Introduction

Butternut Squash Pizza is a delightful twist on the classic favorite, combining sweet roasted squash, caramelized onions, savory bacon, and creamy cheeses. This recipe balances flavors and textures perfectly, making it a comforting and unique pizza experience for any occasion.

A close-up of a pizza slice on a white marbled surface shows a thick, lightly browned crust with a golden edge. The first layer is a melted creamy cheese spread dotted with bubbly browned spots. On top, soft white ricotta cheese is spread unevenly in fluffy dollops, creating a textured white layer. Scattered across the surface are bright orange cubes of roasted butternut squash, adding vibrant color and a smooth texture. There are small bits of caramelized onions mixed lightly throughout, adding a shiny, slightly sticky dark amber layer under the ricotta. The pizza slice is cut and placed next to another slice, both resting on lightly crumpled parchment paper over the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
2 cloves Garlic, minced
Olive Oil
1 1/2 cups Butternut Squash, diced
3 Sweet Onions, thinly sliced
2 tbsp Butter
1 tbsp Brown Sugar
2 cups Shredded Mozzarella
8 ounces Ricotta Cheese
12 ounces Bacon, cooked and chopped
Salt and Pepper
Honey for drizzling on top
Thyme
Optional: Red Chili Flakes

Instructions

Step 1: If using homemade dough, prepare it first and allow it to rise for about 3 hours. If using store-bought dough, follow the package instructions.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the bacon on a sheet pan for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, then chop once cooled.
Step 3: Toss the diced butternut squash in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet until golden, about 15-35 minutes depending on size. Set aside.
Step 4: While the squash roasts, caramelize the onions by cooking them with butter in a pan over medium heat. Stir frequently for 30-45 minutes until jammy. Sprinkle in brown sugar, season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
Step 5: When dough is ready, increase oven temperature to 450 degrees. Prepare your cooking surface (lined sheet pan, cast iron pan, or pizza stone). Stretch dough into two 12-inch rounds and place on the surface.
Step 6: Brush olive oil and minced garlic over the dough evenly. Layer caramelized onions, then sprinkle mozzarella, add dollops of ricotta, bacon pieces, and roasted butternut squash. Drizzle olive oil around the crust edges.
Step 7: Bake for 12-15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly. Remove pizza and drizzle with honey, sprinkle thyme, and add red chili flakes if desired.
Step 8: Slice and enjoy your flavorful butternut squash pizza!

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add roasted mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
Use fresh thyme leaves rather than dried for a brighter herb flavor.
Caramelize onions slowly over low heat to develop deeper sweetness without burning.
If short on time, roast butternut squash in larger pieces and chop after cooking to save prep time.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy.

How to Serve

A close-up view of two slices of pizza on brown parchment paper over a wooden surface with white marbled texture in the background, each slice shows a pizza crust with a light golden brown edge, topped with a layer of melted light brown cheese, followed by visible chunks of bright orange roasted squash, caramelized brown onions, and dollops of creamy white ricotta cheese sprinkled lightly with black pepper and small green herbs. The pizza looks soft yet slightly crispy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen diced butternut squash. Just thaw and pat it dry before tossing with olive oil and roasting to prevent excess moisture on the pizza.

What type of pizza dough works best?

Both store-bought and homemade dough work well. A dough that crisps nicely in the oven, such as a traditional Neapolitan-style or a hand-tossed dough, complements the toppings perfectly.