Caramelized Onion Pumpkin Pear Gorgonzola Pizza
A sophisticated autumn pizza combining sweet caramelized onions, creamy canned pumpkin, fresh pears, and tangy gorgonzola cheese on crispy pizza dough. The earthy rosemary and garlic base complements the sweet-savory toppings beautifully. Perfect for fall entertaining or a cozy dinner when you want something beyond traditional pizza flavors. The contrast between the jammy onions, mild pumpkin, crisp pears, and bold cheese creates a balanced, seasonal pizza that works as an appetizer or light main course.
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion, very thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus 1 teaspoon
- 1 ball pizza dough
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon minced rosemary
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 large pear, halved lengthwise, cored and sliced
- ⅝ cup crumbled gorgonzola
- pesto, to garnish
- salt
- pepper
- cornmeal
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat
- 2
Add onions and a pinch of salt and slowly cook, stirring every couple of minutes, until golden brown, jammy and caramelized
- 3
Preheat oven to 450 degrees
- 4
Sprinkle a large baking sheet or pizza stone with cornmeal
- 5
Place the ball of dough on the sheet or stone and press or roll out into a large circle
- 6
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with rosemary and garlic
- 7
Season the pumpkin with salt and pepper, and spread evenly over the pizza
- 8
Top with caramelized onion, pears, and gorgonzola
- 9
Place in the oven and bake until crispy and cheese is melted
- 10
Remove from oven, drizzle with dollops of pesto and serve
Tips
Take time to properly caramelize the onions - they should be golden brown and jammy, which takes about 15-20 minutes of slow cooking.
Use a pizza stone if available for the crispiest crust, and preheat it in the oven for best results.
Choose a ripe but firm pear that won't turn mushy when baked - Bosc or Anjou varieties work well.
Good to Know
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in 350F oven for 5-7 minutes to crisp crust.
Caramelize onions up to 2 days ahead. Pizza is best assembled and baked fresh.
Serve immediately while crust is crispy and cheese is melted. Cut into wedges or squares.
Common Mistakes
Don't rush caramelizing onions to avoid bitter, undercooked flavor.
Avoid overloading with toppings to prevent soggy crust.
Substitutions
roast and mash fresh squash
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, roast fresh pumpkin until tender, then puree. You'll need about 1 pound of pumpkin to yield 1 cup puree.
What if I don't like gorgonzola cheese?
Substitute with goat cheese, ricotta, or even mozzarella for milder flavor. Adjust quantity to taste.
How long will leftover pizza keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in oven rather than microwave to maintain crust crispness.