Isn’t it wild how pizza can be so many things to so many people? This Butternut Bacon Spinach Feta Pizza is a mouthful—literally and figuratively. Imagine the salty crisp of bacon dancing with the creamy tang of feta, all while a butternut squash puree whispers sweetness amidst a spinach forest. Every bite feels like a little culinary party, and who wouldn’t want a slice of that?
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a big bowl, mix diced butternut squash and quartered red onion with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Spread them on a baking sheet, season with salt and pepper, and roast for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Brush the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil on the pizza crust. Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese over the center, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust. Layer the spinach, cooked bacon pieces, and roasted squash/onion mixture on top. Break up any large onion pieces if needed, then top with crumbled feta cheese.
- Follow the baking instructions on your pizza crust package or bake for 10-12 minutes until the crust turns golden and the cheese melts. Cut into slices and serve hot.
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 small red onion, peeled and quartered
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium pizza crust
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups loosely packed baby spinach
- 6 slices lean bacon, cooked and chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
FAQ
- Can I substitute butternut squash with another ingredient?
- Yes, if butternut squash is not available, sweet potatoes can be a great alternative for this pizza.
- How long should I roast the vegetables for the pizza?
- Roast the butternut squash and onion mixture in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 30 minutes, making sure to stir and turn the vegetables halfway through the cooking time.
- What type of cheese is recommended for this pizza recipe?
- The recipe suggests using shredded Mozzarella cheese for the base and crumbled ATHENOS feta cheese for topping to enhance the flavors.
- Can I use a pre-made pizza crust for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use a pre-made pizza crust. Brush it with olive oil and follow the topping instructions for a quick and easy preparation.
- Is there an alternative way to enter the Amazon gift certificate giveaway?
- Participants could enter the giveaway by sharing a story about a favorite Yia-Yia figure or their preferred way to use ATHENOS feta cheese, and additional entries could be made via Twitter and Facebook interactions. However, note that the giveaway is now closed.
Tips
- If butternut squash is unavailable, consider substituting with sweet potatoes for a similar texture and flavor profile.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and regularly stir the squash and onion mixture while roasting to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- To enhance the flavor of the pizza, brush olive oil over the pizza crust evenly before adding toppings, ensuring a crispy and flavorful base.
- For a well-balanced pizza, distribute the toppings evenly, leaving a 1-inch border for the crust, to avoid overcrowding and ensure each slice has a bit of every ingredient.
Equipment
- Pizza Stone – For baking the pizza to achieve a crisp crust.
- Baking Sheet – For roasting the butternut squash and onion.
- Pastry Brush – For brushing olive oil onto the pizza crust.
