Description
This Caramelized Onion, Fig & Goat Cheese Pizza with Arugula combines a wholesome whole wheat crust with sweet caramelized onions, tender dried figs, and creamy goat cheese. Finished with fresh peppery arugula and a tangy balsamic reduction, this pizza balances savory, sweet, and fresh flavors perfectly—ideal for a sophisticated yet comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Whole Wheat Pizza 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
Pizza Toppings
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 12 dried mission figs, stems trimmed, cut into quarters
- 5 ounce package soft fresh goat cheese, coarsely crumbled
- 1–2 cups fresh arugula
Balsamic Reduction
- ½ cup good-quality balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixer bowl, combine warm almond milk, yeast, honey, and olive oil. Let sit for a few minutes until foamy and bubbly, indicating the yeast is active. If no foam appears, restart as yeast activation is crucial.
- Make Dough: Stir in whole wheat pastry flour, cornmeal, and salt using a wooden spoon. Attach dough hook and knead on medium speed for 8 minutes until a slightly sticky, ball-shaped dough forms. Alternatively, knead by hand for 8–10 minutes.
- First Rise: Lightly oil a medium bowl, place dough inside, cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Caramelize Onions: While dough rises, heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium. Add sliced onions spread evenly. Cook, stirring every 10–15 minutes, until onions turn golden and fully caramelized, about 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease with nonstick spray. Generously grease an 11×9 or 8×12 inch baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with cornmeal.
- Shape Dough: Transfer dough to greased pan. Stretch it towards the edges. Cover with plastic wrap and rest for 20 minutes to relax dough.
- Make Balsamic Reduction: Place balsamic vinegar in a small pot over low heat. Simmer until reduced by half, about 10–15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Stretch and Bake Crust: After dough resting, stretch dough again to edges forming a slight crust. Brush surface with olive oil. Bake 10–15 minutes until crust and bottom are slightly golden.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Brush dough or lightly drizzle olive oil. Evenly spread caramelized onions, figs, and crumbled goat cheese over the crust. Bake 5 minutes more until toppings are warmed through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove pizza from oven. Top with fresh arugula and drizzle balsamic reduction over. Cut pizza into 10–12 squares and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Ensure yeast is activated for dough to rise properly; temperature of almond milk is critical.
- Caramelizing onions is a slow process but essential for deep flavor.
- Use parchment paper or well-greased pan to prevent sticking.
- The balsamic reduction adds a sweet tangy glaze that complements the cheese and figs beautifully.
- For a crisper crust, pre-bake the dough slightly before adding toppings.
- Fresh arugula added after baking keeps the salad-like freshness and peppery bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of pizza)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg