BALSAMIC ONION, BACON, AND GOAT CHEESE PIZZA
PREP TIME
1 hour 20 mins
COOK TIME
25 mins
TOTAL TIME
1 hour 45 mins
Crispy homemade pizza dough topped with balsamic-roasted red onions, crispy bacon, and crumbled goat cheese.
Author: Riley Wofford
Yield: Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE DOUGH:
- 1 (1/4 ounce) packet active dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1½ cups warm water
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
FOR THE PIZZA:
- 2 red onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
- ½ recipe pizza dough, recipe above
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces goat cheese
DIRECTIONS
FOR THE DOUGH:
- Dissolve the yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar in ½ cup of warm water in a small bowl. Let sit for 3 to 5 minutes, until it becomes foamy.
- Combine the flour, salt, and remaining teaspoon of sugar in the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times to combine. With the machine running, add the yeast mixture and olive oil and pulse to combine. Gradually add enough of the remaining cup of water to form a smooth, wet dough that rides around the sides of the food processor.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a clean dish towel. Let rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 45 minutes, until doubled in volume.
FOR THE PIZZA:
- Preheat the broiler. Toss together the onions, vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the salt, and pepper on a large rimmed baking sheet. Broil the onions for 6 to 8 minutes, until soft and lightly caramelized.
- Meanwhile, place a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and cook for about 6 minutes, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 500°F, or as high as your oven will go. Drizzle a large heavy baking sheet with some olive oil, just enough to lightly cover. Transfer the pizza dough to a lightly floured work surface and roll out to a thin 15-inch circle. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Spread the marinara sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border. Sprinkle with the mozzarella cheese and spread the onions over the dough. Crumble the goat cheese and bacon on top. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
