Pizza, Pumpkin, Fall Recipes, Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking to cozy up your dinner routine this season, nothing hits the spot quite like this delightful Pizza, Pumpkin, Fall Recipes, Dinner creation. Combining the earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree with the savory richness of caramelized onions and creamy Havarti cheese, this pizza embraces all the best flavors fall has to offer. It’s a show-stopping dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious, perfect for sharing with loved ones on any crisp evening.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors, textures, and colors that make this pizza truly special. Each element has its role—from the tender pizza dough forming the perfect base to the fresh thyme adding an aromatic touch that complements the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.

• Ready-to-bake pizza dough: The sturdy, soft foundation that carries all the toppings beautifully.
• Pumpkin puree (1.5 cups): Adds that iconic fall flavor and velvety texture.
• Sweet onion, diced: Provides a mild, caramelizing sweetness when cooked.
• Sugar (1 teaspoon): Enhances onion caramelization and balances acidity.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings subtle savory depth and aroma.
• Shallot, diced: Adds a delicate, slightly sweet onion flavor.
• Fresh thyme (½ tablespoon, chopped): Breathing fresh herbaceous notes into the mix.
• Salt and pepper to taste: The subtle seasoning that wakes up every bite.
• Parmesan cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): Introduces a nutty, salty sharpness.
• Havarti cheese (2 cups, freshly grated): Creamy and meltable, perfect for that gooey topping.
• Arugula (1 cup): Adds a peppery, leafy freshness right before serving.
• Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing onions and drizzling to enrich flavors.

How to Make Pizza, Pumpkin, Fall Recipes, Dinner

Step 1: Warm Up Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. If you have a pizza stone, place it inside now—it helps achieve a wonderfully crisp crust by evenly distributing heat.

Step 2: Cook Onions to Perfection

In a skillet over medium-low heat, warm some olive oil and sauté half of your diced sweet onions. After they’ve softened a bit, sprinkle in a teaspoon of sugar to coax out that beautiful caramelized sweetness. Keep cooking until the onions turn translucent and fragrant—this step builds a rich flavor base that complements the pumpkin perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Your Pumpkin Mixture

In a bowl, mix your pumpkin puree, minced garlic, diced shallot, chopped fresh thyme, and the remaining raw diced onions. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. This creamy, savory spread will be the heart of your pizza.

Step 4: Prepare the Crust

Follow the package directions to ready your pizza dough, then roll or stretch it into a beautiful circular shape. If you warmed a pizza stone earlier, transfer the dough right onto it to begin crisping as you assemble.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the dough, then scatter your caramelized onions and fresh arugula on top. Generously sprinkle the grated Havarti cheese over everything, and add a little extra salt and pepper if you like. Bake the pizza according to your dough instructions—usually 10 to 12 minutes or longer (around 20 to 25 minutes) for that perfectly crisp finish you’ll adore.

How to Serve Pizza, Pumpkin, Fall Recipes, Dinner

Garnishes

A handful of fresh arugula right after baking adds a lively, peppery bite, balancing the rich pumpkin and cheese flavors. A quick drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can elevate it even more.

Side Dishes

Keep things cozy with a fresh fall salad featuring crisp apples and walnuts, or serve alongside roasted root vegetables for an all-around harvest-inspired meal. A warm bowl of butternut squash soup would also complement this pizza beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this pizza on a rustic wooden board, slicing it into smaller squares for a shareable appetizer, or pairing it with little ramekins of chili flakes and honey for guests to customize their bites. Presentation can turn this fall favorite into a gorgeous centerpiece on your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your pizza will stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or snacking.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover pizza slices by wrapping them well in foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. They’ll keep for about 1 to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

The key to reheating your pizza without losing that crisp crust is to place it on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (around 375°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep it crunchy and melty.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices. Canned puree works perfectly and saves time.

Is Havarti cheese necessary, or can I substitute it?

Havarti is wonderful for its creamy melt, but mozzarella or fontina also work well. Feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the pizza dough for your favorite gluten-free variety. The toppings and pumpkin mixture remain deliciously the same.

What wine pairs best with this pizza?

A light to medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a fruity Pinot Noir complements the sweet and savory balance of the pumpkin and cheese beautifully.

Can I prepare the pumpkin mixture ahead of time?

Definitely. You can mix the pumpkin spread a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the pizza for the best flavor distribution.

Final Thoughts

This Pizza, Pumpkin, Fall Recipes, Dinner is a personal favorite that never fails to bring warmth and joy to the table. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy the bounty of fall with comforting flavors, creamy cheese, and fresh herbs all in one bite. I hope you find as much delight in making and sharing it as I do—happy cooking and even happier eating!

Print