Ingredients
- Pizza DoughUse pre-made store-bought dough for maximum convenience, or opt for homemade if you are feeling ambitious and have extra time.
- Canned Pumpkin PureeEnsure you select 100% pure pumpkin puree and not the pre-spiced pumpkin pie filling, which is much too sweet for this savory application.
- Ground Chicken SausageLook for mild or spicy Italian-style chicken sausage; remove the casings before cooking for easy crumbling over the pizza.
- Yellow OnionsYou need two large onions, sliced thin and uniformly, ready for the slow, transformative caramelization process that develops deep sweetness.
- Olive Oil and ButterA mixture of both helps achieve the perfect caramelization temperature and adds a rich, nutty flavor to the base of the pumpkin spread.
- Mozzarella CheeseUse low-moisture, shredded whole-milk mozzarella or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a fantastic melt and sharp flavor.
- SpicesA blend of sage, nutmeg, cinnamon, and dried thyme elevates the pumpkin base and adds that quintessential autumnal aroma to the final product.
- Balsamic VinegarA tiny splash of vinegar added during the final minutes of caramelizing the onions deepens their color and gives them an incredible acidic tang.
Instructions
- Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken Sausage
- Step 3: Prepare the Pumpkin Base
- Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Step 5: Bake and Finish
Notes
- If you plan on making the dough ahead, store your prepared pumpkin base and cooked sausage mixture separately from the unbaked dough in the fridge to prevent the crust from becoming soggy during storage.
- For the crispiest leftovers, reheat individual slices on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven or in an air fryer until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly again.
- Don't rush the caramelization of the onions; this deep, slow sweetness is the defining flavor of the pizza, so allow a full 45 to 60 minutes over low heat before adding the acidic lift of balsamic vinegar.
- To enhance the savory profile, garnish the baked pizza with a final drizzle of good quality olive oil and a few leaves of fresh arugula tossed lightly with lemon juice for a peppery contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American