Butternut Squash Pizza

Prepare the Ingredients:

• Preheat your oven to the highest internal temperature (typically around 500°F to 550°F). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven to heat.
• Caramelize the onions: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté sliced onions in a drizzle of oil, stirring occasionally, for 10–15 minutes until soft and golden. Set aside.
• Cook the bacon: Fry bacon in the same skillet until crispy. Let cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Pizza Base:

• Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer to a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling.

Assemble the Pizza:

• Break mozzarella into small chunks and distribute evenly over the rolled-out dough.
• Add caramelized onions and chopped bacon on top of the cheese.
• Scatter bite-sized pieces of butternut squash across the pizza.
• Sprinkle mixed greens over the toppings, followed by a handful of pine nuts for crunch.
• Drizzle balsamic reduction generously over everything.
• Finish with a sprinkling of manchego cheese or your preferred alternative.

Bake the Pizza:

• Carefully transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet in the oven.
• Bake for about 5–7 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp, and the toppings are bubbly and lightly browned.

Make the Balsamic Reduction (Optional):

• In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of balsamic vinegar to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for a few minutes until it reduces by half and thickens to a syrupy consistency.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice and serve your butternut squash pizza immediately. Perfect as a main course or shared appetizer!