Prepare to revolutionize your pizza night with a mind-blowing twist that will make your taste buds dance! This Ricotta Butternut Squash Pizza isn't just another ordinary pizza - it's a gourmet experience that transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece. Imagine a creamy, golden canvas of roasted butternut squash, lavished with rich ricotta and melted cheeses, all nestled on a perfectly crisp crust. Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or a seasonal foodie looking to impress, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and transport you straight to an Italian countryside kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 pizzas
Ingredients
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup butternut squash, roasted and pureed
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up as well.
- Prepare the butternut squash by peeling, seeding, and cutting it into small cubes. Toss the cubes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Once done, let them cool slightly before pureeing.
- In a food processor, combine the roasted butternut squash with a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- While the butternut squash is roasting, prepare your pizza dough. If using store-bought dough, let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes. If making from scratch, roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness.
- Transfer the rolled-out pizza dough onto a baking sheet or a pizza peel dusted with flour or cornmeal (if using a pizza stone).
- Spread half of the butternut squash puree evenly over each pizza dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over each pizza, spreading it out gently.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese over each pizza, distributing evenly.
- Carefully transfer the pizzas to the oven (or onto the pizza stone) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Once baked, remove the pizzas from the oven and let them cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before slicing.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Ricotta Butternut Squash Pizza!
Tips
- For maximum flavor, choose a fresh, high-quality butternut squash and roast it thoroughly to develop deep, caramelized notes.
- If you don't have a pizza stone, use a preheated baking sheet to help achieve a crispy crust.
- Let your pizza dough rest at room temperature for easier rolling and stretching.
- Don't overload the pizza with toppings - balance is key to ensuring a crisp base and even cooking.
- For extra richness, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pizza before serving.
- Fresh basil is crucial - chop it just before garnishing to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Use a sharp pizza cutter or kitchen scissors for clean, precise slices.
- Experiment with different cheese ratios to find your perfect blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 430kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 85mg
