🧑🍳 Stuff to Know Before You Start
Arugula Appeal: Fresh arugula tossed on top adds a peppery crunch that balances the creamy goat cheese. If you prefer, spinach or fresh basil can work too.
Cheese Swap: Goat cheese lends a tangy creaminess, but feel free to use your favorite vegan or nut-based cheese if you prefer.
Caramelized Onions: Low and slow is the key. You can get a nice golden hue in 15 minutes or simmer them up to an hour for maximum sweetness.
High-Heat Oven: Crank your oven to around 500°F. The super-hot temperature helps achieve a crisp crust in no time.
🥄 Ingredients
- For the Dough:
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2¼ tsp yeast (1 standard packet)
- 1 cup warm water
- 2¼ cups flour (plus extra for kneading)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornmeal (for dusting pan or sheet)
- Cooking spray (for coating the bowl)
- Italian dried herbs (optional, for extra flavor in dough)
- For the Pizza Toppings:
- Arugula (a few handfuls)
- Olive oil (regular or herb-infused)
- Goat cheese (or vegan cheese alternative)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- Butter (or vegan butter) & oil, for caramelizing onions
- Pinch of salt & sugar (for caramelizing onions)
- Drizzle of balsamic vinegar (for onions)
- Balsamic glaze (for finishing)
📝 Step by Step
Dissolve & Bubble
In a large bowl, dissolve 1 tsp sugar and 2¼ tsp yeast in 1 cup warm water. Let stand for about 5 minutes until it starts to bubble—this means your yeast is active.
Mix & Knead
Stir in 1 cup flour and ¼ tsp salt. Then add another 1 cup flour, mixing well. If you like, sprinkle in some Italian dried herbs for extra flavor. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes. Add extra flour as needed to prevent sticking.
Rest & Punch Down
Coat a large bowl with cooking spray. Place your dough ball inside, turning to coat. Cover and let rise about 45 minutes or until doubled. Punch dough down, cover again, and let rest 5 minutes. Roll the dough into a ~14×12 inch rectangle (or divide into 4 smaller pizzas).
Caramelize for Flavor
In a hot pan, melt butter (or vegan butter) with a bit of oil. Add 1 sliced onion. Sprinkle with a few pinches of salt, pinch of sugar, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Cook about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions turn a deep golden color. For ultra-sweet caramelization, continue up to an hour at low heat.
Oven Time
Preheat oven to your highest setting—about 500°F (260°C). If using a cookie sheet, flip it upside down, coat with cooking spray and 1 tbsp cornmeal. Place rolled dough on the sheet (or a pizza stone if you have one), lightly brush with olive oil, then layer on goat cheese and your caramelized onions. Bake for 10–15 minutes until crust is golden.
🍽️ How to Serve This Arugula & Goat Cheese Pizza
- Side Salad: Pair with a simple mixed greens salad tossed in vinaigrette for a light meal.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white or light rosé complements the tangy goat cheese and peppery arugula.
- Make It Kid-Friendly: Let kids add their own toppings, like olives or mushrooms, to get them involved in the fun.
🧠 The Science Behind Success
Yeast Activation: Warm water (around 100–110°F) is key. Too hot can kill the yeast; too cold slows it down.
Caramelization Magic: Salt and sugar help draw out the onion’s natural sweetness, creating a rich, jammy flavor.
📖 Family Fun & Flavor
Making pizza at home turns into a mini event—everyone can help with kneading the dough or scattering toppings. Fresh goat cheese (or a plant-based alternative) and sweet, melt-in-your-mouth onions create a satisfying contrast of flavors, while peppery arugula keeps each slice feeling light.
Best of all, it’s quick to whip up in the morning, let the dough rest, and then finish up by dinner—a perfect balance of convenience and culinary reward.
❓ Reader Questions Answered
Yes. After the first rise, punch it down, wrap tightly in plastic, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then let it come to room temperature before rolling out.
A flipped cookie sheet sprinkled with cornmeal works just fine. It mimics the flat surface and helps crisp the bottom crust.
Preheat your baking surface in the oven for at least 20–30 minutes. Working quickly when placing the dough on the hot surface helps develop a crisp exterior.
Absolutely. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Warm them slightly before topping your pizza.