Description
A delicious savory puff pastry pizza featuring a rich blend of caramelized onions, smoky bacon, creamy ricotta and pumpkin mixture, fresh sage, and melted mozzarella, all baked to a golden crisp. Perfect for a cozy appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- ¾ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg + 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash)
- Parmesan cheese, for topping
Vegetables and Produce
- 2 sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 1 handful fresh sage leaves
- â…” cup pumpkin puree
Pantry Items
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup apple cider
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed
Instructions
- Render the Bacon Fat: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the chopped bacon. Cook while stirring frequently until the fat has rendered but the bacon is not fully crispy yet, as it will crisp more in the oven. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Caramelize the Onions: In the same skillet with the rendered bacon fat, add the thinly sliced sweet onions. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring often for about 10 minutes until the onions start to soften. Lower the heat to low and stir in the apple cider. Continue cooking and stirring often for 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are slightly caramelized and soft.
- Prepare the Puff Pastry Base: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lay the thawed sheet of puff pastry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a fork to poke holes all over the pastry surface to prevent excessive puffing.
- Mix and Spread Ricotta-Pumpkin Layer: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and pumpkin puree until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving about a one-inch border around the edges.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the ricotta-pumpkin spread. Top with the caramelized onions, the cooked bacon pieces, and fresh sage leaves. Then brush the exposed puff pastry edges with the egg wash mixture to help them brown beautifully during baking.
- Bake the Pizza: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp along the edges. Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not fully crisp the bacon in the skillet as it will continue crisping in the oven.
- Poking the puff pastry prevents it from puffing up too much and helps create a crisp base.
- Caramelizing the onions low and slow with apple cider adds sweetness and depth.
- You can substitute fresh sage with dried sage but use sparingly.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and replace with additional vegetables like sautéed mushrooms.
