Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Rustic Onion Pesto Flatbread Pizza Recipe

Rustic Onion Pesto Flatbread Pizza Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Caramelized onion pesto flatbread pizza blends Mediterranean flavors into a delightful culinary experience. Crisp flatbread carries sweet caramelized onions and herbal pesto, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes you will savor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 flatbreads (or naan)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) crumbled goat cheese or Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tbsp pine nuts (optional, for crunch)
  • Fresh basil or arugula (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize Onions: Sauté sliced onions in olive oil and butter over low heat, adding a pinch of salt and sugar. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, allowing onions to develop a rich, golden color over 25-30 minutes. Finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar to intensify flavor.
  2. Prepare Flatbread Base: Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread a generous layer of pesto across flatbreads, creating a vibrant flavor foundation.
  3. Layer Toppings: Distribute mozzarella and goat cheese evenly over the pesto. Scatter caramelized onions across the surface and sprinkle pine nuts for added texture and complexity.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Transfer flatbreads to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
  5. Finish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with red pepper flakes and fresh basil or arugula. Slice immediately and serve while hot, showcasing a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements.

Notes

  • Manage Caramelization Timing: Low and slow heat prevents burning while developing deep, rich flavors in onions; patience is crucial for achieving golden-brown perfection without scorching.
  • Cheese Melting Strategy: Select room-temperature cheeses to ensure smooth, even melting; mixing mozzarella with goat cheese creates a more complex and creamy texture across the flatbread.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute regular flatbread with gluten-free alternatives or cauliflower crust for low-carb diets; use vegan cheese and plant-based pesto to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
  • Enhance Flavor Complexity: Add a final drizzle of high-quality olive oil or balsamic reduction after baking to elevate the taste profile and introduce an extra layer of richness and depth to the flatbread pizza.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg