There is nothing quite like a perfect balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and creamy all on a single slice of pizza. The Caramelized Onion Fig Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe delivers exactly that delightful harmony. With lush caramelized onions and sweet figs mingling beautifully with tangy goat cheese atop a whole wheat crust, this pizza is a gourmet game-changer. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner with friends, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Caramelized Onion Fig Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe plays a crucial role, contributing distinct flavors and textures that combine to create an extraordinary pizza experience. The fresh, slightly nutty whole wheat crust provides a wholesome foundation, while the sweet caramelized onions and figs bring irresistible contrast against the creamy goat cheese. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring this recipe to life.
- Unsweetened Original Almond Breeze Almondmilk (¾ cup, warm at 110-115°F): The perfect dairy-free liquid base to activate the yeast gently, adding a subtle nutty undertone.
- Honey (½ tablespoon): A touch of natural sweetness to help nourish the yeast for a good rise.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon, plus more for cooking and brushing): Adds richness and keeps the dough tender; also perfect for sautéing and finishing touches.
- Instant yeast (2 ¼ teaspoons, 1 packet): The magic ingredient that makes the dough rise light and airy.
- Whole wheat pastry flour (2 cups): Provides a wholesome, nutty flavor and a tender crumb for your pizza crust.
- Yellow cornmeal (½ tablespoon, plus extra for dusting): Adds a slight crunch and prevents sticking on the baking sheet.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the flavors and enhances the dough.
- Yellow onion (1, sliced): Slowly caramelized to develop deep sweetness and complexity.
- Dried mission figs (12, stems trimmed and quartered): Add chewy, naturally sweet bursts complementing the tangy cheese perfectly.
- Soft fresh goat cheese (5 ounces, coarsely crumbled): Creamy, tangy, and luscious, creating the perfect contrast to the sweet toppings.
- Fresh arugula (1-2 cups): Peppery and bright, adding a fresh finish to the pizza.
- Good-quality balsamic vinegar (½ cup): Reduced to an intense glaze that ties all the flavors together with a rich, tangy kick.
How to Make Caramelized Onion Fig Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm almond milk, instant yeast, honey, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes until it becomes foamy and bubbly. This foaming shows the yeast is alive and ready to make your dough rise beautifully. If the mixture doesn’t foam, don’t hesitate to start over to ensure a perfect dough.
Step 2: Mix and Knead the Dough
Add in the whole wheat pastry flour, yellow cornmeal, and salt. Stir everything with a wooden spoon to bring it together, then switch to a dough hook on your mixer or prepare to knead by hand. Knead the dough for about 8 minutes until it turns into a slightly sticky, smooth ball. This kneading process develops the gluten for dough with great structure and softness.
Step 3: First Rise
Lightly oil a bowl, place your dough in it, and cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Let the dough rest in a warm spot for about an hour, or until it doubles in size. This rise will add lightness that makes the crust tender yet crisp after baking.
Step 4: Caramelize the Onions
While your dough rests, heat olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally. This patience pays off after about 20-30 minutes when the onions turn golden brown and develop a satisfyingly sweet and rich caramel flavor that will take this pizza to the next level.
Step 5: Prepare Dough for Baking
Preheat your oven to 450°F and prepare your baking sheet by greasing it with olive oil and sprinkling with cornmeal to prevent sticking. Transfer your risen dough to the sheet and gently stretch it toward the edges. Cover it with plastic wrap and rest the dough again for 20 minutes to let the gluten relax, making it easier to shape.
Step 6: Make the Balsamic Reduction
Simmer the balsamic vinegar over low heat until it reduces by half. This slow reduction intensifies its sweetness and tang, creating a luscious glaze that perfectly accents the pizza’s toppings.
Step 7: Pre-bake the Crust
Gently pull the edges of the dough to form a slight crust border. Brush the entire crust lightly with olive oil and bake for 10-15 minutes until the dough looks golden and just set. This pre-bake ensures a sturdy base that won’t get soggy once topped.
Step 8: Add the Toppings and Finish Baking
Remove the crust from the oven, drizzle it with a little olive oil, then spread the caramelized onions, quartered figs, and crumbled goat cheese evenly on top. Pop it back into the oven for another 5 minutes, just enough to warm the toppings without melting all the cheesy goodness away.
Step 9: Final Touches and Serve
Take the pizza out of the oven and scatter fresh arugula over the top. Drizzle generously with your homemade balsamic reduction. Slice into generous squares, serve immediately, and prepare to be amazed.
How to Serve Caramelized Onion Fig Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh arugula is a game changer, offering a peppery contrast to the sweet and creamy toppings. A final drizzle of balsamic reduction provides an elegant tangy finish that will have your taste buds celebrating with every bite.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with a simple crisp green salad or a light soup, letting the bold flavors shine. A refreshing glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, serve the pizza squares on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of extra goat cheese and fig jam. Adding a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or a few fresh herbs like thyme can elevate the presentation and flavor even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the crust from getting soggy, place a paper towel beneath the slices to absorb moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough portioned on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer it to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before proceeding with toppings and baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat pizza slices in a hot skillet over medium heat to crisp the crust again while warming the toppings gently. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk in this recipe?
Absolutely! Regular cow’s milk works well and will give the dough a slightly creamier texture, but almond milk adds a subtle nuttiness that pairs nicely with the whole wheat crust.
How do I know when the onions are perfectly caramelized?
Look for a deep golden to amber color and a sweet aroma. The onions should be soft and slightly sticky, cooking low and slow to develop full flavor without burning.
Can I substitute fresh figs for dried mission figs?
Fresh figs can work in season, but they are juicier and less concentrated in sweetness, so you might want to use a little more or add a touch of honey to balance flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
As written, it is not vegan due to the goat cheese and honey. However, you can swap the goat cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative and use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
What type of flour is best for this pizza dough?
This recipe calls for whole wheat pastry flour, which is lighter and more tender than regular whole wheat flour, yielding a soft yet hearty crust. You can experiment with all-purpose flour for a more traditional texture.
Final Thoughts
This Caramelized Onion Fig Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels special yet surprisingly simple to make. Every bite brings a perfect mix of flavors and textures that will impress even the most discerning palates. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon — whether for family dinner or your next get-together, it’s sure to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Print
Caramelized Onion Fig Goat Cheese Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Caramelized Onion Fig Goat Cheese Pizza combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors on a whole wheat pastry crust. The dough is made with almond milk and whole wheat pastry flour, topped with slow-cooked caramelized onions, dried mission figs, creamy goat cheese, and fresh arugula, finished with a rich balsamic vinegar reduction. Perfect for a gourmet homemade pizza experience with a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- ¾ cup warm Unsweetened Original Almond Breeze Almondmilk (110-115°F)
- ½ tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
- ½ tablespoon yellow cornmeal, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Olive oil, for the crust
For the Toppings:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 12 dried mission figs, stems trimmed and quartered
- 5 ounces soft fresh goat cheese, coarsely crumbled
- 1–2 cups fresh arugula
- ½ cup good-quality balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl of an electric mixer, combine warm almond milk, yeast, honey, and olive oil. Let it sit for a few minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating active yeast; if no foam appears, start over.
- Prepare the Dough: Stir in the whole wheat pastry flour, cornmeal, and salt using a wooden spoon. Attach the dough hook and knead on medium speed for 8 minutes until a slightly sticky dough ball forms; alternatively, knead by hand for 8-10 minutes.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a medium bowl with olive oil. Place the dough inside, cover with plastic wrap and a towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Caramelize the Onions: While the dough rises, heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced onions evenly, stirring occasionally, and cook for 20-30 minutes until golden brown and caramelized, checking every 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 450°F. Grease an 11×9 or 8×12 inch baking sheet with olive oil and sprinkle with cornmeal or line with parchment paper.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the risen dough onto the prepared baking sheet and gently stretch toward edges. Cover with plastic wrap and rest for 20 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Reduce the Balsamic: Pour balsamic vinegar into a small pot, simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until reduced by half; set aside to cool.
- Par-Bake the Crust: After resting, gently pull dough to form a slight crust edge, brush lightly with olive oil, and bake for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Drizzle or brush dough with olive oil. Evenly spread caramelized onions, figs, and goat cheese over the crust. Bake an additional 5 minutes until toppings are warmed through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove pizza from oven, top with fresh arugula, and drizzle with the balsamic reduction. Cut into 10-12 squares and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using almond milk makes the dough dairy-free and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
- Caramelizing onions thoroughly enhances their sweetness and flavor complexity.
- The balsamic reduction can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- You can substitute dried figs with other dried fruits like apricots or dates for variation.
- Resting the dough after shaping helps to achieve a tender and elastic crust.
- Use whole wheat pastry flour for a lighter texture compared to regular whole wheat flour.
