Caramelized Apple & Onion Pizza

Transform your pizza night with a delicious twist on a classic favorite! This caramelized apple and onion pizza combines the sweetness of caramelized apples with the savory richness of onions, all layered on a homemade crust. Discover the perfect balance of flavors with tangy cheese and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. It's a culinary adventure that invites creativity, making every bite a delightful experience. Roll up your sleeves and enjoy crafting this unique pizza that will impress your guests!

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Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough:

2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)

1 cup warm water (about 110°F or 43°C)

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tbsp olive oil

For the Toppings:

2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully), cored and sliced thinly

2 large onions, sliced thinly

3 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp dried thyme (optional but recommended)

½ cup crumbled goat cheese (or substitute with fresh mozzarella)

½ cup shredded fontina cheese

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Fresh arugula or baby spinach for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Pizza Dough:

- In a small bowl, combine the warm water and active dry yeast. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

- In a large mixing bowl, mix the flour and salt together. Form a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture along with the olive oil.

- Stir the mixture until it forms a dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

- Place the kneaded dough into a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

Caramelize the Onions:

- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the sliced onions, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, occasionally stirring, for about 10 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.

- Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes. Stir regularly until the onions achieve a rich, golden brown caramelization. Remove from heat and set aside.

Sauté the Apples:

- In the same skillet, you can add a little more butter if needed. Add the apple slices and sauté over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.

- Stir in the balsamic vinegar and, if using, the dried thyme. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.

Assemble the Pizza:

- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and heat a pizza stone in the oven if you are using one.

- Once the dough has risen, punch it down, and roll it out on a lightly floured surface until it reaches your desired thickness, around 12 inches in diameter works great.

- Transfer the rolled dough to either a pizza peel dusted with flour or a parchment-lined baking tray.

- Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the dough, followed by the sautéed apple slices. Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese and shredded fontina cheese over the top.

Bake the Pizza:

- If using a pizza stone, carefully slide the pizza onto the heated stone. If not, simply place the baking tray directly in the oven.

- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the cheeses are bubbly and melted.

Finish and Serve:

- Once baked, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes.

- Garnish with fresh arugula or baby spinach for a lovely peppery bite, then slice and serve warm.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours | Servings: 4