Italian Pizzas > Margherita Pizzas

Canastra Cheese and Caramelized Onion Pizza Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound pizza dough
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated Canastra cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Rolling pin

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes.

3. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to the desired thickness and shape.

5. Transfer the dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.

6. Spread the caramelized onions evenly over the dough.

7. Sprinkle the grated Canastra cheese over the onions.

8. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Remove the pizza from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley.


- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 450°F
Serving size:
- Makes one 12-inch pizza, serves 4-6 people

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 630mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Canastra cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
- Balsamic vinegar can be substituted with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the pizza toppings.
- Use a garlic-infused olive oil for added flavor.
- Top the pizza with arugula or spinach after baking for a fresh, green finish.

Tips and tricks:
- To prevent the pizza dough from sticking to the rolling pin, lightly flour the surface of the dough and the rolling pin.
- For a crispy crust, preheat the pizza stone in the oven for at least 30 minutes before baking the pizza.
- Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent the cheese from sliding off.

Storage instructions:
- Leftover pizza can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the pizza, preheat the oven to 350°F and place the pizza on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pizza on a wooden board or pizza stone for a rustic look.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated cheese.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the crust is not crispy enough, try baking the pizza for a few more minutes or increasing the oven temperature.
- If the cheese is not melting evenly, try grating the cheese more finely or using a different type of cheese.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pizza to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover pizza in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.

Food history:
- Pizza originated in Italy and has been a popular dish for centuries. It was originally made with simple ingredients such as tomatoes, cheese, and herbs.

Flavor profiles:
- The Canastra cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor to the pizza, while the caramelized onions provide a sweet and savory contrast.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pizza hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture.
- Cut into slices and serve on individual plates or on a large platter for sharing.

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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Sweet, Caramelized, Tangy