Savory Fig and Sausage Delight Pizza
Indulge in a unique culinary experience with this Savory Fig and Sausage Delight Pizza, blending the rich sweetness of caramelized onions and fresh figs, the nuttiness of toasted pine nuts, and the bold flavor of spicy Italian sausage. Enhanced with a creamy touch of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, this pizza is a deliciously sophisticated take on classic pizza flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, it offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons (grated)
Panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons (plain)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Red onion
1 medium (sliced)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
Balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons (for seasoning)
Pizza dough
1 (16-ounce) ball (store-bought or homemade)
Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
1/4 cup (for drizzling)
Fresh figs
1 cup (sliced)
Pine nuts
1/4 cup (toasted)
Gorgonzola cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
Hot Italian sausage
6 ounces (casings removed and crumbled)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spray a large rimless baking sheet with no-stick olive oil spray. Set aside 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese for later use.
2
In a medium bowl, combine the remaining Parmesan cheese with panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of this mixture over the prepared baking sheet and set aside.
3
In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil. Add sliced red onion along with salt and fresh ground pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 12 to 15 minutes until the onions become soft and caramelized. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and remove from heat. Transfer the onions to a plate and let them cool.
4
On a clean work surface, spread out the remaining cheese and breadcrumb mixture. Take the pizza dough and roll it in the mixture to coat evenly. Gently knead the dough to incorporate the breadcrumbs, then pat and stretch it into a 14-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet and bake it in the preheated oven for 6 to 8 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
5
Once the dough is baked, drizzle Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing evenly over the crust. Layer on the caramelized onions, sliced figs, toasted pine nuts, and crumbled Gorgonzola cheese. Finally, break the hot Italian sausage into small bite-sized pieces and scatter them over the top.
6
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the pizza occasionally to ensure even cooking. The pizza is ready when the cheese is bubbly, the sausage is fully cooked, and the crust is a golden brown.
7
Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle with the reserved 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, and let cool slightly before transferring it to a cutting board. Slice into 8-10 pieces and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Fig and Sausage Delight Pizza?
It is a sophisticated pizza featuring a blend of caramelized onions, fresh figs, toasted pine nuts, spicy Italian sausage, Gorgonzola cheese, and a Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing base.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How many tablespoons of Parmesan cheese are used in total?
A total of 4 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese are used.
What type of breadcrumbs are used for the crust?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of plain panko breadcrumbs.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Spray a large rimless baking sheet with no-stick olive oil spray and sprinkle it with 1 tablespoon of the Parmesan and panko mixture.
How long does it take to caramelize the red onions?
The red onions should be cooked over medium-high heat for approximately 12 to 15 minutes.
What is added to the onions after they finish cooking?
Once soft and caramelized, stir in 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar before removing them from the heat.
How is the pizza dough prepared before baking?
The dough is rolled in a Parmesan and panko mixture, kneaded to incorporate the crumbs, and then patted into a 14-inch circle.
Does the pizza dough need to be par-baked?
Yes, the dough should be baked for 6 to 8 minutes until the edges are lightly golden before adding toppings.
What serves as the sauce for this pizza?
1/4 cup of Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing is drizzled evenly over the par-baked crust.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends 6 ounces of hot Italian sausage with casings removed.
Should the sausage be cooked before adding it to the pizza?
No, the sausage is broken into small bite-sized pieces and scattered raw over the toppings to cook during the final bake.
What kind of cheese is crumbled over the pizza?
One cup of crumbled Gorgonzola cheese is used as a primary topping.
How should the fresh figs be prepared?
The fresh figs should be sliced before being layered onto the pizza.
Are the pine nuts raw when added to the pizza?
No, the recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts.
How long is the final baking time once the pizza is topped?
The pizza is returned to the oven for an additional 8 to 10 minutes.
How can I ensure the pizza cooks evenly in the oven?
Rotating the pizza occasionally during the final bake helps ensure even cooking.
When is the reserved Parmesan cheese added?
The reserved 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese are sprinkled over the pizza after it is removed from the oven.
How many slices does one pizza provide?
One 14-inch pizza can be sliced into 8 to 10 pieces.
What is the weight of the pizza dough ball needed?
You will need one 16-ounce ball of pizza dough, either store-bought or homemade.
What kind of oil is used for caramelizing onions?
One tablespoon of olive oil is used for cooking the onions.
Is there salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper are used to season the onions.
What are the primary flavors of this pizza?
The flavor profile is a mix of sweet figs and onions, nutty pine nuts, spicy sausage, and tangy Gorgonzola.
Can I use a different type of onion?
While the recipe specifies red onion for its color and flavor, other varieties can be used for caramelization if needed.
What indicators show the pizza is fully cooked?
The cheese should be bubbly, the sausage fully cooked, and the crust a golden brown.
Should the pizza be served immediately?
It is recommended to let the pizza cool slightly before transferring to a cutting board and serving warm.
What kind of texture does the panko add to the crust?
The panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan mixture add a unique nutty crunch to the exterior of the dough.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, its sophisticated flavor profile makes it a great choice for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.
Can I substitute the Gorgonzola?
While Gorgonzola provides a specific tangy flavor, you could use a different blue cheese or goat cheese if preferred.
What size baking sheet is required?
A large rimless baking sheet is recommended to accommodate the 14-inch pizza.