Roasted Squash and Blue Cheese Pizza: A Flavorful Winter Recipe

Pizza is a universal favorite, but adding healthy, flavorful ingredients can make it even better. The Delicata, Rosemary & Blue Cheese Pizza brings together a unique combination of roasted squash, savory rosemary, and creamy blue cheese, making it both nutritious and delicious. This winter-inspired pizza is not just tasty but also packed with nutrients. The squash adds a healthy dose of vitamin A, and the whole-wheat dough gives it an extra fiber boost. With a crispy crust and melted cheese, this pizza is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to make this unique dish in your kitchen!

Ingredients for Delicata, Rosemary & Blue Cheese Pizza

Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• ½ medium delicata squash, halved, seeded, and sliced into 1/4-inch thick pieces
• 1 ½ cups chopped leek (about 1 medium leek)
• All-purpose flour for dusting
• 1 pound whole-wheat pizza dough, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup arugula
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Preparing the Pizza Ingredients

Roasting the Squash and Leeks

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by positioning the racks in the upper and lower parts of your oven. Then, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Prepare the Squash and Leeks: In a broiler-safe skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss the sliced delicata squash into the skillet, making sure it’s well-coated. Roast the squash for 5 minutes. Then, add the chopped leek to the skillet and stir to combine. Roast for another 10-12 minutes until the squash is tender and lightly browned.

Preparing the Pizza Dough

3. Prepare the Dough: While the vegetables are roasting, lightly dust a large baking sheet with flour. Stretch the whole-wheat pizza dough to fit the entire pan. Brush the dough with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and place it in the oven to bake for about 10 minutes on the lower rack, until the bottom is lightly browned.

Assembling the Pizza

1. Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, chopped rosemary, sliced garlic, fennel seeds, crushed red pepper, and salt. Mix well.
2. Top the Dough: Once the dough and vegetables are ready, take them out of the oven. Spread the seasoned oil mixture over the baked pizza crust. Then, evenly spread the roasted squash and leek mixture on top of the pizza crust. Add the arugula and crumbled blue cheese.
3. Broil the Pizza: Set your oven to high broil and place the pizza on the upper rack. Broil for 1 to 3 minutes until the cheese begins to brown and melt, making the pizza look irresistible.

Final Touches

1. Let It Rest: Once your pizza is broiled to perfection, remove it from the oven. Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before cutting. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to slice.
2. Serve and Enjoy: If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Cut the pizza into slices and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors.

Tips for Perfecting Your Pizza

• Squash Options: If delicata squash is not available, you can substitute with another variety like butternut squash. However, delicata squash has a sweet flavor and a tender skin, which makes it perfect for this recipe.
• Dough Variations: For an even quicker version, you can use store-bought pizza dough. But if you have the time, homemade dough adds extra flavor and texture.
• Cheese Choice: If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, try goat cheese or feta for a slightly different flavor while keeping the pizza creamy and tangy.
• Vegetable Variations: You can also experiment with other roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or bell peppers to customize the pizza to your taste.

Nutritional Benefits of Delicata, Rosemary & Blue Cheese Pizza

This pizza isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s packed with nutritional benefits that make it a great choice for a healthy meal. The delicata squash is an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports good vision and a strong immune system. A serving of this pizza provides 120% of your daily value of vitamin A, which is great for keeping your body healthy, especially during the winter months when fresh vegetables can be limited.

The whole-wheat pizza dough adds fiber to the pizza, helping to support digestion and keep you feeling full longer. The arugula not only adds a peppery flavor but is also rich in antioxidants, helping to protect your cells from damage.

Blue cheese, while flavorful, also offers some health benefits. It contains calcium and protein, which are essential for bone health. However, due to its strong flavor, you don’t need to use much, which helps keep the pizza lower in fat. And of course, the garlic and rosemary are not just for flavor—they also offer anti-inflammatory properties that can support overall health.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Healthy Winter Pizza

The Delicata, Rosemary & Blue Cheese Pizza is a perfect choice for a cold winter evening when you crave something warm and comforting. It combines the goodness of vegetables with the richness of cheese and the flavor of fresh herbs, creating a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal time in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy days when you still want something homemade and delicious. Whether you’re serving it for dinner with friends or making it for a cozy night in, this pizza will surely impress with its unique flavors and nutritional benefits.

Purple Basil LLC

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