If you are craving a pizza that bursts with layers of sweet and savory flavors, you will absolutely love this **Caramelised Onions, Apples and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe**. Combining tender caramelised onions with soft, juicy apples and creamy goat cheese on a crispy gluten-free crust makes for an unforgettable taste experience. The finishing touch of fresh thyme and a drizzle of honey adds a delicate herbal sweetness that elevates every bite. This pizza is a delightful way to bring autumnal flavors to your table any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredients; each one plays a crucial role in developing the deep complexity of this pizza. From the sweetness of the apples and caramelised onions to the tang of goat cheese and the fresh pop of thyme, your taste buds are in for a treat!
- Gluten-free pizza crust: A perfect base that’s crisp yet tender, ideal for those looking to avoid gluten while enjoying pizza.
- Large onion: Thinly sliced and slowly caramelised to release its natural sweetness.
- Apple: Thinly sliced and cooked to soften, adding juicy tartness and texture.
- Herbed vegan cashew cheese or vegan goat cheese: Soft and creamy, it melts beautifully and contributes a rich tang.
- Fresh thyme sprigs: Adds an aromatic earthiness that complements both the cheese and fruit.
- Honey: Drizzled on top to bring a subtle sweetness that balances savory notes.
- Vegan butter spread or regular butter: Used for cooking the onions and apples to golden perfection.
How to Make Caramelised Onions, Apples and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready when your pizza assembly is complete. Slice the onion and apple thinly — this helps them cook evenly and meld seamlessly with the creamy cheese once baked.
Step 2: Caramelise the Onions
In a medium pan over medium heat, melt two tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced onions and swirl them in the melted butter to coat evenly. Cook the onions gently for about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning. The result should be soft, golden, and richly sweet onions that add incredible depth to your pizza.
Step 3: Cook the Apples
In a separate pan, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Toss in your sliced apples and cook for about 10 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelised. Cooking the apples softens their edges and concentrates their natural sugars, perfectly balancing the onions’ sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread the soft goat cheese evenly over your gluten-free pizza crust as the creamy base layer. Layer the warm cooked apples on top of the cheese, followed by the caramelised onions. This order ensures that every slice delivers a harmonious blend of texture and flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled pizza into the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, just enough time for the goat cheese to soften and melt slightly. You want its tangy richness to marry with the fruits and onions beautifully without losing its character.
Step 6: Add Fresh Thyme and Honey
Once baked, strip the thyme leaves from the sprigs and scatter them generously over your pizza for a fresh, fragrant finish. Drizzle the entire pizza with honey to add a delicate, floral sweetness that elevates the dish even further.
How to Serve Caramelised Onions, Apples and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of coarse sea salt can enhance the flavors by adding a tiny crunch and contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few cracks of black pepper or a handful of toasted walnuts add great texture and depth.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or even a roasted vegetable medley. Light sides keep the focus on this rich and flavorful pizza while adding freshness and balance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the pizza into small squares or thin slices to serve as an elegant appetizer at your next gathering. You can also try layering on some arugula or baby spinach after baking for a peppery burst that complements the sweet and savory toppings beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The flavors actually meld wonderfully overnight, making the next-day slice even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this pizza, it’s best to assemble it but not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for a fresh experience.
Reheating
To reheat your pizza without sacrificing crispness, warm it in a preheated skillet on medium heat for a few minutes. This method revives the crust’s crunch while keeping the toppings warm and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use regular goat cheese instead of vegan cheese?
Absolutely! Regular goat cheese works beautifully and offers a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the caramelised onions and apples. Just adjust to your preference and dietary needs.
What’s the best apple variety for this pizza?
Go for tart but crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during cooking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the onions and honey.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Using a gluten-free pizza crust or making your own gluten-free dough ensures the entire recipe stays gluten-free without compromising on taste or texture.
Is there a good substitute for thyme?
If you don’t have fresh thyme, rosemary or sage can offer lovely herbal notes that complement the toppings, just use sparingly to avoid overpowering the pizza.
How sweet will the pizza be with the honey drizzle?
The honey drizzle adds just a subtle sweetness that balances the savory and tart components. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your taste, or omit it entirely for a less sweet finish.
Final Thoughts
There is something magical about the combination of caramelised onions, soft apples, and creamy goat cheese all resting on a golden crust. This **Caramelised Onions, Apples and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe** is grounded in simple ingredients but delivers an elevated and comforting flavor that you won’t soon forget. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love, just like I have!
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Caramelised Onions, Apples and Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe
This Caramelised Onions, Apples and Goat Cheese Pizza is a delightful savory-sweet treat, topped with herbed vegan cashew cheese, thinly sliced caramelized onions and apples, fresh thyme, and a drizzle of honey. The combination of flavors and textures makes for an irresistible pizza that’s perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
Pizza Base
- 1 gluten free pizza crust (homemade from gluten free pizza crust mix or store-bought)
Toppings
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 4 ounces herbed vegan cashew cheese, softened or at room temperature (or vegan goat cheese alternative)
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons honey, for drizzling
- 4 tablespoons vegan butter spread or regular butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pizza later.
- Caramelize Onions: In a pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once hot, add thinly sliced onions, coating them well with the butter. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes to prevent burning, until the onions are soft and caramelized.
- Cook Apples: While onions are cooking, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in another pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced apples and sauté for 10 minutes until they become soft. Remove from heat once done.
- Assemble Pizza: Spread the herbed vegan cashew cheese evenly over the gluten-free pizza crust. Arrange the sautéed apple slices on top of the cheese, then layer the caramelized onions over the apples.
- Bake: Place the assembled pizza in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is slightly melted and the crust is warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve: Strip the thyme leaves from the sprigs and sprinkle them over the baked pizza. Drizzle honey generously over the top for a sweet finish. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute vegan cashew cheese with any soft goat cheese or a vegan goat cheese alternative if preferred.
- For a fully vegan version, ensure to use a vegan-friendly honey substitute like agave syrup or maple syrup.
- Keep an eye on the onions and apples as they cook to avoid burning; adjust heat as needed.
- This recipe works well with store-bought gluten-free pizza crusts for convenience.
- Leftover pizza can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Contemporary
- Diet: Gluten Free