Rustic Pumpkin And Gouda Pizza Recipe

Savory Fall Bliss: Homemade Pumpkin and Gouda Pizza Recipe

When autumn’s crisp breeze rolls in, nothing beats a slice of homemade pumpkin and gouda pizza that brings warmth to your kitchen.

The rich, creamy gouda melts perfectly alongside sweet pumpkin puree, creating a flavor combination that dances on your taste buds.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this unexpected culinary twist that turns an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Savory and slightly sweet notes blend seamlessly across each golden-crusted slice.

The delicate balance of cheese and pumpkin promises a delightful experience for anyone seeking a fresh take on pizza night.

Comfort meets creativity in this simple yet sophisticated recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your apron and get ready to surprise your palate with a pizza that redefines autumn dining.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 390 kcal

Servings: 5

Pumpkin and Gouda Pizza: What You’ll Need

For Base:
  • Pizza Dough: Flexible foundation that gives crispy structure to pizza, choose fresh or homemade dough for best texture.
  • Flour: Essential for rolling and preventing sticking, use unbleached all-purpose flour for smooth preparation.
For Toppings and Flavoring:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Creamy autumn vegetable base that adds rich, earthy sweetness, select pure pumpkin without added spices.
  • Gouda Cheese: Smooth, nutty cheese that melts beautifully, opt for aged variety for deeper flavor profile.
  • Caramelized Onions: Sweet, jammy topping that develops complex flavor through slow cooking, use sweet onions like Vidalia for best results.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste, choose fresh cloves for most intense flavor.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element that adds gentle heat, adjust quantity based on personal heat preference.
For Finishing and Garnish:
  • Olive Oil: Helps caramelize onions and adds subtle richness, select extra virgin for best quality.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that provides bright, green finish, choose curly or flat-leaf based on preference.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors, use kosher or sea salt for more nuanced taste.

Essential Tools for Making Pumpkin and Gouda Pizza

  • Large Skillet: Perfect for caramelizing onions slowly and evenly.
  • Pizza Stone or Baking Sheet: Essential for creating a crispy pizza crust.
  • Rolling Pin: Helps stretch and shape pizza dough smoothly.
  • Fork: Needed to pierce dough and prevent bubbling.
  • Parchment Paper: Ensures easy pizza transfer and prevents sticking.
  • Cheese Grater: Optional for grating fresh gouda cheese.
  • Chef's Knife: Used for chopping garlic and parsley.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.

How to Assemble and Bake Pumpkin and Gouda Pizza

  • Onion Transformation

Gently heat a skillet and slowly cook onions until they turn a soft golden color. Infuse the onions with minced garlic and a hint of spice during the final moments of cooking. The slow process develops rich, sweet flavors that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

  • Dough Preparation

Warm up your oven to create the perfect baking environment. Stretch out your pizza dough on a clean surface, creating a rustic circular shape. Spread a smooth layer of creamy pumpkin puree across the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.

  • Cheese and Toppings

Sprinkle the caramelized onions generously over the pumpkin base. Shower the pizza with crumbled gouda cheese, ensuring an even coverage that will melt into delicious pools of flavor.

  • Baking Magic

Slide the pizza into the hot oven and watch it transform. The crust will crisp up beautifully while the cheese melts into a golden blanket. After about 12 minutes, your pizza will emerge looking like a work of art.

  • Final Touch

If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh herbs to add a pop of color and extra flavor. Slice and serve immediately while the pizza is at its crispy, melty best.

Tips, Tricks & Flavor Ideas for Pumpkin and Gouda Pizza

  • Swap regular gouda for smoked gouda to add deeper, richer flavor notes that complement the sweet pumpkin.
  • Caramelize onions up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container, saving precious time during pizza preparation.
  • Sprinkle roasted butternut squash cubes or crispy sage leaves on top for extra texture and autumn-inspired complexity.
  • Replace traditional pizza dough with cauliflower crust or store-bought gluten-free dough to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.
  • Drizzle honey or add crumbled crispy prosciutto after baking to introduce sweet and salty dimensions that elevate the pizza's overall flavor profile.

Serving Pumpkin and Gouda Pizza

  • Savor with Salad Sidekick: Pair the pizza with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy gouda and sweet caramelized onions.
  • Slice and Share: Cut the pizza into smaller appetizer-sized pieces for a perfect party snack or gathering starter that'll impress your guests with gourmet flavors.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the pizza's earthy pumpkin and sweet onion notes with a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay for a delightful dining experience.
  • Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or fresh thyme leaves just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch that enhances the pizza's complex flavors.

How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin and Gouda Pizza

  • Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover pizza slices in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them flat to maintain the crispy crust and prevent soggy edges.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pizza can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat with Care: Bring pizza back to life using an oven or toaster oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the crust soggy and cheese rubbery.
  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Caramelize onions and prepare pumpkin puree up to 2 days in advance. Store separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator to streamline pizza assembly.
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Rustic Pumpkin And Gouda Pizza Recipe

Rustic Pumpkin And Gouda Pizza Recipe


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4.9 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy pumpkin and gouda pizza blends autumn’s warmth with rich cheese and crisp crust. Herbs and caramelized onions elevate this seasonal comfort dish that welcomes you to savor each delicious slice.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (454 g) pizza dough, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (177 mL) pumpkin puree, canned
  • 5 oz (142 g) gouda cheese, freshly grated (about 1 ¼ cups)
  • 1 yellow onion, large, peeled and sliced
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) extra virgin olive oil
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼½ tsp red pepper flakes, crushed (optional)
  • Parsley, fresh, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden. After 7-8 minutes, reduce heat and continue cooking for 20-30 minutes until deeply caramelized. In the final 5 minutes, mix in minced garlic, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Prepare Oven: Position rack in center-top position and preheat to 475°F (246°C). Place pizza stone or baking sheet inside to create an intensely hot surface.
  3. Shape Dough: Flour a work surface and roll pizza dough into a 12-14 inch circle. Transfer to parchment paper and pierce with a fork to prevent excessive bubbling.
  4. Assemble Pizza: Spread pumpkin puree evenly across dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Layer caramelized onions and top with shredded gouda cheese.
  5. Bake and Finish: Slide pizza onto preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes until crust turns crisp and golden, and cheese melts completely. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top before serving.

Notes

  • Caramelize Onions Slowly: Low and slow cooking develops deep, sweet flavor; rushing can lead to burnt, bitter onions.
  • Prep Pizza Stone Properly: Preheating creates restaurant-quality crispy crust by mimicking professional pizza oven conditions.
  • Fork-Poke Dough Technique: Perforating prevents massive air bubbles, ensuring even, flat pizza base during baking.
  • Cheese Melting Tip: Shred gouda fresh for optimal melting and most authentic, creamy texture across pizza surface.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Michael Rivera

Michael Rivera

Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor

Expertise

  • Classic French Cuisine
  • Artisanal Bread Baking
  • Plant-Based Culinary Innovation
  • Recipe & Menu Development
  • Interactive Online Instruction

Education

The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)

  • Program: Classic Culinary Arts
  • Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.

Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking. 

Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.

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