Delicata Pizza Recipe

I absolutely love this pizza recipe because the combination of delicata squash and goat cheese offers a delightful balance of creaminess and mild sweetness, making each bite feel indulgent. Plus, the option to add arugula and balsamic glaze at the end brings a fresh, tangy twist that’s simply irresistible for an unforgettable homemade pizza night.

Seasonal flavors are my jam, especially when combined with beloved classics. Take, for instance, Delicata Pizza, a naturally gluten-free, totally delicious fusion of creamy mozzarella and tangy goat cheese.

Delicata Pizza is enhanced by those sweet and nutty edible portions of delicata squash. I give it a good sprinkle of red pepper flakes to add some heat and a good amount of fresh thyme for a flavor that really makes the kitchen sing.

Delicata Pizza Recipe Ingredients

• Delicata Squash: Low in calories, rich in fiber, sweet flavor.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats, enhances flavor, anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Good source of calcium and protein, creamy texture.
• Goat Cheese: Tangy flavor, high in protein, easily digestible.
• Thyme Leaves: Aromatic herb, contains antioxidants, enhances flavor profile.

Delicata Pizza Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 store-bought or homemade pizza dough
• 1 small delicata squash, sliced into thin rings
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal, for dusting
• 1/4 cup arugula (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

How to Make this Delicata Pizza Recipe

1. Heat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and put a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to get hot.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the pizza dough out to your desired thickness. Move the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or a flat baking sheet that has been sprinkled with cornmeal to prevent sticking.

3. 1 tablespoon of olive oil: Brush the dough with this amount of olive oil.
Salt: Sprinkle to taste.
Pepper: Also sprinkle to taste.
Dough: Brush with oil before sprinkling the above seasonings.
Note: Do not alter the structure or list format of the source material.

4. Position the rings of delicate squash over the dough so that they cover as much of the surface as possible.

5. Distribute evenly the shredded mozzarella cheese over the squash.

6. Break the goat cheese into pieces and spread over the mozzarella and squash, ensuring even distribution.

7. Scatter across the top the red pepper flakes and freshly torn thyme leaves.

8. Gently slide the pizza onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is a lovely shade of brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling.

9. Take the pizza from the oven and dust it with grated Parmesan cheese.

10. If you wish, you may add fresh arugula and a drizzle of balsamic glaze to the dish before serving. Then slice, and savor every bite!

Delicata Pizza Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Pizza stone or baking sheet
3. Rolling pin
4. Pizza peel or flat baking sheet
5. Pastry brush
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring spoons
9. Measuring cups
10. Grater
11. Spatula or pizza cutter

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of squash for this pizza?
  Yes, you can substitute delicata squash with butternut or acorn squash if delicata is unavailable. Just be sure to slice it thinly.
• Do I need to peel the delicata squash?
  No, the skin of delicata squash is edible and becomes tender when cooked, so peeling is unnecessary.
• Can I make the dough from scratch?
  Absolutely! Homemade pizza dough can enhance the freshness and flavor of your pizza, but store-bought dough works just as well for convenience.
• How can I make the pizza crust crispy?
  To achieve a crispy crust, preheat your baking sheet or pizza stone in the oven and use cornmeal on the surface to prevent sticking.
• Is there a substitute for goat cheese?
  You can replace goat cheese with feta or ricotta if you prefer a different flavor or if goat cheese is not available.
• What should I serve with this pizza?
  A light side salad or a glass of your favorite wine pairs beautifully with delicata pizza to complete the meal.
• How can I store leftovers?
  Wrap any leftover pizza in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Delicata Pizza Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of using delicata squash, replace it with thinly sliced butternut squash.
Use feta cheese rather than goat cheese for a different flavor.
Replace fresh thyme leaves with fresh rosemary for an aromatic twist.
Use 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika instead of red pepper flakes for a smoky flavor.
Instead of arugula, you can use baby spinach to make a topping with a milder flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat Thoroughly Ensure that your oven and pizza stone or baking sheet are fully preheated. This high heat is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Let it heat for at least 30 minutes before baking your pizza.

2. Slice Squash Evenly When slicing the delicata squash, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. You can use a mandoline slicer for precise and consistent slices.

3. Manage Moisture To prevent the pizza crust from becoming soggy, pat the squash slices dry with paper towels before placing them on the dough. This will help remove excess moisture.

4. Cheese Combination Mix the mozzarella and goat cheese before spreading them on the pizza if you prefer a more homogeneous melt. This can create a more evenly distributed cheesy texture.

5. Finishing Touches After baking, allow the pizza to rest for a couple of minutes before adding optional arugula and balsamic glaze. This will help retain the fresh texture of the arugula and prevent the glaze from thinning too much.