Introduction

Discover a delightful twist on classic pizza with this savory pumpkin pizza topped with creamy Havarti cheese and sweet caramelized onions. Perfect for fall, this recipe blends comforting flavors with a fresh, peppery arugula finish. It’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy pumpkin beyond soups and pies.

A round pizza cut into eight slices sits on a wooden board, showing a light golden crust. The first layer is a bright red tomato sauce covering the base evenly. On top, there is a layer of melted white cheese spread with some bubbles and light browning. Scattered over the cheese are small cubes of orange roasted pumpkin, with some char marks. There is a sprinkling of green herbs all over the pizza, with uneven textures adding contrast. One slice is slightly pulled out, with a woman's hand lifting it gently from the board. The background is a white marbled surface with some out-of-focus green leaves and a small orange pumpkin visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ready-to-bake pizza dough
1.5 cups pumpkin puree
1 sweet onion, diced
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, diced
½ tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
2 cups freshly grated Havarti cheese
1 cup arugula
Extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to warm up as it heats.
Step 2: In a pan over medium-low heat, heat a drizzle of olive oil and cook half of the diced onions until soft and fragrant, about 10 minutes. Halfway through, sprinkle with sugar to enhance sweetness. Continue stirring until the onions are caramelized.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, minced garlic, diced shallot, chopped thyme, and the remaining half of the onions. Stir in the parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Prepare the pizza dough according to package instructions. Flatten the dough into a circular shape to fit your pizza stone or baking sheet.
Step 5: Transfer the dough to the heated pizza stone or baking sheet. Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
Step 6: Layer the caramelized onions on top of the pumpkin mixture, add fresh arugula, then generously sprinkle with Havarti cheese.
Step 7: Bake according to dough package instructions, typically 10-12 minutes. For a crisper crust, bake 20-25 minutes until golden and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Remove from oven, slice, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Caramelize all the onions for a richer, deeper flavor.
Use a baking sheet if you don’t have a pizza stone; it still works well.
Try swapping Havarti for mozzarella or goat cheese for a different cheese profile.
Add crispy bacon or pancetta for extra savory notes.
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the pizza before serving for a sweet-tangy contrast.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Incorporate roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for additional texture.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for a crispy crust or microwave for a quicker option, though the crust may soften.

How to Serve

A freshly baked pizza with a golden thin crust rests on a round wooden board placed on a white marbled surface; the pizza is cut into eight slices, each topped with a bright red tomato sauce base, scattered small orange pumpkin pieces, melted white cheese with a slightly browned texture, and sprinkled green herbs evenly spread across the top. One slice is slightly pulled out, showing the layers of sauce, cheese, and toppings in detail. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the pizza dough from scratch?

Yes, homemade dough works wonderfully. Just be sure to adjust baking times as needed and preheat your oven thoroughly for optimal results.

What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?

Butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree can make great substitutes, offering a similar creamy texture and subtle sweetness that complements the other toppings.

Savory Pumpkin Pizza with Havarti and Caramelized Onions Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 69 reviews

This savory pumpkin pizza brings together the creamy richness of pumpkin puree with sweet caramelized onions, mild and meltable Havarti cheese, and fresh, peppery arugula. A perfect fall-inspired pizza, this dish balances sweet, savory, and fresh flavors over a crispy crust, making it a unique and delicious dinner option.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Total Time: 40 Minutes
Yield: 4 Servings (1 pizza) 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Pizza Base

1 ready-to-bake pizza dough

Pumpkin Mixture

1.5 cups pumpkin puree
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, diced
½ tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Remaining half of the diced sweet onion (from 1 onion)

Caramelized Onions

Half of the diced sweet onion (from 1 onion)
1 teaspoon sugar
Extra virgin olive oil (for cooking onions)

Toppings

2 cups freshly grated Havarti cheese
1 cup arugula
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling if desired)

Instructions

Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to warm as it heats up to ensure a crispy crust.
Caramelize Onions. Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add half of the diced sweet onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant. Midway through cooking, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of sugar to enhance the sweetness, and continue until the onions are caramelized and golden brown.
Prepare Pumpkin Mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, minced garlic, diced shallot, chopped fresh thyme, the remaining half of the diced onions (uncooked), and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth and well-seasoned pumpkin topping.
Prepare Dough. Follow the package instructions for the pizza dough preparation, then flatten it into a circular shape that will fit your pizza stone or baking sheet, using your hands or a rolling pin.
Assemble Pizza. Transfer the flattened dough onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Evenly spread the pumpkin mixture over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust. Layer the caramelized onions on top, followed by a handful of fresh arugula. Finally, generously sprinkle the grated Havarti cheese evenly over the pizza. Add extra salt and pepper if desired.
Bake Pizza. Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes according to the dough package instructions. For a crispier crust and more bubbly cheese, bake it for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Serve. Remove the pizza from the oven, slice it, and serve immediately while hot with melted cheese. Optionally drizzle with extra virgin olive oil or balsamic glaze for added richness and flavor.

Notes

Using a pizza stone is recommended to achieve a crispier crust, but a baking sheet will work if you don’t have one.
Caramelizing all of the onions instead of half yields a deeper, sweeter onion flavor.
Adjust baking time depending on how crispy or soft you prefer the crust.
For a flavor twist, top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving or sprinkle with red pepper flakes for heat.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven for best texture or microwave for convenience.

Keywords: Pizza, Pumpkin, Fall Recipes, Dinner, Savory Pumpkin Pizza, Caramelized Onions, Havarti Cheese, Arugula Pizza