This week I’m pizza crazy! And when you think about it, why not?  Afterall, pizza is just about as versatile as our favorite veggie, the humble onion.  And when it comes to toppings for pizza onions add flavor, color and texture!  What more can you ask for?

In addition to sharing a few of our favorite pizza recipes (see below), check out the great article  that came out last week in Pizza Today that talks about onions in relationship to America’s favorite pie.

Tuscan Pizza

After a full day of work or family activities, this pizza will help you get dinner on the table quickly. This simple pizza combines the convenience of a pre-made crust with the mouth-watering flavor of sweet and mellow home-sautéed onions, peppers and turkey sausage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

1/2 pound sweet or spicy Italian sausage

1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

2 large onions, cut into narrow wedges

1 large green pepper, cut into narrow strips

1 large red pepper, cut into narrow strips

1 -1/2 cups bottled pasta sauce

1 prepared pizza crust* (about 11-inch)

1 bag shredded mixed cheeses (8 ounce)

Oregano (optional)

Directions:  Slice sausage into 1/4-inch coin slices.  Place slices in skillet with oil and sauté about 3 minutes, turning once during cooking.  Remove from pan.  Add onion and pepper strips to the pan and sauté for 10 minutes over medium heat until tender.  Spread pasta sauce on pizza crust.  Sprinkle with half the cheese.  Top with sausage and onion mixture.  Sprinkle with remaining cheese and oregano.  Bake in pre-heated 425 degrees oven for about 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and crust is golden.

*Use a prepared, bread-style pizza crust.  If not available, use a frozen cheese pizza, omit the sauce and reduce the shredded cheese to l cup, sprinkling only on top of ingredients.  You may also use pop-open cans (13.8 ounce size) of pizza crust.  Shape dough into 11 x 13-inch rectangle, prebake as directed on can.  Top with ingredients as directed above and bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes.   Makes 8 wedges, about 4 servings.

Caramelized Onion, Pear and Gorgonzola Pizza from Panzano

Executive Chef Elise Wiggins at Panzano in Denver, Colorado takes pizza to a new altitude with this fresh yet savory combinatation that I think is just amazing!  If you’re in the Mile High City, I recommend stopping in for lunch or dinner.

 

Pizza Del Giorno

Here’s another quick and easy pizza. This one gets some an extra savory flavor with caramelized onions and walnuts!

For the recipe click here: Pizza Del Giorno