Gourmet Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza
Elevate your pizza night with this Gourmet Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza, featuring sweet and tender caramelized Vidalia onions, savory Gorgonzola cheese, and nutrient-rich spinach atop a crispy crust. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes adds a touch of tanginess that perfectly complements the rich flavors. This delightful dish is perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special family dinner.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vidalia onions
2 large (very thinly sliced)
Pizza crust
12 ounces (prepared according to package directions)
Sun-dried tomatoes
10 medium (without oil, minced)
Gorgonzola cheese
3 ounces (crumbled)
Spinach
10 pieces (washed, dried, and torn into pieces)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by coating a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and warming it over medium heat.
2
Once heated, add the thinly sliced Vidalia onions, reducing the heat to medium-low. Cook the onions for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
3
While the onions are caramelizing, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare the pizza crust according to the package instructions.
4
Finely mince the sun-dried tomatoes and crumble the Gorgonzola cheese. Tear the washed and dried spinach into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution.
5
Once the onions are caramelized, spread them evenly over the prepared pizza crust, and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 12 minutes.
6
Remove the pizza from the oven and evenly scatter the minced tomatoes, spinach, and crumbled cheese on top. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7
Remove from the oven, season with black pepper to taste, slice, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gourmet Caramelized Onion & Spinach Pizza?
This is an elevated pizza recipe featuring sweet caramelized Vidalia onions, savory Gorgonzola cheese, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes on a crispy crust.
Which type of onions are best for this pizza?
Vidalia onions are recommended because their high sugar content makes them perfect for caramelizing into a sweet and tender topping.
How long does it take to caramelize the onions?
It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes over medium-low heat to achieve a fragrant, golden brown caramelization.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
Can I substitute the Gorgonzola cheese?
While Gorgonzola provides a unique savory flavor, you could substitute it with goat cheese or blue cheese if preferred.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this pizza is entirely vegetarian as it focuses on vegetables, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: Vidalia onions, pizza crust, sun-dried tomatoes, Gorgonzola cheese, spinach, and black pepper.
How long do you bake the pizza crust initially?
The crust is first baked with the caramelized onions for 12 minutes.
When should the spinach and tomatoes be added?
Add the spinach, minced tomatoes, and cheese after the initial 12-minute bake, then return to the oven for 3 more minutes.
Should the sun-dried tomatoes be packed in oil?
The recipe specifies using sun-dried tomatoes without oil for a less greasy finish.
How do I prepare the spinach for the pizza?
The spinach should be washed, dried, and torn into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution across the pizza.
How thin should I slice the onions?
The onions should be very thinly sliced to ensure they cook down properly and caramelize evenly.
Why is the spinach added at the very end?
Adding spinach during the last 3 minutes of baking prevents it from burning and maintains its nutrient-rich profile.
What size pizza crust is needed?
This recipe is designed for a 12-ounce pizza crust.
Can I add meat to this pizza?
While the recipe is gourmet vegetarian, you could add cooked chicken or prosciutto if you desire a meat protein.
How do I know when the pizza is finished cooking?
The pizza is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is crispy.
What type of skillet should I use for the onions?
A large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray is recommended for the best results when caramelizing onions.
What kind of seasoning is used?
The pizza is seasoned with 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper to taste after it comes out of the oven.
How do I prepare the sun-dried tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be finely minced so they can be scattered evenly over the other toppings.
Can I use white or red onions instead of Vidalia?
You can, but Vidalia onions are preferred for their sweetness; other onions may have a sharper bite even after caramelizing.
What is the total baking time?
The total oven time is approximately 15 minutes, split into a 12-minute session and a 3-minute session.
How many pieces of spinach are used?
The recipe calls for 10 pieces of spinach torn into smaller fragments.
What makes this pizza 'gourmet'?
The combination of specialty ingredients like Gorgonzola, sun-dried tomatoes, and sweet caramelized onions creates a sophisticated flavor profile.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and involves simple preparation steps.
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Simply substitute the 12-ounce pizza crust with a gluten-free crust alternative to make this dish gluten-free.
How should I stir the onions?
Stir the onions frequently while they are cooking on medium-low heat to prevent burning.
Do I need to grease the skillet?
Yes, coat the large nonstick skillet with cooking spray before warming it over medium heat.
What does Gorgonzola add to the dish?
Gorgonzola adds a savory, slightly pungent, and creamy element that balances the sweetness of the onions.
Can I caramelize the onions in advance?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator to save time on the day you bake the pizza.
How should the pizza be served?
The pizza should be sliced and served immediately while the crust is crispy and the cheese is still warm.