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Prepare this caramelized onion white pizza by slowly cooking onions until golden and sweet, then topping with ricotta and mozzarella before baking at high heat. A balanced cheese blend and fragrant herbs enhance flavor and texture for a quick homemade pizza.
Golden caramelized onions and creamy cheeses create a balanced white pizza ready in under 45 minutes.
Soft ribbons of caramelized onions glisten with deep amber tones after simmering low and slow for about 40 minutes. Their natural sugars break down gradually, producing a rich sweetness that forms the base of this white pizza.
A blend of mozzarella and ricotta cheese adds lush creaminess without overwhelming the delicate flavor profile. The mozzarella melts into bubbling pockets, while the ricotta provides a smooth, cool contrast, both enhanced by a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
A thin crust brushed lightly with olive oil crisps to a golden edge at 475 degrees Fahrenheit in just 12 minutes. This method produces a chewy yet crispy foundation that holds the toppings without becoming soggy, balancing textures perfectly.
Recipe Overview
Why This Recipe Works
Here’s what makes this white pizza a satisfying and approachable treat.
Why We Love It
- Uses fresh thyme and rosemary to add fragrant herbal notes without overpowering the caramelized flavor.
- Requires no tomato sauce, highlighting the natural sweetness of onions and the creaminess of cheeses.
- Ideal for those who prefer a lighter pizza, keeping toppings simple but flavorful.
- The crust crisps quickly at a high temperature, saving time without sacrificing texture.
- Caramelized onions deepen the umami, turning a simple pizza into something layered and rich.
Shop the tools used in this recipe
- Large skillet
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Pizza peel or large spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
Key Ingredients
Slowly caramelizing the onions over low heat is crucial to develop their sweet, mellow flavor. Using a mix of part-skim mozzarella and whole-milk ricotta provides the right balance of melt and creaminess that keeps the pizza satisfying but not greasy.
A handful of fresh herbs and staple cheeses blend with caramelized onions and simple dough ingredients to create this flavorful pizza.
- For the Caramelized Onions
- 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For the Pizza
- 1 ball of store-bought or homemade pizza dough (about 12 ounces)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Coarse sea salt for finishing
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Equipment Needed
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these clear steps to caramelize the onions and build the pizza from dough to golden finish with crisp edges.
Pro Tip
Press the dough gently into the pizza stone or baking sheet; an air pocket under the crust can cause uneven cooking or bubbles when baking at high heat.
Success Tips
- Cook onions slowly—high heat causes burning and bitterness instead of caramelization.
- Use a pizza stone preheated for at least 30 minutes to promote a crispy crust.
- Dollop ricotta rather than spreading it to keep the cheese light and avoid soggy spots.
- Fresh herbs added after cheese melting preserve their aroma and color.
- Avoid pressing hard when rolling dough to maintain air pockets that crisp in the oven.
Try these ingredient swaps if certain items are unavailable or preferences differ.
Substitutions
- Swap yellow onions for sweet Vidalia or shallots for a milder caramelized flavor.
- Use goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangier, creamier texture.
- Replace fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning if fresh is unavailable.
- Choose grated provolone or fontina cheese as a mozzarella alternative for melt and stretch.
- Use olive oil alone instead of butter and olive oil for a dairy-free option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make the caramelized onions ahead of time?
A: Yes, caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q: Is this pizza dough recipe or store-bought dough best?
A: Either works well, but store-bought dough saves preparation time while homemade dough offers more control over texture.
Q: Can I add another topping like mushrooms?
A: Yes, sautéed mushrooms complement the onions nicely but should be pre-cooked to avoid excess moisture on the pizza.
Q: How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
A: Ensure the crust is brushed with oil and use hot baking surfaces; avoid overloading with wet toppings.
Follow these steps to store leftovers and keep the pizza fresh.
Storage and Reheating
- Wrap cooled pizza tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating.
- Consume refrigerated leftovers within 2 days for best texture and flavor.
- Reheat slices in a preheated skillet over medium heat to restore crispness.
- Do not freeze pizza with ricotta, as moisture may separate and alter texture.
Complement this pizza with these sides and drinks for a complete meal.
What to Serve With It
- A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut richness.
- A chilled glass of crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- Roasted garlic and herb mixed vegetables for added depth and texture.
- Sparkling water with lemon to refresh the palate between bites.
Caramelized Onion White Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Caramelized Onions
- ☐ 3 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- ☐ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ☐ 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ☐ 1/2 teaspoon salt
- ☐ 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For the Pizza
- ☐ 1 ball of store-bought or homemade pizza dough (about 12 ounces)
- ☐ 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- ☐ 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- ☐ 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ☐ 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ☐ 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- ☐ 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ☐ Coarse sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- 1 Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat until melted and shimmering.
- 2 Add the sliced onions, salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 40 minutes until the onions turn deep golden brown and develop a jam-like consistency.
- 3 While onions cook, preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat.
- 4 Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 12 inches in diameter, then transfer to a pizza peel or parchment paper for easy sliding.
- 5 Brush the dough lightly with olive oil and scatter the caramelized onions evenly over the surface, leaving a border around the edges.
- 6 Dollop ricotta cheese in small spoonfuls atop the onions, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the pizza.
- 7 Scatter fresh thyme and rosemary over the cheese along with red pepper flakes if using, then slide the pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet.
- 8 Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp and the cheese is bubbly with light brown spots.
- 9 Remove from the oven, sprinkle with coarse sea salt, let rest for 2 minutes before slicing, and serve warm.
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