Caramelized Onion and Pesto Delight Pizzas
These Caramelized Onion and Pesto Delight Pizzas are a mouthwatering twist on traditional pizza, perfect for those who prefer a meatless option. The rich sweetness of slowly caramelized onions melds beautifully with the vibrant flavors of pesto, all on a crispy, baked pizza crust. Topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also makes for a delightful lunch or snack. Enjoy three individual-sized pizzas that can be customized with your favorite additional toppings or served as is for a satisfying vegetarian treat.
3
Servings
400
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
prepared prebaked pizza crusts
3 (individual size)
pesto sauce
1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
onion
1 medium (thinly sliced)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
butter
3 tablespoons (unsalted)
mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
olive oil
to taste (for brushing)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the onion into thin rounds, ensuring uniformity for even caramelization.
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook gently, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until the onions are soft and golden.
3
Once the onions are caramelized, sprinkle in the brown sugar and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture is thicker and deeply caramelized. Remove from heat.
4
Preheat your oven according to the instructions for your pizza crusts.
5
Brush each pizza crust lightly with olive oil, ensuring to coat the edges to promote a crispy crust.
6
Spread a generous layer of pesto sauce over each crust, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
7
Top each pizza with a portion of the caramelized onions, distributing them evenly across the pesto.
8
Finish by sprinkling the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pizzas.
9
Bake the pizzas according to the crust instructions, typically about 9 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.
10
Remove from the oven, let cool for a minute, slice, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious caramelized onion and pesto delight pizzas!
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
37g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Caramelized Onion and Pesto Delight Pizzas?
These pizzas are a meatless twist on traditional pizza featuring sweet caramelized onions and vibrant pesto on a crispy crust.
How many pizzas does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields 3 individual-sized pizzas.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is specifically designed as a vegetarian-friendly lunch or snack.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients are prebaked pizza crusts, pesto sauce, onions, brown sugar, butter, mozzarella cheese, and olive oil.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
The onions take approximately 20 minutes total to caramelize: 15 minutes to soften and 5 additional minutes with brown sugar.
What type of pizza crust is recommended?
The recipe calls for three individual-sized prepared prebaked pizza crusts.
How much pesto sauce is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of either store-bought or homemade pesto sauce.
Why is brown sugar added to the onions?
Brown sugar is added to help the onions become thicker and more deeply caramelized with a rich sweetness.
What is the purpose of brushing the crust with olive oil?
Brushing the edges with olive oil helps promote a crispy, golden-brown crust during baking.
How much mozzarella cheese should I use?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What temperature setting is used for the onions?
The onions should be cooked in a skillet over medium-low heat.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 400 calories.
What is the protein content of these pizzas?
Each serving provides 16 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this dish?
The pizzas contain 22 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 37 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Can I use homemade pesto for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade pesto sauce depending on your preference.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onions should be sliced into thin rounds to ensure uniformity and even caramelization.
What is the typical baking time for the pizzas?
The pizzas usually bake for about 9 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How much butter is used to cook the onions?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Is this recipe intended for a full meal or a snack?
It is categorized as a Lunch/Snacks recipe, perfect for light meals or sharing.
Should the oven be preheated?
Yes, preheat your oven according to the specific instructions provided on the packaging of your pizza crusts.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
Shredded mozzarella is recommended for its excellent melting properties and mild flavor.
How do I know when the onions are finished cooking?
The onions are ready when they are soft, golden, and the mixture has thickened after adding sugar.
Can I add extra toppings to these pizzas?
Yes, the individual-sized pizzas can be customized with your favorite additional toppings.
What helps make the pizza crust crispy?
Using prebaked crusts and brushing the edges with olive oil helps achieve a crispy texture.
What size onion should I use for three pizzas?
One medium-sized onion is sufficient for the three individual pizzas.
Is this recipe considered difficult to prepare?
No, this recipe is noted for being easy to prepare and great for quick meals.
How should the pizzas be served?
They should be allowed to cool for a minute after baking, then sliced and served hot.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients required for this recipe.
What should the edges of the pizza look like when done?
The edges of the crust should be golden brown when the pizzas are finished baking.