30-Minute Savory Tennessee Onion Pizza
This unique flatbread-style pizza showcases the sweet, caramelized flavors of Vidalia onions paired with a rich blend of sharp white cheddar and smoky gouda cheese. The herb-infused butter base, seasoned with garlic, thyme, and Italian herbs, creates a savory foundation that this beyond typical pizza. Perfect for sharing as an appetizer at gatherings or serving as a satisfying dinner with a crisp salad. The combination of two premium cheeses and the signature Tennessee-style preparation makes this a memorable twist on traditional pizza.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 18 ounces fresh pizza dough, brought to room temperature
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, for dusting
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried parsley flakes
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¾ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground mustard powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
- 4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 4 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded, divided
- 1 large Vidalia onion, thinly sliced into rings
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 500°F and lightly coat rimmed sheet pan with olive oil
- 2
Roll dough on floured surface to approximately 12x17 inches, resting 10 minutes if dough shrinks back
- 3
Transfer dough to prepared pan and press into corners with fingers
- 4
Mix 3 tablespoons melted butter with garlic, thyme, parsley, Italian seasoning, and oregano, then spread evenly over dough
- 5
Layer shredded cheeses evenly over dough, followed by onion slices
- 6
Combine remaining butter with mustard powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne, then drizzle over top
- 7
Bake for 13-15 minutes until dough is golden and puffed
- 8
Slice and serve immediately
Tips
If pizza dough keeps shrinking back while rolling, cover and let rest 10 minutes to relax the gluten before continuing.
Use a pizza stone preheated in the oven for an even crispier bottom crust if you prefer more texture.
Slice onions uniformly thin for even cooking and better distribution across the pizza surface.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftover pizza covered for up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.
Prepare herb butter mixture and slice onions up to 1 day ahead. Store separately covered in refrigerator.
Serve immediately while hot for best cheese texture and crispy crust. Cut into squares or rectangles for easy sharing.
Common Mistakes
Avoid overloading with toppings to prevent soggy crust
Don't skip resting the dough if it shrinks to avoid tough texture
Ensure oven is fully preheated to 500°F for proper crust development
Substitutions
slightly less sweet flavor
different texture, quicker option
FAQ
Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, yellow or sweet onions work well, though Vidalia onions provide the signature mild, sweet flavor that makes this recipe special.
What if I don't have smoked gouda cheese?
Regular gouda, fontina, or even mozzarella can substitute, though you'll lose some of the distinctive smoky flavor that characterizes this pizza.
How long will leftover pizza keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the crispy texture.