Irresistible Caramelized Onion, Smoked Gouda & Chicken Pizza: A Gourmet Delight
Sometimes, a picture doesn’t quite capture the magic, but trust us, the taste of this Caramelized Onion, Smoked Gouda & Chicken Pizza is absolutely divine. While the accompanying photo might not be its best angle, the recipe itself consistently delivers an incredible culinary experience. This pizza has quickly become a personal favorite, largely thanks to the distinctive, creamy, and smoky flavor of Gouda cheese. I’ve been through a delicious phase of incorporating smoked Gouda into almost everything, often pairing it with sweet caramelized onions and crunchy pecans. It even found its way into a savory rice tart recipe, and now, it shines brilliantly in this pizza creation. Get ready to elevate your pizza night with a truly gourmet experience that’s surprisingly easy to make!
The Star Ingredient: Smoked Gouda Cheese
Gouda cheese is a beloved semi-hard cheese originating from the Netherlands, celebrated for its rich, buttery, and slightly sweet flavor. Here in the US, it’s widely available, but the sheer variety can be a bit overwhelming. You’ll find everything from “young” Gouda, which is mild and creamy, to “aged” Gouda, which develops a firmer texture and a more intense, nutty, caramel-like flavor. Then there’s the distinction between unsmoked and smoked varieties, each offering a unique profile.
For this particular pizza, smoked Gouda is the non-negotiable star. The smoking process infuses the cheese with a deep, earthy, and irresistible smoky aroma and taste that perfectly complements the sweetness of caramelized onions and the savory chicken. While some smoked Goudas can be quite potent, their distinct flavor is what makes this pizza so special. You could spend an entire afternoon doing a wine and cheese pairing class solely with different types of Gouda, but for our purposes, focusing on the smoked variety is key.
When selecting your smoked Gouda, you don’t necessarily need an ultra-premium brand to achieve fantastic results. Many readily available options offer great flavor. While I don’t have one single favorite brand, Boar’s Head is consistently reliable and a safe bet for quality. Another excellent choice often found is a brand labeled “Applesmoked,” which hints at the wood used for smoking, imparting a subtle fruitiness to the smoky notes. Don’t hesitate to explore your local cheese counter; a good deli counter can often offer samples and recommendations tailored to your taste. The important thing is to choose a smoked Gouda that truly speaks to you, as its flavor will define the character of your pizza.
Mastering Caramelized Onions: The Sweet Foundation
Caramelized onions are more than just a topping; they’re an essential component that elevates this pizza from good to extraordinary. The process of slow-cooking onions transforms their pungent, sharp flavor into a sweet, rich, and deeply savory indulgence. They provide a beautiful contrast to the smoky Gouda and tender chicken, adding layers of complex flavor that are simply irresistible.
Achieving perfectly caramelized onions requires patience, but the effort is minimal and incredibly rewarding. The key is to cook them slowly over medium-low heat. Adding a touch of dark brown sugar, as this recipe does, helps to kickstart the caramelization process and enhances their natural sweetness, resulting in a deeper, more profound flavor. Don’t rush it! Stirring frequently prevents burning and ensures even browning. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color and a soft, jam-like texture. This isn’t just about cooking onions; it’s about coaxing out their hidden sugars and transforming them into a concentrated burst of flavor. Once you’ve mastered this technique, you’ll find yourself adding caramelized onions to sandwiches, burgers, and many other dishes.
Building the Perfect Caramelized Onion, Smoked Gouda Chicken Pizza
This Caramelized Onion, Smoked Gouda & Chicken Pizza is remarkably easy to assemble, especially if you’ve got some cooked chicken ready to go. This makes it a fantastic weeknight meal or a simple yet impressive dish for entertaining. The beauty of pizza is its versatility, and that extends to the crust!
When it comes to the base, you have complete freedom. I’m a firm believer in using whatever crust suits your mood or convenience. You could opt for a quick and easy solution like a large flour tortilla, as I did with the pizza in the photo, for a super thin and crispy result. Other fantastic store-bought options include pre-baked pizza crusts, fluffy naan bread, or the generously sized pitas from Mediterranean bakeries, especially if you’re in a city like Chicago where they’re plentiful. For those who enjoy a bit of baking, a homemade pizza dough provides an unparalleled freshness and chewiness that’s hard to beat. Trader Joe’s also offers excellent pre-made doughs that are convenient and delicious.
The flexibility in crust choice means you can tailor this pizza to your preferences, whether you prefer a thick, chewy crust or a thin, crispy base. Just remember to adjust baking times according to the crust type you choose. The main goal is to have a delicious canvas for our incredible toppings!
Why This Pizza Will Become Your New Favorite
What truly sets this pizza apart is the harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The sweet, almost jam-like caramelized onions provide a counterpoint to the smoky, creamy Gouda. The tender, diced chicken offers a satisfying protein base without overpowering the other ingredients. A touch of Mozzarella ensures that classic gooey cheese pull, while fresh baby spinach adds a hint of green and a touch of freshness. Finally, a sprinkle of walnuts or pecans introduces a delightful crunch and nutty depth that ties everything together. It’s a sophisticated flavor profile that remains incredibly approachable and comforting.
- Fun & Festive: Candy Corn Pizza Slices
- Dessert Delight: Pumpkin Cookie Cake or “Cookie Pizza”
- Sweet Treat: Cinnamon Streusel Pizza with Vanilla Icing
- The Foundation: My Favorite Homemade Pizza Dough for Pizza Crust
- More Bakes: Bagels, Pretzels and Pizza Adventures
Recipe: Caramelized Onions, Smoked Gouda Chicken Pizza
Caramelized Onions, Smoked Gouda Chicken Pizza
Anna
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 12 inch pizza crust homemade or pre-baked (see notes for options)
- ½ tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups thinly sliced sweet onion approximately ½ pound; use more if you love onions!
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of salt optional, to taste
- 1 ½ cups diced fully cooked chicken breast (see notes for easy prep)
- ¾ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- ¾ cup shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans; optional for crunch
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). If using a store-bought crust, follow the temperature specified on the packaging for optimal results.
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In a large skillet, combine the butter and olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and brown sugar. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are beautifully soft, deeply browned, and caramelized. Season with black pepper and a pinch of salt if desired. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the Worcestershire sauce and diced cooked chicken. This ensures the chicken is well-coated with the rich onion flavor.
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Prepare your pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Evenly sprinkle half of both the shredded Mozzarella and smoked Gouda cheeses over the crust. Next, scatter the roughly chopped fresh baby spinach leaves over the cheese layer. Then, spoon the chicken and caramelized onion mixture evenly across the pizza. Top with the remaining Mozzarella and smoked Gouda cheese. Finally, sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the top for an added layer of texture and flavor, and season with any remaining black pepper.
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Bake the pizza according to your crust’s package directions, typically for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted, bubbly, and the crust edges are golden brown and crisp. Keep a close eye on it to prevent over-browning.
Notes
Cheese Alternatives: While the combination of Mozzarella and smoked Gouda is highly recommended for its unique flavor profile, if you find yourself without smoked Gouda or prefer a simpler approach, you can substitute with an Italian Five Cheese Blend. The flavor will be slightly different, lacking that distinct smoky depth, but it will still yield a delicious and satisfying pizza. Experimenting with different cheese blends can be fun!
Tips for Canned Dough: If you opt for canned pizza dough, such as Pillsbury’s, I highly recommend using their thin crust variety. For the best texture, spread the dough evenly in your pizza pan and pre-bake it for about 7 minutes before adding any toppings. This initial bake helps the crust crisp up nicely. After pre-baking, add all your delicious toppings and return the pizza to the oven for another 7 to 9 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly and the edges of the crust are golden and crisp. This two-step baking process prevents a soggy crust.
Add Bacon! For an extra layer of smoky, savory goodness, consider adding some crumbled cooked bacon along with the chicken and onions. It’s an optional but highly recommended addition for bacon lovers!
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
This Caramelized Onion, Smoked Gouda & Chicken Pizza is hearty and flavorful enough to stand on its own, but a few thoughtful accompaniments can elevate the entire meal. For a balanced dinner, pair it with a crisp, fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The bright, acidic notes of the salad will cut through the richness of the pizza beautifully. A simple arugula salad with lemon and parmesan is a fantastic choice.
When it comes to beverages, a medium-bodied red wine like a Pinot Noir or a lighter-bodied Merlot would complement the smoky and savory notes without overpowering them. If you prefer beer, a brown ale, amber ale, or even a crisp lager would make an excellent pairing. The malty sweetness of an ale would echo the caramelized onions, while a lager would offer a refreshing contrast. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling cider or a refreshing iced tea are also wonderful choices.
Why You’ll Love This Gourmet Pizza
Beyond its delicious taste, this Caramelized Onion, Smoked Gouda & Chicken Pizza offers a fantastic blend of convenience and gourmet appeal. It’s a recipe that allows for flexibility with ingredients, encouraging you to use what you have on hand or customize it to your liking. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress with its layers of flavor and satisfying textures.
The combination of sweet caramelized onions, savory chicken, and the distinct smoky tang of Gouda cheese creates a flavor profile that is both unique and universally appealing. It’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and prepare to indulge in a pizza experience that will quickly become a cherished part of your recipe collection!