget about the black pepper, ground nutmeg, and sea salt, which all work together to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
This recipe is perfect for those who crave a little variety in their pizza game. It’s also an excellent way to switch up your usual boring pizza night routine. Your friends and family will be blown away by how scrumptious it tastes.
But don’t let the fancy-sounding ingredients intimidate you because this recipe is easy to make. Even if you’re not an experienced chef or have never made homemade pizza before, this recipe is accessible and fun to create in your kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and give this winter squash, onion, and pine nut pizza recipe a try today. Trust me; it will become a new family favorite in no time.
Ingredient List
Before diving into the how-to of making this delicious Winter Squash, Onion, and Pine Nut Pizza, we’ll need to gather all the necessary ingredients. Don’t worry! All of these ingredients are easily accessible from your local grocery stores or supermarkets. Some substitute suggestions shall be mentioned later on. So, let’s review the list of ingredients:
For The Pizza Crust
- 1 lb store-bought fresh dough pizza OR dough from pizza shop OR frozen dough pizza thawed
- Yellow cornmeal for dusting
For The Toppings
- 1 medium butternut squash (peeled, seeded, sliced 1/4-inch thick)
- 2 yellow onions (caramelized)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
- Parmigiano-reggiano cheese or goat cheese (crumbled) for topping.
For The Caramelized Onions
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 yellow onions (sliced thin)
- Pinch of sea salt
For The Pine Nut Pesto Pizza Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups butternut squash (cooked and pureed)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (toasted)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Gluten-free Options
If you are gluten-free, you can also use a gluten-free pizza crust or even substitute it with flatbread.
We have all the ingredients on hand now, let’s move on to the instructions for this exciting dish!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash and Onions
First, preheat your oven to 425°F.
Next, peel and seed the butternut squash and slice it into 1/4 inch thick pieces. Then, peel the onions and slice them into thin rounds.
Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash and Onions
Place the squash and onions on a large baking sheet, toss with 2 tbsp of olive oil, 2 tbsp of freshly minced sage, and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, and a few turns of freshly ground black pepper.
Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top of the veggies. Then, roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re caramelized around the edges.
Step 3: Toast Pine Nuts
While the squash is roasting, toast 1/4 cup of pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Keep stirring until they’re golden brown, then transfer them to a bowl to cool.
Step 4: Prep Your Dough
If you’re making your own pizza dough, roll it out onto a lightly floured surface. Otherwise, place your store-bought dough on a piece of parchment paper dusted with yellow cornmeal. This will prevent sticking.
Step 5: Assemble Your Pizza
Brush about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the pizza dough. Then add your toppings: spread half of your roasted butternut squash mixture over the top of your pizza.
Add some caramelized onions and sprinkle some toasted pine nuts over everything. Finally, add small dollops of goat cheese around the top.
Step 6: Bake Your Pizza
If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven for at least 15 minutes before baking to preheat it. If you don’t have one, simply place your pizza directly on a greased baking sheet.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Serve Your Pizza!
Take your finished pizza out of the oven and let it cool slightly for a couple of minutes before slicing it up. Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over everything while it’s still hot.
Now, sit back with your friends and family and enjoy this savory winter squash onion pine nut pizza recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your Winter Squash, Onion, and Pine Nut Pizza Recipe, here are some substitutions and variations you can try.
– Cheese: Don’t have parmigiano-reggiano cheese on hand? No worries. You can swap it out for another type of hard cheese that you enjoy, such as pecorino romano or aged cheddar. Alternatively, you can mix things up and use a soft cheese like goat cheese or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
– Squash: While butternut squash is the star of this recipe, feel free to experiment with other types of winter squash. Acorn squash or kabocha squash would work well in this pizza as well.
– Onion: If you don’t have yellow onions at home, red onions will work just as well. You could also try using shallots or leeks for a more subtle onion flavor.
– Nuts: Pine nuts are a key ingredient in this pizza recipe, but if you don’t have any on hand or if they’re too pricey, you could use another type of nut instead. Walnuts or almonds would be a great substitute.
– Sage: Fresh sage leaves give this pizza its signature earthy taste. However, if you don’t have fresh sage leaves available, you can use rubbed sage instead. Just be sure to adjust the quantity accordingly as the flavor can be quite strong.
– Crust: If you prefer a thinner crust, use store-bought pizza dough or make your own from scratch using a traditional pizza crust recipe. Alternatively, try making this into a flatbread by using naan bread or pita bread as your base.
Overall, don’t be afraid to get creative with your pizza toppings and experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect pizza formula. Happy cooking!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this winter squash, onion, and pine nut pizza, there is no right or wrong way to do it. But let me tell you, every bite of this pizza will leave an explosion of flavors in your mouth. To bring out the best in this pizza recipe, I recommend serving it hot and fresh from the oven. The crust should be crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside.
For pairing options, let’s start with the drinks. This pizza goes well with a chilled glass of white wine or a hoppy beer. You can also serve it alongside a refreshing salad filled with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Alternatively, you could pair it with a side of creamy squash soup for a more hearty meal.
If you want to turn up the heat, try drizzling some hot sauce or chili flakes over the top of the pizza slices before serving. It gives the dish an extra kick that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Overall, this recipe is not only nourishing but also versatile when it comes to pairing with other foods and drinks. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing things up by pairing it with different sides and drinks until you find a combination that you love!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When preparing the Winter Squash, Onion, and Pine Nut Pizza Recipe ahead of time, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, don’t add any toppings until you’re ready to heat up the pizza – this will result in soggy crust and undesirable textures. Before storing the pizza, let it cool completely and cut into individual slices.
To store, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them stacked in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can store the whole pizza by covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and popping it in the fridge or freezer.
If refrigerating, the pizza should be fine for up to 3-4 days. Reheat leftover slices directly on a baking sheet at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For freezing, the pizza can be kept for up to 2 months without losing its quality. To reheat frozen slices, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place them on a baking tray then bake them for 12-15 minutes. Don’t forget that freezing may result in slight texture changes due to moisture loss.
When it comes to reheating freshly made pizza or leftovers from a pizza shop, most people would recommend using only an oven or toaster oven – never the microwave! Micro-waving will make your crust chewy and rubbery as well as mess with your toppings quality alfredo pizza which affects its flavor negatively giving it sourness.
Overall this recipe holds very well both when refrigerated or after being frozen making it an excellent meal prep option for busy weeknights as well as party platter options while entertaining guests which makes life easier knowing you have something delicious ready!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a culinary explorer, I have learned that there are always tips and tricks to perfect a recipe. Here are some recommendations to ensure your Winter Squash, Onion, and Pine Nut Pizza turns out flawlessly:
1. Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of this pizza is dependent on using the best ingredients you can find. Invest in fresh herbs, genuine parmigiano-reggiano cheese, and high-quality olive oil.
2. Don’t overload the toppings: It’s tempting to pile on all the delicious toppings, but too much can make the pizza too heavy and difficult to eat. Stick to the recommended amounts and distribute them evenly.
3. Preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet: I prefer using a pizza stone for an authentic crispy texture but if you don’t have one, use a preheated baking sheet. Never place a cold pizza on a hot stone or sheet as it may result in under-cooked crust.
4. Dust your pizza with cornmeal: A light dusting of yellow cornmeal before spreading your pizza dough will not only prevent sticking to the baking surface but also add extra texture.
5. Optimize your oven temperature and timing: Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Adjust the time according to how crispy or soft you like your crust.
6. Let it rest before slicing: Wait for at least 5-10 minutes before cutting your pizza. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to slice into neat pieces without ruining the toppings.
By following these tips, you’ll have a Winter Squash, Onion, and Pine Nut Pizza that’s just as good as any from a fancy pizzeria!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this winter squash, onion, and pine nut pizza recipe is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a mouthwatering pizza with unique flavors. With the combination of caramelized onions, roasted butternut squash, and toasted pine nuts on a cheesy and crispy crust, your taste buds will thank you immensely.
What I love about this recipe is that it’s also versatile and can be customized to your liking. You can add or substitute ingredients like goat cheese, red onions, sage leaves, or even a butternut pesto or alfredo sauce for an even richer taste. The options are endless!
Now that you have all the information to make this delicious pizza recipe on your own, I encourage you to give it a try. Whether you’re having friends over for dinner or cozying up by the fireplace during the winter season, this pizza recipe will delight your senses and satisfy your appetite.
Trust me, you won’t regret making this pizza recipe, which is perfect for any occasion. Thanks for reading!
Winter Squash, Onion, and Pine Nut Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- yellow cornmeal, to dust the pizza stone or nonstick spray to grease the baking sheet
- 1 lb pizza dough or 1 prepared pizza crust
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, halved through the stem and thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup winter squash, pureed
- 2 teaspoons sage leaves, minced or 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 ounces parmigiano-reggiano cheese or 1 1/2 ounces pecorino cheese, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts
Instructions
- Preheat pizza stone or oven. If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 45 minutes; if using a pizza tray or a large baking sheet, preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
- Prepare the crust. If you’re using fresh dough on a pizza stone, dust it lightly with cornmeal. Add the dough and form it into a large circle by dimpling it with your fingertips. Shape it by slowly turning it by its edge until the circle is about 14 inches in diameter. Set it cornmeal side down. To use fresh dough on a pizza tray or a large baking sheet, grease the tray or baking sheet lightly with nonstick spray. Lay the dough on the baking sheet and press it until it forms a circle about 14 inches in diameter on the pizza tray. If you’re using a prebaked crust, place it on a cornmeal-dusted pizza stone or a large baking sheet.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat with the oil. Add the onion slices, reduce the heat to very low and cook, stirring often, until soft and golden, 20 to 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, stir the squash purée, sage, nutmeg, salt and pepper in a medium bowl until uniform. Spread this mixture evenly over the prepared crust, leaving a 1/2-inch border at its edge. Top with the caramelized onions, then sprinkle the finely grated cheese and pine nuts over the pie.
- Slide the pizza onto its tray or baking sheet. Bake until the crust is golden and somewhat firm to the touch, 16 to 18 minutes. Check fresh dough occasionally to prick any air bubbles that may arise so you’ll have an even crust on the pie.
- Cool for 5 minutes before slicing. If you want to make sure the crust stays crunchy, consider transferring the pie directly to the wire rack after a minute or so.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Mishra Vikas is a digital nomad who loves to explore the world and learn about its cultures. As a programmer, backpacker, and cook, he enjoys sharing his adventures and cooking up delectable dishes. Writing about his experiences, creating tasty recipes, and discovering new places are some of his favorite activities. He’s an avid traveler and passionate chef, always on the lookout for an exciting new journey.