Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
365 | 18g | 8g | 31g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
5g | 3g | 22g | 1.3g |
Every year, when the leaves start changing colors and we experience the first , cool brush of Fall, I find myself drift towards the wonderful, deep flavors of Fall harvest in my kitchen. The Butternut Squash Pizza immediately takes center stage in my repertoire of seasonal dishes. It’s vibrant orange texture, savory indulgence in cheese, and subtle crunch from the seasonal squash, delivers a phenomenal and unique twist on our regular pizza feast.
A Love for Squash and a Dash of Texan Flair
Being a Texas native, I inherently lean towards recipes that incorporate a little of that Southern charm. Combining that with my passion for introducing a modern twist to traditional flavors, this pizza recipe perfectly encompasses my love for unique culinary creations. Moreover, if you enjoy variations of classic Italian pizza, this spiced up butternut squash version captures the essence of Autumn in the most delectable way.
Nutrition In Every Bite
This Butternut Squash Pizza comes packed with health benefits too. Butternut Squash, the star of the recipe, is not only incredibly delicious but also highly nutritious and health-promoting. Rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, it offers cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory benefits. Coupled with garlic, which is known for its immune-boosting properties, and a mix of nourishing cheeses, this recipe is delectable and nutritious.
For those of you who are vegetarian or just looking for ways to incorporate more veggies into meals, this pizza lets you do it without compromising on taste. It’s a satisfying meal that boasts flavors typically reserved for heavier, meat-centric Southern dishes. And if you fancy a hint of spice, feel free to sprinkle some of optional chili flakes. It’s a nod to the Tex-Mex heritage that is subtly represented in this dish.
I often pair this pizza with a simple, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the rich, cheesy flavors. It could also serve as a delightful companion to a spicy tomato soup, transforming a simple menu into a delightful feast.
Try making your own Roasted Butternut Squash for this recipe or explore varieties of homemade pizza dough. The beauty of recipes like this Butternut Squash Pizza is that they are infinitely adaptable, and I encourage you to make it entirely your own.
What You’ll Need
- 1-1/2 pounds of butternut squash
- 1 pre-made pizza dough, approximately 16 ounces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup arugula
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). While the oven is preheating, peel the butternut squash and cut it into 1/2 inch cubes. Place the cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt to taste, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (if you’re using them). Toss everything together to ensure the squash is well coated.
Step Two
Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until it’s tender and lightly browned.
Step Three
While the squash is roasting, stretch the pizza dough into your desired shape on a floured surface. If you prefer thin crust, make sure to stretch it out quite thin. If you like thicker crust, leave it a bit thicker.
Step Four
Place the stretched dough on a baking sheet. Spread the minced garlic evenly over the dough, then drizzle it with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
Step Five
Once the crust is golden, remove it from the oven and spread the ricotta cheese evenly over it. Sprinkle the mozzarella and half the parmesan over the ricotta. Evenly distribute the roasted butternut squash over the cheese.
Step Six
Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.
Step Seven
Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly. Top with the remaining parmesan cheese, arugula, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Slice and serve.