This unique and flavorful pizza combines the sweetness of pear, the tanginess of goat cheese, and the savory kick of Italian sausage. It's an exquisite blend of flavors that sets it apart from ordinary pizzas, elevating your pizza night to a gourmet dining experience.
Photos of Pear Goat Cheese and Italian Sausage Pizza Recipe
All the ingredients listed in this recipe are relatively common and can be easily found in most supermarkets. However, you might need to check the cheese section a bit more carefully for goat cheese, as it is not as commonly used as mozzarella or cheddar. Also, make sure to pick a ripe but firm Bartlett pear to get the perfect balance of sweetness without it turning mushy during baking.
Pear, Goat Cheese, and Italian Sausage Pizza Ingredients
Pizza dough: The base of any pizza. You can make your own or use store-bought.
Garlic: Adds a layer of depth to the flavor profile.
Olive oil: Used for roasting garlic and brushing the pizza dough.
Black pepper and salt: Enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Bartlett pears: They add a sweet, juicy contrast to the savory elements.
Mozzarella cheese: Gives the pizza that classic, melty goodness.
Goat cheese: Lends a tangy flavor, beautifully complementing the sweetness of the pears.
Italian sausage: Provides a savory, spicy element to the pizza.
Yellow corn meal: Helps in handling the pizza dough and adds a slight crunch.
Fresh basil leaves: Adds a fresh, aromatic finish to this gourmet pizza.
One reader, Cordi Gauthier says:
This pear, goat cheese, and Italian sausage pizza recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet pears, tangy goat cheese, and savory Italian sausage creates a burst of flavors. The blend of ingredients is simply divine, and the aroma while baking is irresistible. A must-try for pizza lovers!
Techniques Required for Making This Pizza Recipe
Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. This ensures that the oven is at the correct temperature for roasting the garlic and baking the pizza.
Roast garlic: Cut about ¼-inch from the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle olive oil over the garlic, wrap it in aluminum foil, and roast in the preheated oven for 28 to 30 minutes. Once roasted, allow the garlic to cool and then remove the cloves from the skins.
Shape and stretch pizza dough: On a large sheet of parchment paper lightly dusted with cornmeal, shape and stretch the pizza dough to 12 ½ inches. This ensures that the dough is the right size and shape for the pizza.
Layer ingredients: Layer the pear slices, mozzarella, goat cheese, cooked Italian sausage, and roasted garlic cloves evenly over the pizza dough. This ensures that the toppings are distributed evenly for each slice.
Bake the pizza: Using a pizza peel, transfer the pizza on parchment to the hot pizza stone in the oven and bake for 11 to 14 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
Sprinkle with basil: Once the pizza is removed from the oven, sprinkle it with fresh basil ribbons before slicing and serving.
How To Make Pear Goat Cheese and Italian Sausage Pizza
If you’re tired of the usual tomato and cheese toppings on your pizza, go ahead and try out this unique pizza with pear goat cheese and Italian sausage.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 16ozpizza doughhomemade or store bought
- 1garlic head
- 2tbspolive oildivided
- ¼tspblack pepperfreshly ground
- 2pinchessalt
- 1½barlett pearssliced thin
- 6ozmozzarella cheeselow-moisture, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 3ozgoat cheesecrumbled
- 5ozItalian sausagegood quality, cooked and crumbled as cooking
- Yellow corn mealfor dusting
- ¼cup fresh basil leaveschopped into thin ribbons
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Remove loose papery outer layers from garlic (the cloves still remain intact), and cut about ¼-inch from top to expose garlic cloves.
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Set garlic over a piece of aluminum foil (large enough to well wrap around garlic), drizzle 1½ tsp olive oil evenly over top of garlic, then wrap with foil to enclose.
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Bake in preheated oven until nearly roasted through (not quite fully because it will continue to roast on pizza), about 28 to 30 minutes.
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Remove from oven and set aside to cool, then remove cloves from skins. Increase oven temperature to 450 degrees F and place a pizza stone in the center of the oven.
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On a large sheet of parchment paper lightly dusted with cornmeal (or flour), shape and stretch pizza dough to 12 ½ inches.
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Brush the top of dough evenly with 1½ tablespoon olive oil, then sprinkle the top evenly with pepper and salt.
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Layer pears, mozzarella, goat cheese, cooked Italian sausage, and garlic cloves over pizza.
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Using a pizza peel, transfer the pizza on parchment to the hot pizza stone in the oven and bake 11 to 14 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is melted.
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Remove from oven and sprinkle with basil ribbons. Slice and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 370.11kcal
- Fat: 18.48g
- Saturated Fat: 7.82g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7.50g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.13g
- Carbohydrates: 36.46g
- Fiber: 2.78g
- Sugar: 4.16g
- Protein: 14.63g
- Cholesterol: 37.28mg
- Sodium: 678.37mg
- Calcium: 200.78mg
- Potassium: 194.97mg
- Iron: 2.34mg
- Vitamin A: 74.86µg
- Vitamin C: 3.94mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting This Pizza Recipe
When preparing the garlic for this recipe, it's important to roast it just until it's nearly done, as it will continue to cook on the pizza. Over-roasting can result in a bitter taste. Also, when shaping and stretching the pizza dough, do it gently to avoid tearing. If the dough resists, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten, then continue stretching. This will ensure a perfect crust.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Pear, Goat Cheese, and Italian Sausage Pizza
Plan ahead: Prep ingredients and read the recipe thoroughly before starting to save time and avoid mistakes.
Multitask: While the garlic is roasting, prepare the other ingredients to maximize efficiency.
Prep in advance: Cook the Italian sausage and roast the garlic ahead of time to streamline the pizza-making process.
Use pre-made dough: Save time by using store-bought pizza dough instead of making it from scratch.
Invest in a pizza stone: A pizza stone helps achieve a crispy crust and reduces overall baking time.
Organize your workspace: Keep all ingredients and tools within reach to minimize time spent searching for items.
Substitute Ingredients For Pear Goat Cheese and Italian Sausage Pizza Recipe
16 oz pizza dough - Substitute with gluten-free pizza dough: This substitution is perfect for those who are gluten intolerant or following a gluten-free diet.
1 garlic head - Substitute with 1 tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic, especially when you want to avoid the hassle of peeling and mincing garlic cloves.
2 tbsp olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar flavor profile to olive oil and is a great substitute for sautéing, roasting, or drizzling over the pizza.
¼ tsp black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a slightly different flavor profile that complements the other ingredients.
2 pinches salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular table salt, adding a subtle briny flavor to the dish.
1½ barlett pears - Substitute with granny smith apples: Granny Smith apples offer a tart and crisp flavor that can replace the sweetness and texture of pears in the pizza.
6 oz mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese can be used as a substitute for mozzarella, providing a slightly sharper flavor and excellent melting properties.
3 oz goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese offers a tangy and salty flavor that can replace the creaminess of goat cheese in the pizza.
5 oz Italian sausage - Substitute with chorizo sausage: Chorizo sausage provides a flavorful and slightly spicy alternative to Italian sausage, adding a unique twist to the pizza.
yellow corn meal - Substitute with polenta: Polenta can be used as a substitute for cornmeal, providing a similar texture and flavor when used to dust the pizza stone or pan.
¼ cup fresh basil leaves - Substitute with fresh oregano leaves: Fresh oregano leaves can be used as a substitute for basil, offering a slightly different herbaceous flavor to the pizza.
Presenting Pear, Goat Cheese, and Italian Sausage Pizza
Elevate the pizza dough: Gently stretch and shape the pizza dough into a perfect round shape, ensuring it is evenly thin throughout.
Artfully arrange the toppings: Carefully layer the thinly sliced pears, perfectly melted mozzarella and goat cheese, and the savory Italian sausage in an aesthetically pleasing manner, ensuring each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors.
Garnish with basil ribbons: Delicately scatter fresh basil ribbons over the pizza, adding a pop of vibrant green color and a hint of fresh aroma to the dish.
Present on a wooden pizza board: Serve the pizza on a rustic wooden pizza board, adding a touch of authenticity and warmth to the presentation.
Drizzle with garlic-infused olive oil: Finish the pizza with a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil, adding a final layer of flavor and a glossy sheen to the dish.
Serve with a side of balsamic reduction: Accompany the pizza with a small side dish of balsamic reduction for an added touch of sophistication and depth of flavor.
Use a pizza cutter for precise slices: When serving, use a sharp pizza cutter to create clean and precise slices, ensuring the presentation maintains its elegance until the very last bite.
Essential Tools for Making This Gourmet Pizza
- Oven: Used for baking and roasting food items.
- Aluminum foil: Used for wrapping and covering food items during cooking or storage.
- Pizza stone: A flat, round stone used to evenly distribute heat and create a crispy crust when baking pizza.
- Parchment paper: Used to line baking sheets and pans to prevent food from sticking.
- Pizza peel: A shovel-like tool used to transfer the pizza in and out of the oven.
- Knife: Used for cutting and slicing ingredients.
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Garlic press: Used to crush and mince garlic cloves.
- Brush: Used for applying oil or sauces onto the pizza dough.
- Measuring spoons: Used for accurately measuring small amounts of ingredients.
- Measuring cup: Used for accurately measuring liquid and dry ingredients.
- Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting.
Storing and Freezing Leftover Pizza
Let the pizza cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This prevents the crust from getting soggy and the toppings from sliding off.
To store leftover pizza in the fridge, place the slices in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Properly stored, the pizza will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pizza:
- Place the cooled slices on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
- Once frozen, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating each slice with a piece of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen pizza will maintain its best quality for 1-2 months, but will remain safe beyond that time if stored at a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.
To reheat refrigerated pizza, place the slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
For frozen pizza, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat as directed above, or reheat it directly from frozen. To reheat from frozen, place the slices on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the crust is crispy.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quicker option, but the crust may become soft or soggy. Microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
How To Reheat Leftover Pizza
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method helps to restore the crispiness of the crust while keeping the toppings warm and flavorful.
If you prefer a softer crust, you can reheat the pizza in the microwave. Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat them on high power for 30-45 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the pizza is heated through. To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, place a paper towel underneath the slices to absorb any excess moisture.
For a crispy crust without using the oven, you can reheat the pizza in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and place the pizza slices in the pan. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom of the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat your leftover pizza. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the slices on the wire rack. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the toppings are heated through. This method is perfect for reheating small amounts of pizza quickly and efficiently.
For a unique twist, you can transform your leftover pizza into a breakfast dish. Cut the pizza into bite-sized pieces and heat them in a skillet with a little bit of olive oil. Crack a few eggs over the pizza pieces and scramble them together until the eggs are cooked through. This pizza and egg scramble is a delicious and creative way to enjoy your leftovers.
Random Fact About Pear, Goat Cheese, and Italian Sausage Pizza
Italian sausage is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as pasta, soups, and pizzas. It adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish, making it a popular choice for many recipes.
Is Making This Pizza at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this pear, goat cheese, and Italian sausage pizza recipe depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients in your area. While Italian sausage and goat cheese can be on the pricier side, the recipe's overall cost can be balanced by using seasonal and locally sourced pears. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people can range from $20 to $25, making it a moderately cost-effective option for a homemade pizza night. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 9 out of 10, considering its unique flavor combination and the potential for cost-saving ingredient substitutions.
Is This Pizza Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This pear, goat cheese, and Italian sausage pizza recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. Let's break it down:
Healthy aspects:
- Pears provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
- Garlic offers potential health benefits like boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation
- Basil is a nutrient-rich herb with anti-inflammatory properties
Unhealthy aspects:
- The pizza dough and cornmeal contribute to a high carbohydrate content
- Italian sausage is often high in saturated fat and sodium
- Mozzarella and goat cheese add significant amounts of saturated fat and calories to the dish
While this pizza incorporates some nutritious ingredients, the overall combination may not be considered particularly healthy due to the high calorie, fat, and sodium content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a whole wheat or cauliflower pizza crust to increase fiber and reduce refined carbohydrates
- Use a leaner protein source, such as chicken or turkey sausage, to decrease the saturated fat content
- Reduce the amount of cheese used or choose lower-fat varieties to cut down on calories and saturated fat
- Increase the number of pears and add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost the nutrient content
- Use a light hand when brushing the dough with olive oil to minimize added fat
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious pizza that still satisfies your taste buds.
Editor's Thoughts on This Gourmet Pizza Recipe
The combination of sweet pears, tangy goat cheese, and savory Italian sausage on a crispy pizza crust creates a delightful flavor profile. The addition of roasted garlic adds depth and richness to the dish. The recipe's use of a pizza stone and parchment paper ensures a perfectly crisp crust. The balance of flavors and textures, along with the aromatic basil, makes this pizza a standout dish. It's a unique and delicious twist on a classic pizza, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a special treat.
Enhance Your Pear Goat Cheese and Italian Sausage Pizza Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Pear, Goat Cheese, and Italian Sausage Pizza
Why trust this Pear Goat Cheese and Italian Sausage Pizza Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, featuring the perfect balance of savory and sweet elements. The Italian sausage provides a rich and hearty base, complemented by the subtle sweetness of pear slices. The creamy goat cheese and gooey mozzarella cheese add a luxurious touch, while the roasted garlic infuses a depth of flavor. The use of fresh basil leaves enhances the overall freshness of the dish. With carefully selected ingredients such as pear, goat cheese, and Italian sausage, this recipe promises a delightful and trustworthy culinary experience.
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