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Butternut squash pizza

1 h
Butternut squash pizza

Are you tired of the same pizzas? We have the perfect solution for you! Our simple recipe for butternut squash pizza skilfully combines the sweet taste of butternut squash with mushrooms and salami on a homemade whole wheat crust. Serve it at your upcoming pizza night to the delight of your guests.

Ingredients

Pizza dough

Flour
175 g
Whole wheat flour
225 g
Yeast
15 g
Olive oil
1 tbsp
Water
250 ml
Sugar
½ tsp
Salt
1 tsp

Toppings

Apetina® Original White Cheese In Brine
300 g
Olive oil
4 tbsp
Milk
6 tbsp
Garlic clove
1
Bottle gourds, ​very thinly sliced
120 g
Mushrooms
120 g
Salami
150 g
Rosemary
10 g
Basil
10 g
Black pepper

Instructions

Pizza dough

  • In a large bowl, add yeast and water and mix well.
  • Add olive oil and dry ingredients. Mix with a mixer on low speed for 4 minutes. Then, mix on medium speed for another 7 minutes.
  • Let the dough rise until doubled in size (1 – 1½ hours).
  • Flatten the dough and shape into 4 thick pizzas.
  • ​​​Preheat the oven to 275–300 °C.

Toppings

  • Mix white cheese, milk, grated garlic, and olive oil, and carefully cover each pizza base with the white cheese sauce.
  • Distribute the butternut squash, shiitake mushrooms, ​​bottle gourds, and salami on top.
  • Bake in the oven for 4–5 minutes.
  • Season with the herbs and black pepper before serving.
Enjoy!

Select the ideal butternut squash

When selecting a butternut squash for your pizza, pick one that feels heavy for its size and shows a consistent beige colour. Avoid any with soft spots or visible cracks, as these can spoil both the texture and flavour.

Smooth and pliable dough

The dough should be soft and elastic, able to stretch without tearing. It is important that you knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten that gives it its structure and texture. Knead by hand or with a mixer for at least 10 minutes until it is smooth and springs back when pressed. This ensures the base can support the weight of the toppings without becoming soggy. If needed, adjust the flour or water slightly to get a dough that is neither too sticky nor too dry, making it easy to handle and resulting in a crisp crust when baked. Allow the dough to rest for 1 to 1 ½ hours until it has doubled in size.

Use a pizza stone

Using a pizza stone really levels up this recipe by spreading the heat evenly and pulling extra moisture out of the dough, which gives you that nice, crisp crust. For the best results, preheat your oven to around 275–300 °C. The stone stays hot, which is key for keeping the base crispy, especially with toppings like butternut squash and mushrooms that tend to release a lot of moisture.

Pre-bake the base

To get an extra crispy base on your butternut squash pizza, try pre-baking the dough before piling on the toppings. Bake the base until it just starts to turn golden; this will keep it from getting soggy with toppings like butternut squash and mushrooms. Once that is done, add your toppings and finish baking to perfection.

FAQ: Questions about butternut squash pizza

Discover all you need to know with our answers to the most frequently asked questions on making butternut squash pizza.

Can I prepare the pizza dough ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the dough in advance is possible. Doing so not only saves time but also improves the texture of the crust once baked. Let the dough rise in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, which allows for a slow fermentation that enhances the flavour and texture. Before baking, allow the dough to reach room temperature for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and ensures the base bakes evenly when you add the toppings.

Can I freeze butternut squash pizza?

Yes, you can freeze butternut squash pizza. For best results, let it cool completely before you slice it. Wrap each slice tightly in cling film or aluminium foil and store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. When you want to eat it again, reheat it straight from the freezer in a preheated oven at 200 °C until it is hot and crispy. Note that the texture of the crust and toppings may change slightly when reheated, but it will still be delicious.

How to store and reheat butternut squash pizza?

To keep your butternut squash pizza fresh and tasty, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. When you want to enjoy the pizza again, reheat the slices on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 175 °C.

Sweet and savoury butternut squash pizza

No matter the day of the week, our recipe for butternut squash pizza is the perfect addition to your pizza night. Sweet butternut squash pairs up with savoury mushrooms and salami. As the squash bakes, it softens and gets extra sweet and delicious. And let us be honest – the warm, golden colour of the squash makes this pizza a delight for the eyes and taste buds.

Looking for more pizza recipes? Try our easy polenta pizza or pizza with tomato sauce and white cheese.

Crispy homemade crust with white cheese sauce

A pizza is only as good as its crust, which is why we make ours from scratch. The whole wheat crust offers a golden, crisp base with crunchy edges that holds the toppings well. Spread the white cheese sauce on top to create a creamy layer. The cheese mixture is combined with grated garlic and olive oil to create subtle, rich, tangy flavours next to the savoury vegetables and salami.

With mushrooms and salami

Top the pizza with tender mushrooms and savoury salami to balance out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash. The earthy mushrooms bring a rich, umami flavour, while the salami adds a salty note that pulls everything together. The mix of textures – soft mushrooms and slightly crispy, juicy salami – makes each bite satisfying and full of flavour.

An amazing pizza fit for autumn

Pizza is great year-round, but this butternut squash version is just perfect for those chilly autumn days. With its sweet, tender flavour and orange hue that matches the falling leaves, butternut squash brings a cosy, seasonal touch. Whether you are having a laid-back family dinner or making a weekend meal special, this pizza celebrates all the best flavours of autumn in every bite.

Try different toppings

Try experimenting with different pizza toppings to add some extra flavour. If you are craving a bit of sweetness, roasted red peppers or caramelised onions are great choices. Roasted peppers bring a smoky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the butternut squash, while caramelised onions add a rich, deep flavour that feels a little more indulgent.

You can also spice up the squash for a cosy autumn vibe. Try a mix of honey, sage, cinnamon, and cayenne for a blend of sweet and savoury with just a bit of spice. The honey caramelises beautifully, cinnamon and sage add warmth, and the cayenne gives it a nice kick.

If you want a savoury touch, there are some tasty options beyond salami. Prosciutto crisps up in the oven, adding a delicate saltiness, while crumbled Italian sausage gives a heartier flavour. For a lighter option, strips of grilled chicken work great, too.

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